Utah Child Care Assistance: Eligibility, Application, and Program Guide

Access affordable, high-quality child care in Utah with the state's Child Care Assistance Program. This guide explains eligibility requirements, how to apply, payment structure, how to find approved providers, and what parents need to know for ongoing support.

What is Utah Child Care Assistance?

Utah's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school or training, or participate in approved activities. This subsidy program aims to support low- and moderate-income households by reducing out-of-pocket child care costs, expanding access to safe and quality providers statewide.

Who Qualifies for Child Care Assistance in Utah?

  • Residency: The applying parent or guardian must reside in Utah.
  • Citizenship: The child(ren) must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens.
  • Age: Assistance is available for children up to age 12 (or 18 if disabled).
  • Activity requirement: The parent/guardian must be working, seeking work, in school or training, or participating in an approved DWS activity.
  • Income limits: Household gross income must be below the CCAP income thresholds, which are higher than many other programs. See the current income limits for Utah.

Eligibility is determined monthly and may change if household income, size, or activity status changes. Use our Benefits Finder tool to check your eligibility for child care and other Utah programs.

How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in Utah

  1. Visit Utah's MyCase portal and log in or create an account.
  2. Complete the online application for Child Care Assistance. You'll need to provide information about your household, income, activity (work/school), and child care needs.
  3. Submit required documentation (see our documents required guide), such as pay stubs, school schedules, proof of Utah residency, and the provider's information.
  4. Choose a DWS-approved child care provider. You may search for eligible providers using Utah's Care About Childcare website.
  5. DWS will review your application. If approved, you will receive a notice stating your benefit amount and copayment.

You can also apply in person at your local DWS office. For help, call DWS at 1-866-435-7414.

How Payments & Providers Work

  • Payments are made directly to your chosen DWS-approved provider each month.
  • Parents pay a copayment, based on income and household size. The rest is covered by the subsidy.
  • Providers may charge above the subsidy rate; families pay the difference if so.
  • You may select a licensed center, licensed family child care, or certain license-exempt providers (e.g., relatives who meet safety requirements).

To find a provider, use Care About Childcare or ask your DWS case worker for an approved list.

Maintaining Assistance & Ongoing Requirements

  • Report changes: Notify DWS within 10 days if your income, household size, activity status, or provider changes.
  • Redetermination: You must complete periodic reviews to keep benefits active (usually every 12 months, or as requested by DWS).
  • Attendance: Providers must report child attendance. Missed days may affect continued eligibility.

Failure to provide accurate or timely updates may result in loss of benefits or repayment.

Helpful Resources & Internal Links

Frequently Asked Questions: Utah Child Care Assistance

Income limits for the program change annually and depend on your household size. In general, families may qualify with income up to approximately 85% of the state median income. For up-to-date tables, visit the program's main page or use our Benefits Finder tool.
Yes, in some cases. Relatives (such as grandparents, aunts, uncles) can be paid as license-exempt providers if they complete background checks and health/safety standards. Friends may qualify under certain conditions. Always check approved provider rules at Care About Childcare.
Your copayment is based on household income and size. DWS uses a tiered structure—higher income means higher copay. Some families (very low income or participating in certain DWS programs) may pay no copayment. The exact amount is stated in your approval notice.
If you temporarily lose employment or leave school, you may be eligible for a "job search period" (up to 3 months). You must report the change to DWS immediately and follow state guidelines to maintain benefits during this time.
Yes! Many families who qualify for SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid also qualify for child care assistance. However, you must still complete a separate CCAP application and meet all program requirements.