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Reviewed October 1, 2026

Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Kentucky’s Child Care Assistance Program helps qualifying families pay for approved child care. DCBS determines family eligibility, while the Division of Child Care handles provider participation.

Who can apply

['Eligibility follows Kentucky’s child care assistance rules and the family’s circumstances. Use the kynect screening tool as an estimate rather than an approval.', 'The chosen provider must be eligible to receive CCAP payments. Confirm this before agreeing to care.']

What help is available

CCAP pays toward eligible care. Families can owe an income-based copayment, tuition above the state payment maximum and some optional fees. Ask for the full family charge in writing.

Documents to prepare

Prepare household income, children’s information and the work or activity schedule that creates the need for care. Ask DCBS for its current checklist and tell the provider the hours of care needed.

How to get started

  1. Apply through kynect benefits or call DCBS at 855-306-8959.
  2. Provide requested verification and discuss eligibility and the care schedule with the worker.
  3. Confirm the provider’s CCAP participation and the authorized start date before expecting a subsidy.

After applying

Check that the authorization matches the child, provider and schedule. Report changes using your case instructions. If a bill seems wrong, ask the provider to separate the copayment, overage and fees rather than treating the whole balance as a government charge.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The Kentucky CHFS Child Care Assistance Program page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The kynect benefits portal.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
Kentucky regulation 922 KAR 2:160 governing child care assistance.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Will CCAP cover the provider’s entire bill?

Not necessarily. You may owe a copayment and the difference between tuition and the state maximum payment.

Does the online screening approve me?

No. It estimates possible eligibility; DCBS makes the decision after the application and verification.

Who handles my application?

The Division of Family Support handles family eligibility. Provider matters are handled through the Division of Child Care.

Can I request an interpreter?

Kentucky advertises free interpreter services at 866-291-8931. Tell DCBS if you need language assistance.

Sources and review

Historical screenshots: source reference.