PASS III Child Care Assistance

What is Alaska PASS III Child Care Assistance?

PASS III (Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency III) is a child care assistance program that helps working families and students in Alaska pay for quality child care. This program is for families who have never received cash assistance from the state, or who are not eligible for other PASS programs.

How do I apply for Alaska PASS III Child Care Assistance?

There are 2 ways to apply for PASS III Child Care Assistance:

Contact Your Local Child Care Assistance Office: Find your regional office and apply in person or by phone - they will help you complete the CC08 Child Care Assistance Application
Download and Mail Application: Download the CC08 application form and mail it to your local Child Care Assistance office

Important: You must apply through one of the regional Child Care Assistance agencies listed below - not directly with the state. Each region serves different parts of Alaska.

How long does it take to receive funds from Alaska PASS III?

The timeline depends on when you apply and complete all required paperwork:

Application Processing: Each regional office processes applications at different speeds, so contact your local office for specific timeframes
Program Start Date: Your PASS III benefits can start as early as the month you apply, if you submit a complete application with all required documents
Ongoing Benefits: Once approved, benefits continue as long as you meet program requirements and your child care needs remain the same
Reauthorization: You will need to reapply periodically (usually every 12 months) to continue receiving benefits

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Make sure you qualify - you must be working, going to school, or in job training, and have never received PASS I or PASS II benefits

Step 2: Check your income - your family income must meet federal guidelines (contact your local office for current income limits)

Step 3: Find a licensed child care provider who accepts child care assistance using the Alaska CCIS Portal

Step 4: Contact your regional Child Care Assistance office (see contact list below)

Step 5: Complete the CC08 Child Care Assistance Application and participate in an interview

Step 6: Gather all required documents (see documentation section below)

Step 7: Submit your completed application and documents to your local office

Step 8: Wait for your application to be reviewed and approved

Step 9: Once approved, your child care provider will be notified and can start receiving payments

Step 10: Pay your family co-pay amount directly to your child care provider each month

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child Information

Birth certificate for each child needing care
Social Security card for each child
Immunization records for each child
If applicable, custody documents or court orders

Parent/Caregiver Information

Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
Social Security card
Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mail showing your current address)

Income Verification (all income sources)

Recent pay stubs (last 2 pay periods)
Employment verification form (if newly employed or self-employed, use CC39 Self-Employment Income Worksheet)
Child support payments received
Unemployment benefits
Social Security benefits
Any other income sources (pensions, rental income, etc.)

Work/School/Training Verification

Work schedule from your employer (use CC36 Employment Statement if needed)
School enrollment and class schedule (if attending school)
Training program documentation (if in job training)
Job search documentation (if actively seeking employment)

Child Care Provider Information

Name and contact information of your chosen provider
Provider must be licensed by the state or approved to participate in the Child Care Assistance Program

Common FAQ's

1. How much will I have to pay for child care?
You will pay a co-payment based on your family income and size using a sliding scale. Lower-income families pay less. The Child Care Program Office determines your exact co-pay amount when you're approved.

2. Who qualifies for PASS III?
Families who are working, going to school, or in job training and who have never received PASS I or PASS II benefits. You must also meet income guidelines and have children who need care.

3. What ages of children can get help?
Children under 13 years old, or children ages 13-19 who have physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from caring for themselves.

4. Do I need to be working full-time to qualify?
Not necessarily. You need to be working, attending school, or participating in job training. Part-time work may qualify depending on your hours and circumstances.

5. What if I need to report changes?
You must report any changes in income, work schedule, family size, or address to your Child Care Assistance office right away using the CC37 Family Report of Change form.

Who do I contact about my application status?

Central Region:

Cordova, Palmer, Valdez, Wasilla, Willow

Alaska Family Services Inc.
Address: 777 N Crusey Street, Suite B201, Wasilla, AK 99654

Phone: (907) 373-4450
Toll-Free: (866) 746-4080
Fax: (907) 373-4468

Email: centralcca@akafs.org

Coastal Region:

Aleutian Chain, Bristol Bay Area, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome

Alaska Family Services Inc.
Address: 777 N Crusey Street, Suite B201, Wasilla, AK 99654

Phone: (907) 373-4450
Toll-Free: (866) 746-4080
Fax: (907) 373-4468

Email: coastal.cca@akafs.org

Municipality of Anchorage:

Anchorage, Bird Creek, Chugiak, Eagle River, Girdwood, JBER

Alaska Family Services Inc.
Address: 2525 Gambell St. Suite 220, Anchorage, AK 99503

Phone: (907) 644-5000
Fax: (907) 644-5020

Email: ccaanc@akafs.org

Northern Region:

Barrow, Eielson AFB, Fairbanks, North Pole, North Slope, Moose Creek, Salcha, Tok, Y-K Delta Area

Thread Alaska
Address: 1949 Gillam Way, Suite G, Fairbanks, AK 99701

Phone: (907) 265-3100
Toll-Free: (855) 479-2212
Fax: (907) 479-2295

Email: ccathread@threadalaska.org

Southeast Region:

Angoon, Craig, Gustavus, Haines, Hoonah, Juneau, Ketchikan, Metlakatla, Petersburg, Prince of Wales, Sitka, Skagway, Wrangell, Yakutat