Utah Child Care Assistance: Eligibility, Application & Provider Guide
Accessing quality, affordable child care in Utah is possible through a range of assistance programs and subsidies. This guide covers eligibility requirements (including special cases), the application process, payment structures, provider selection, ongoing requirements, and how to coordinate child care aid with other support programs like SNAP and TANF.
Overview of Utah Child Care Assistance Programs
Utah's Office of Child Care (OCC), within the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), administers the state's primary child care subsidy program, known as the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). It aims to help low- and moderate-income families afford safe, reliable care while parents work, attend training, or go to school. Additional support is available for foster families, kinship caregivers, children with special needs, parents in crisis, and some non-citizen children.
- Subsidies cover a portion of child care costs based on income, family size, and number of children in care.
- Families may choose from a wide network of licensed, legally license-exempt, or approved providers, including relatives and in-home care (with safety and background check requirements).
- Special programs exist for job seekers, teen parents, those receiving TANF or SNAP, and for foster/kinship care families. Non-parent caregivers may qualify if they are acting in loco parentis.
Who Qualifies for Utah Child Care Assistance?
Utah's child care assistance is open to a variety of families and situations, with eligibility extending beyond traditional working parents. Here's a breakdown of the main requirements and special cases:
- Utah Residency: Must live in Utah with the child(ren) needing care. Children should be under age 13, or up to 18 if they have documented special needs.
- Work/Training/School: Most parents/caregivers must be working, in job training, attending school, or actively looking for work. Exceptions apply for certain foster/kinship care and crisis cases.
- Income: Must meet gross income guidelines based on household size (see table below). Income is counted before taxes; some deductions may apply in special cases.
- Provider Choice: Use a licensed center, family provider, or a relative/in-home provider that meets DWS approval and background check standards.
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 | $3,408 |
| 3 | $4,299 |
| 4 | $5,190 |
| 5 | $6,081 |
| 6 | $6,972 |
| Each Add'l | +$891 |
Special Cases & Exceptions:
- Foster Parents/Kinship Caregivers: Eligible even if not working or in school; may pay $0 copayment; DWS coordinates with DCFS for placement. Foster parents caring for children placed by DCFS are prioritized for support and can often receive immediate assistance with minimal documentation.
- Teen Parents: High school or equivalent enrollment qualifies, even if not employed. Teen parents may be eligible for special supports and may receive help even if they live with grandparents or guardians.
- Non-Citizen Children: Children must have lawful status, but mixed-status families may still get help. See FAQ for details. If some children are undocumented, eligible siblings can still receive benefits.
- Part-Time/Variable Work: Part-time workers or those with fluctuating hours can qualify if total activity meets minimum hours (usually 15+ hours/week). Job loss or transition periods may be temporarily covered if reported promptly.
- Non-Parent Caregivers: Grandparents, aunts/uncles, or others acting as primary caregivers can apply; must provide documentation of guardianship or in loco parentis status. See documents required for more details.
Copayment Example: A family of three earning $3,500/month may pay a $70 monthly copayment, while a foster parent with no income may pay $0. The copayment is always on a sliding scale. For more examples, see the detailed guide.
Layering Benefits: If you receive TANF or SNAP, you may have streamlined eligibility or a lower copayment. Child care aid can be coordinated with other supports to maximize resources. Find out which you qualify for.
For documentation tips for non-parent caregivers or complex households, visit documents required.
How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in Utah
- Gather required documents: Proof of income (pay stubs, self-employment records), employment/training status, Utah residency, child(ren)'s birth certificates or proof of guardianship, and provider info. See documents required for full list and alternatives.
- Complete the application: Apply online via MyCase, or submit a paper application to your local DWS office. Get help at local offices or 2-1-1 Utah.
- Select a provider: Choose a licensed or approved provider. Search and compare using Care About Childcare Utah. Consider location, hours, quality ratings, and special needs.
