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Navigating the costs of child care can be challenging for many families. Fortunately, Maryland offers the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy program, to assist eligible families with these expenses. This program, managed by Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), aims to make high-quality child care and early education more accessible. A crucial aspect of determining eligibility for the CCS program is understanding the income guidelines. This article will provide a detailed overview of these guidelines to help you determine if your family may qualify for child care assistance.
Who is Eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program?
Before diving into the specifics of income guidelines, it’s important to understand the general eligibility requirements for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program. To be eligible, applicants must meet several criteria, including:
- Residency: Be a resident of Maryland. If both parents reside in the same household, both must meet all eligibility criteria.
- Activity Requirement: Parents must be working, participating in an approved training program, or attending school.
- Financial Need: Families must be recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or fall within the established CCS income guidelines.
- Child’s Age and Status: The scholarship is available for children younger than 13 years old, or individuals aged 13-19 with a qualifying disability.
- Immunization: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards, or have documentation supporting an exemption.
- Citizenship/Qualified Alien Status: Each child needing care must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. (Note: Parents are not required to be citizens.)
- Identity Verification: Proof of identity is required for all household members.
- Photo ID: A Photo ID is required for the head of household.
For a comprehensive checklist, you can refer to the Eligibility Checklist provided by the Maryland State Department of Education.
Decoding the Child Care Scholarship Income Guidelines
The Child Care Scholarship program utilizes income guidelines to determine financial eligibility. These guidelines are structured around family size and are categorized into two scales: the Initial Income Scale and the Continuation Income Scale. It’s critical to understand which scale applies to your family’s situation.
Initial Income Scale: For New Applicants
The Initial Income Scale is relevant for families who are:
- Applying for a Child Care Scholarship for the first time.
- Submitting a Fast-Track initial application for a 60-Day Scholarship.
- 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.
To be eligible under the Initial Income Scale, your family income must be BELOW the listed maximum annual income. As of December 15, 2024, the Initial Income Scale is as follows:
| Family Size | Initial Income Scale Maximum Annual Income (Effective 12.15.2024) |
|---|---|
| Family of 2 | $76,117 |
| Family of 3 | $94,026 |
| Family of 4 | $111,936 |
| Family of 5 | $129,846 |
| Family of 6 | $147,756 |
| Family of 7 | $151,114 |
| Family of 8 | $154,472 |
| Family of 9 | $157,830 |
| Family of 10 | $161,188 |
| Family of 11 | $164,546 |
| Family of 12 | $167,904 |
Continuation Income Scale: For Existing Scholarship Recipients
The Continuation Income Scale applies to families who:
- Have already received at least 52 weeks to 24 months of child care services.
- Have an active child care scholarship that has not expired when submitting a new application for continued services.
For the Continuation Income Scale, your family income must also be BELOW the listed maximum annual income. As of April 22, 2024, the Continuation Income Scale is:
| Family Size | Continuation Income Scale Maximum Annual Income (Effective 4.22.2024) |
|---|---|
| Family of 2 | $86,266 |
| Family of 3 | $106,563 |
| Family of 4 | $126,861 |
| Family of 5 | $147,159 |
| Family of 6 | $167,457 |
| Family of 7 | $171,262 |
| Family of 8 | $175,068 |
| Family of 9 | $178,874 |
| Family of 10 | $182,680 |
| Family of 11 | $186,486 |
| Family of 12 | $190,292 |
Key Differences Between Income Scales:
Notice that the Continuation Income Scale has slightly higher maximum income limits compared to the Initial Income Scale. This difference acknowledges the ongoing need for child care assistance for families already participating in the program. It’s crucial to identify which scale applies to your situation to accurately assess your potential eligibility.
How to Apply for a Child Care Scholarship
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship involves a straightforward online process through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Register in the Family Portal
Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal at family.childcareportals.org and create an account by clicking “Register for a New Account”. For registration assistance, refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete the Fast-Track Application
Fill out the short, fast-track online Scholarship application and submit two essential documents:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in training/school.
- Proof of Maryland residency (e.g., utility bill, lease).
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 eligible, a temporary 60-day Scholarship will be issued to help with child care costs while your full application is processed. You will then be asked to provide additional information and documentation to determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship. Submitting this information within 15 days of your fast-track application ensures timely processing for the longer-term scholarship.
Create your account and apply now!
Documents Needed for a Full 52-Week Scholarship
To apply for a full, 52-week Scholarship, you will need to submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of fast-track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income (most recent four weeks of consecutive pay stubs).
- Proof of identity (for all household members, such as driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID).
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other income sources.
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.).
Remember to include information for all household members, including yourself, your spouse, and the child’s other parent living in your household.
Need Help? Contact CCS Central 2
For any questions or assistance regarding the Child Care Scholarship program, CCS Central 2 is your primary contact.
You can also explore the Scholarship FAQs and Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Additionally, CCS offers Open Office Hours for direct support.
Understanding the income guidelines is the first step in determining your eligibility for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program. By reviewing the relevant income scale and following the application steps, you can take a significant stride towards accessing affordable, quality child care for your family.
