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Securing financial assistance for child care in Maryland is now more streamlined than ever. The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to support eligible Maryland families in affording high-quality child care and early education. This program is efficiently managed through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2).
For families seeking immediate support, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers a swift process, potentially reducing the waiting time to just three business days for assistance with child care costs. Eligible families can receive 60 days of child care support while their full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed.
Scholarships are available for children under 13 years of age, and for individuals aged 13-19 with qualifying disabilities.
Determining Your Eligibility for the CCS Program
To qualify for the CCS Program, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Residency and Activity: Be a Maryland resident actively engaged in work, enrolled in an approved training program, or attending school. In households with two parents, both must satisfy these eligibility requirements.
- Financial Need: Be a recipient of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or fall within the established CCS income guidelines.
- Immunization Compliance: Agree to have your child vaccinated according to Maryland state standards or provide valid documentation for exemption from immunization.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Provide proof that each child requiring child care is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. (A birth certificate or documentation confirming the child’s status is required for each child. Note: Parents are not required to be U.S. citizens.)
- Identity Verification: Furnish proof of identity for all household members. (Acceptable proof for parents includes any government-issued document. For children, a birth certificate or immigration status documentation is sufficient.)
- Photo ID: Provide a Photo I.D. for the head of household.
For a comprehensive eligibility overview, refer to the Eligibility Checklist. For frequently asked questions, consult the Scholarship FAQs and Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions. Additional information is available in the Brochure and Spanish Brochure.
Applying for the Child Care Scholarship
The Child Care Scholarship application process is conducted through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Family Portal Registration: Access the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and create a user account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and input your required information. For registration assistance, detailed instructions are available: Learn How to Register.
Step 2: Fast Track Application Submission: Complete the concise online Fast Track Scholarship application and upload the following two essential documents:
- Verification of employment or enrollment in a training program/school.
- Proof of Maryland residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
Step 3: Application Processing: CCS Central 2 will process your Fast Track application within three business days.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application: If deemed eligible, a 60-day temporary Scholarship will be granted to help with child care expenses while your full application is processed. You will be required to submit supplementary information and documentation to determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship. Providing this within 15 days of your Fast Track application submission ensures timely notification regarding your eligibility for the extended 52-week Scholarship before the temporary one expires.
Begin your application process now – Create your account and apply!
Income Eligibility Guidelines for Child Care Scholarships
Families meeting the income criteria outlined below may be eligible for a Child Care Scholarship.
| Child Care Scholarship Program |
|---|
| Family Size |
| Family of 2 |
| Family of 3 |
| Family of 4 |
| Family of 5 |
| Family of 6 |
| Family of 7 |
| Family of 8 |
| Family of 9 |
| Family of 10 |
| Family of 11 |
| Family of 12 |
* Initial Income Scale: Applicable to families without a current child care scholarship, those submitting a Fast-Track initial application for a 60-Day Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” with all required documents for an initial full evaluation for continued services beyond the 60-day fast-track period. Family income must be below this scale.
** Continuation Income Scale: For families who have received at least 52 weeks to 24 months of child care services and have an active, unexpired child care scholarship when applying for continued services. Family income must be below this scale.
Learn more about using your Scholarship
To secure a full, 52-week Scholarship, ensure you submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of your Fast Track application approval:
- Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Income verification
- Information for all household members, including you, your spouse, or the child’s other parent residing in your household. This includes the most recent four weeks of consecutive pay stubs.
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID).
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Verification of all other income sources.
- Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, lease).
Once your CCS application is approved, you may need to utilize specific Scholarship Forms for ongoing services and to report any changes.
Additional Scholarship documents are available online.
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Child Care Scholarship applications and payments to providers. Contact CCS 2 for assistance!
Child Care Scholarship Support Resources
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