Applying for financial assistance for child care can be a crucial step for many families. If you’re a Maryland resident looking to access high-quality child care and early education programs, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) can be a significant support. One common question for parents is: How Long Does It Take For The Care Program application process? This article will guide you through the application timeline, eligibility, and steps to secure a Child Care Scholarship in Maryland, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to expedite the process.
.png)
The Maryland Child Care Scholarship program, managed by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), is designed to make quality child care more affordable for eligible families. Understanding the time it takes to receive this assistance is vital for planning your family’s needs. The good news is that Maryland offers a Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application process designed to shorten the waiting period significantly.
Who is Eligible for the Child Care Scholarship?
Before diving into the timeline, let’s clarify the eligibility requirements for the CCS program. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Be a Maryland resident. If both parents reside in the same household, both must meet the eligibility criteria.
- Work/Education/Training: Be working, employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school.
- Financial Need: Be a recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or meet the CCS income guidelines.
- Immunization: Be willing to have your child immunized according to Maryland state standards or provide exemption documentation.
- Citizenship/Qualified Alien Status: Provide proof that each child needing care is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien (birth certificate or relevant documentation required). Note that parents are not required to be U.S. citizens.
- Proof of Identity: Provide proof of identity for all household members (government-issued ID for parents, birth certificate or immigration documents for children).
- Photo ID: Head of household must provide a Photo ID.
Children eligible for scholarships must be:
- Younger than 13 years old, or
- Between 13-19 years old with a qualifying disability.
For a comprehensive checklist, you can refer to the Eligibility Checklist. You can also find answers to common questions in the Scholarship FAQs.
Applying for the Child Care Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is streamlined through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply efficiently:
Step 1: Register in the Family Portal
- Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal: family.childcareportals.org
- Click “Register for a New Account” and enter your information.
- For registration assistance, consult the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete the Fast Track Application
- Fill out the fast-track online Scholarship application within the portal.
- Submit two essential documents:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in training/school.
- Proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, etc.).
Step 3: Processing of Fast Track Application
- CCS Central 2 will process your fast track application within three (3) business days.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application
- If eligible, a temporary, 60-day Scholarship will be issued to help with child care costs while your full application is processed.
- You will be required to submit additional information and documentation for a 52-week Scholarship evaluation.
- Providing the required documents within 15 days of your fast track application submission allows for a determination on your 52-week Scholarship eligibility before the temporary one expires.
Create your account and apply now!
Understanding the Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
To directly address the question, “how long does it take for the care program” application to be processed, let’s break down the timeline:
- Fast Track Application Processing Time: 3 business days. This is the time it takes for CCS Central 2 to process your initial, expedited application.
- Temporary 60-Day Scholarship: If eligible via the Fast Track application, you will receive a temporary scholarship within 3 business days, valid for 60 days. This provides immediate assistance while your full application is under review.
- 52-Week Scholarship Processing: The timeline for the full 52-week scholarship depends on how quickly you submit the required additional documentation after your fast track approval. Submitting documents within 15 days is crucial to potentially receive a decision before the 60-day scholarship ends. However, the exact processing time for the 52-week scholarship isn’t explicitly stated and can vary based on application volume and individual circumstances.
Essentially, the Fast Track system ensures you can receive initial assistance within 3 business days of submitting a simplified application. The duration for the longer-term, 52-week scholarship depends on your prompt submission of further documentation and the processing times at CCS Central 2.
Families in the Following Income Categories May Be Eligible for a Child Care Scholarship
| Child Care Scholarship Program | ||
|---|---|---|
| Family Size | Initial Income Scale* Maximum Annual Income Effective 12.15.2024 | Continuation Income Scale** Maximum Annual Income Effective 4.22.2024 |
| Table used for new applications | Table used for Changes/Redeterminations | |
| Family of 2 | $76,117 | $86,266 |
| Family of 3 | $94,026 | $106,563 |
| Family of 4 | $111,936 | $126,861 |
| Family of 5 | $129,846 | $147,159 |
| Family of 6 | $147,756 | $167,457 |
| Family of 7 | $151,114 | $171,262 |
| Family of 8 | $154,472 | $175,068 |
| Family of 9 | $157,830 | $178,874 |
| Family of 10 | $161,188 | $182,680 |
| Family of 11 | $164,546 | $186,486 |
| Family of 12 | $167,904 | $190,292 |
* Initial Income Scale – applies to families without an active child care scholarship, new Fast-Track applications for a 60-Day Scholarship, and Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Applications.” Family income must be below the Initial Income Scale.
**Continuation Income Scale – applies to families who have received at least 52-weeks to 24 months of prior child care services and have an active scholarship not expired when applying for continued services. Family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
Applying for a Full 52-Week Scholarship
To transition from the 60-day Fast Track Scholarship to a full 52-week Scholarship, ensure you submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of your fast track approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application (full version).
- Verification of income (most recent four weeks of pay stubs).
- Proof of identity for all household members.
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other income sources.
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, etc.).
Having these documents ready and submitting them promptly will help minimize any gap between the temporary and long-term scholarship assistance.
Contacting CCS Central 2 for Support
For any questions or assistance regarding your application or the program, CCS Central 2 is your primary contact.
For direct support and to ask questions in real-time, you can also check the Open Office Hours Calendar for scheduled online sessions.
Conclusion
Understanding how long it takes for the care program application to be processed for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship is essential for families needing assistance. The Fast Track application offers a quick route to initial support within 3 business days with a 60-day temporary scholarship. For the full 52-week scholarship, prompt submission of all required documentation is key to ensuring a smoother and potentially faster approval process. By following the steps outlined and preparing your documents in advance, you can navigate the application process effectively and access the valuable child care assistance available in Maryland.