- Interview & verification: DWS may contact you to clarify info or request missing documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
- Approval & payments: If approved, DWS pays the provider directly and informs you of your share (copayment) and any additional requirements.
How Payment and Copayment Work
Utah's child care subsidy pays a set amount directly to your chosen provider, based on:
- Child's age (infant, toddler, preschool, school-age)
- Type of care (center, family, relative/in-home, afterschool)
- Provider location and rate (urban/rural, quality rating)
Copayment: Families must pay a portion of costs, called a copayment, calculated on a sliding scale by income and family size. Some (foster/kinship care, families experiencing homelessness, certain TANF/SNAP cases) may have reduced or waived copayments. If the provider charges more than the state rate, you may owe the difference.
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Copayment (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $2,000 | $25 |
| 3 | $3,000 | $70 |
| 5 | $4,500 | $150 |
| Foster/Kinship | Any | $0 |
Example: If the state subsidy pays $600/month and your provider charges $700/month, and your copayment is $50/month, you pay your copay plus the extra $100. Some providers accept only the subsidy + copay as full payment—ask before enrolling.
Finding and Choosing Approved Child Care Providers
Utah maintains a robust database of licensed and legally license-exempt providers. You can search by location, hours, ages served, curriculum, and ratings using Care About Childcare Utah.
- Child Care Centers: Licensed facilities with structured programming and extended hours. Great for families needing consistent, full-day care.
- Family Child Care Homes: Smaller, home-based providers, often with flexible hours and more intimate settings.
- Relative/In-home Care: Relatives or trusted adults can provide care in your home or theirs. Must pass DWS background/safety checks. Good for infants, odd-hour schedules, or families uncomfortable with group care.
- Afterschool/Part-Day Programs: Targeted for school-age children, including before/after school and summer camps.
Quality Ratings: Utah's Child Care Quality System (CCQS) rates providers based on staff training, safety, environment, and parent feedback. Higher-rated providers may offer more enriching learning environments. Check provider ratings when choosing care.
How to Choose: Visit providers, ask about curriculum, staff, safety, and discipline policies. Confirm the provider has current DWS approval for subsidy payments, and ask about openings, schedules, and policies. For more, see our in-depth guide.
Ongoing Requirements, Reporting Changes & Recertification
Ongoing Requirements: To keep your child care assistance, you must remain eligible and:
- Continue working, going to school, or seeking employment (unless exempt as a foster/kinship or special case).
- Report changes in your household (income, family size, address, job, or provider) within 10 days to DWS. Examples: starting a new job, losing work, moving, switching providers, or a new child in the home.
- Pay your copayment to the provider on time.
Recertification: You must renew your eligibility at least annually (or more often if requested). DWS will send a notice through MyCase and by mail with a recertification form. This may require updated documents and an interview. Failure to recertify or report changes may result in loss of benefits or overpayment. Examples include if you start a new job, or your provider changes location—notify DWS promptly to avoid a break in payments.
Coordination with Other Benefits: Child care assistance is often layered with SNAP, TANF, housing, and employment programs. DWS will coordinate your case to ensure smooth transitions if your work hours or benefit status changes. If you lose a job or change providers, report it right away—support may continue during job search or transition periods. When you receive multiple benefits, you may need to submit extra documentation (such as income verification for Medicaid, or proof of training attendance for TANF).
For questions about ongoing requirements or to report changes, use MyCase or contact your DWS caseworker. For more information, see Utah Child Care Assistance Guide or documents required for recertification.
Frequently Asked Questions: Utah Child Care Assistance
For more questions, see our full FAQ or visit Utah's Office of Child Care.
Explore More Utah Child Care Resources
Supporting Utah Families at Work and Home
Reliable child care is essential for Utah families to participate in the workforce and pursue educational opportunities. Utah's child care assistance programs are designed to bridge the gap, supporting healthy child development and family economic stability across the state.