Get Help Paying for Child Care
Submit your application for child care today.
CHS’s Child Care Payment Program provides subsidized child care services (free or low-cost child care) to eligible families through the Alternative Payment Program, CalWORKs, and Family Child Care Home Education Network (FCCHEN) Program.
Apply for Child Care Assistance.
Online Application for Subsidized Child Care Services
This Online Application provides us with your basic information so that you can be placed on Children’s Home Society of California’s (CHS) Child Care Eligibility List (CCEL) to wait for available funding for child care in any of our subsidized child care programs that you may be eligible for. It is very important that you provide all information requested so that your family can be placed on the list for subsidized services. If you have any questions about how to complete this form, please call our office.
*If you are currently receiving Medi-Cal, CalFresh, California Food Assistance Program, California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Federal Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Head Start, or Early Head Start benefits, only enter the income amount that you entered on your application for services for that program. Do not enter additional income.
How soon will funding be available for my family?
Completing the Online Application places your family on the Child Care Eligibility List (CCEL). This does not mean you are guaranteed service. Being placed on the CCEL means that you may be eligible for services once funding is available. There is no way to predict when funding may become available from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
It is important that you report any changes in your family size, income, telephone number, email address, and address as soon as possible so that we are able to contact you when funding is available. You can report changes by editing your existing online application, or by calling your local CHS office.
How often should I call to check on my status?
CHS may occasionally contact you to request that you update your information. This helps us make sure we have the most current and accurate information for contacting you. However, if you keep your information updated, then you do not need to call and check if funding is available. You will be notified as soon as there is an opportunity for enrollment.
How is my family’s name placed on the list? Is there any way to be served faster?
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) establishes how families are placed on the list, and how priority for enrollment is determined. Currently, families with a Child Protective Services (CPS) referral or an At-Risk Referral receive first priority for enrollment when funding is available. All other families are pulled from the list in order based upon income and family size. It is possible to wait on the list for a year or more for funding to become available, depending upon the funding, the demand, and the level of need within the community.
What is the process for enrolling in the program?
Once funding becomes available, you will be contacted by phone, email, and/or by mail. At that time, you will be required to provide documentation that supports your need and eligibility for child care services. CHS will review your documentation to determine whether you are currently eligible for enrollment. In order to be prepared for that process, be sure to keep your proof of income and personal records such as children’s birth certificates.
Will I be able to use my current child care provider?
Many of the Child Care Payment Programs allow for CHS to reimburse most eligible child care providers, including licensed centers, licensed child care homes, and license-exempt (family, friend, or neighbor) providers. The type of child care provider that may be reimbursed will depend on which program has funding available at the time. It also depends on whether your provider is interested and/or eligible to participate.