Utah Child Care Assistance for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

The Activity Requirement

Utah's DWS Child Care Assistance program, funded through the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), does not hand out child care subsidies just because you are raising a grandchild. There is an activity requirement: you or your partner must be working, in job training, or enrolled in an approved educational program.

Under Employment Support Child Care rules (Administrative Rule R986-700), a single caregiver must participate in a qualifying activity, such as employment (for example, 30 or more hours per week), job training, or an approved educational program. Two-caregiver households need both adults participating in qualifying activities.

A fully retired grandparent who is not working or training generally does not qualify — unless the child is receiving FEP cash assistance or has documented special needs that create a separate eligibility path.

Income Limits and Copays

Household income must fall below 85% of the State Median Income. For a family of four, that cap is approximately $7,902 per month in 2026. For a grandparent and one grandchild (household of two), the ceiling is lower.

Unlike the Specified Relative Grant, child care assistance counts your income. Your wages, retirement, Social Security, and any other household income are all factored into the eligibility determination.

If you qualify, you pay a sliding-scale copayment directly to the child care provider. The copay amount depends on your income level and household size — lower income means a smaller copay. DWS pays the remainder directly to the provider.

Choosing a Provider

You can use the subsidy at three types of providers:

• Licensed child care centers — daycare facilities inspected and licensed by the state
• Licensed family child care homes — smaller in-home operations with a state license
• Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers — an unlicensed person you choose, such as a trusted neighbor or church member, who must pass a background check and safety inspection through the DHHS Office of Licensing before DWS will authorize payments

The FFN option is particularly relevant for grandparents in rural Utah, where licensed centers may be an hour's drive away. The approval process takes time, so start the background check early if you plan to use an FFN provider.

The FEP Child Care Path

If the child in your care is receiving FEP cash assistance (the Specified Relative Grant), the household qualifies for the At-Risk/FEP Child Care tier. Ask DWS which activity rules and copayment apply to your case.

Ask your DWS caseworker specifically about FEP Child Care when applying for the Specified Relative Grant — it is not always offered automatically.

How to Apply

Child care assistance is part of the unified myCase application at jobs.utah.gov. Check the child care box alongside any other programs you are applying for. You will need to provide your employment verification or training enrollment documentation in addition to the standard identity and residency proofs.

If you also receive the Specified Relative Grant, ask DWS whether you qualify under the FEP-linked child care tier. DWS may request employment or training verification as it reviews your application.

The Utah Kinship Financial Help guide covers how child care assistance fits into the broader benefit picture, including which income counts, how the copay is calculated, and what happens when you combine it with other programs.

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