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Child Care Assistance Program

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Child Care Assistance Program in Kansas.

What is the Kansas Child Care Assistance Program?

This program helps Kansas families pay for licensed child care. It supports parents who work, go to school/training, are teen parents, or are on TANF. The program covers children under 13—or older if they can't care for themselves. Families pay a small fee based on income.

How do I apply for Child Care Assistance?

You can apply in any of these ways:

  • Online or in person at your local Kansas DCF office ➝ Apply for Benefits

  • Pick up and mail/fax a paper form available in DCF offices

  • By phone: Call DCF at 1‑888‑369‑4777 or 888‑369‑4777 (TTY)

How long does it take to receive help?

  1. Once you apply, your caseworker checks your application.

  2. You select a DCF-enrolled provider (licensed or relative).

  3. If approved, funds are loaded onto your Kansas Benefits EBT card at the start of each month. Kansas issues child care funds monthly via EBT once approval is complete.

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Apply online, in person, or by phone.

  2. Provide documents (see next section).

  3. Choose a provider—licensed center, group or family home, or qualified relative.

  4. Get approved—you’ll get notice and funds start on EBT card.

  5. Use care & pay share—you use the EBT card to pay provider; you may also pay a co‑pay.

  6. Report changes—keep income, address, provider info updated.

  7. Renew yearly to keep benefits.

What documentation is required?

Identity & Residency (only one is required)

  • IDs for adults in household

  • Children’s birth certificates or documentation

Income (only one is required)

  • Pay stubs, tax forms, or other income proof

  • Include wages and child support; some programs count SSI or student aid differently

Need for Care

  • Work, school, or training schedule

  • For foster/teen parents: additional documentation may be needed

Provider Information

  • Provider must be DCF-enrolled—licensed or eligible relative—paid via EBT.

Common FAQs

1. How much do I pay?
Families pay a sliding-scale co‑pay based on income and family size. Fees vary and are shown in your plan.

2. What children qualify?
Children under 13, or up to age 18 with special needs or foster care cases. 

3. Who can be a provider?
Any DCF-enrolled licensed center, family child care home, or approved relative (grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc.). 

4. What if income changes?
Report any change in income, job, or household within 10 days—benefits may be adjusted.

5. Can foster or homeless families get help faster?
Yes—foster, homeless, or teen-parent families may receive help sooner and have more time to submit documents.

Who do I contact about my application?

Kansas Department for Children & Families (DCF)

  • Phone: 1‑888‑369‑4777 (Benefits assistance)

  • TTY: 1‑888‑369‑4777

  • Local offices: Visit your local DCF office to apply or ask questions.

  • Find care: Use Child Care Aware of Kansas or call 1‑877‑678‑2548 to locate DCF-enrolled providers.