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South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program

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

What is the South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program?

The South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program helps families who meet income guidelines and work or school requirements pay for child care costs. This program uses federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to help low-income families afford child care while they work, attend school, or both. The program helps pay child care costs to approved providers, and your family may need to make a co-payment based on your household income and family size. The state pays your provider directly - you don't receive cash.

How do I apply for the South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program?

There are 3 ways to apply for Child Care Assistance:

  • Visit Any Local DSS Office: Go to your local Department of Social Services office where staff can help you with your application
  • Visit a One-Stop Career Center: Get help with your application at any One-Stop Career Center in your area
  • Mail Your Application: Send your completed application to:
    • South Dakota Department of Social Services
    • Child Care Services
    • 700 Governors Drive
    • Pierre, SD 57501-2291
    • Email: CCS@state.sd.us
    • Fax: 605.773.7294

You can get application forms at any local DSS office, One-Stop Career Center, or by contacting Child Care Services directly.

How long does it take to receive funds from the South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program?

Applications must be processed within 10 working days of when they receive your complete application. Once your application is reviewed, you will be notified if you are eligible for child care assistance. If you are approved, you will receive a child care certificate showing the amount of assistance you can receive each month and how long your benefits will last. The state will send a copy of your certificate to your child care provider, who can then request payment directly from Child Care Services.

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Get an application from your local DSS office, One-Stop Career Center, or by contacting Child Care Services

Step 2: Fill out the complete application, including choosing your child care provider

Step 3: Gather all required documents to prove your eligibility (see documentation section below)

Step 4: Submit your completed application and documents by mail, fax, email, or in person

Step 5: Wait for your application to be processed (within 10 working days)

Step 6: Receive notification about whether you are approved or denied

Step 7: If approved, receive your child care certificate with your benefit amount and time period

Step 8: Give certificate information to your provider and start child care services

Step 9: Pay your family co-payment amount directly to your provider each month

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child Information (required for all applications):

  • Birth certificates for all children needing care
  • Social Security cards for all children
  • Immunization records (shot records) for all children

Parent/Guardian Information (required for all applications):

  • Driver's license or picture ID for all adults
  • Social Security cards for all adults
  • Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail showing your address)

Income Verification (must provide proof of all income):

  • Recent pay stubs showing current earnings
  • Self-employment records and tax returns (if self-employed)
  • TANF benefit statements
  • Child support payments received
  • Social Security benefits
  • Unemployment compensation
  • Any other income sources (pensions, VA benefits, alimony, etc.)

Work/School/Training Verification (provide what applies to your situation):

  • Work schedule from your employer (if working)
  • School enrollment and class schedule (if attending school)
  • Training program documentation (if in job training)

Child Care Provider Information (required for approval):

  • Name and contact information of your chosen provider
  • Provider must be licensed, registered, a qualifying relative, or approved in-home provider
  • All providers must be at least 18 years old

Child Support Information (if applicable):

  • Current child support order
  • Documentation of child support cooperation (required for eligibility)

Common FAQ's

1. How much will I have to pay for child care? You will pay a co-payment based on your income and family size using a sliding fee scale. The program helps with costs above your co-payment amount, up to program limits. Lower-income families pay less.

2. What are the income limits to qualify? Your monthly income must be below 209% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, a family of 3 can earn up to $4,642 per month, and a family of 4 can earn up to $5,599 per month (as of March 2025).

3. What ages of children can get help? The program helps with child care for children age 12 and under. Children with special needs may qualify for help until they are older.

4. What types of providers can I choose? You can choose licensed child care centers, registered family child care homes, qualifying relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, non-resident siblings), or approved in-home providers who care only for your family's children.

5. Do I need to cooperate with child support services? Yes, if you are eligible for child support services, you must cooperate with the Division of Child Support and maintain an active child support case as a condition of receiving assistance.

Who do I contact about my application status?

For Child Care Assistance Applications:

South Dakota Department of Social Services Child Care Services

Address: 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2291

Phone: 800.227.3020

Email: CCS@state.sd.us

Fax: 605.773.7294

For General Child Care Information:

Child Care Services Program

Phone: 605.773.4766

Contact: Laura Menning, Program Administrator

Find Your Local DSS Office:

Visit: DSS Local Office Locator Each local office can help with applications and questions

For Child Care Provider Information:

Child Care Licensing

Phone: 605.773.4766

Website: Child Care Provider Search

For Child Support Questions:

Division of Child Support

Phone: 605.773.3641

Email: dcs@state.sd.us

For Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect:

Child Protection Services Hotline: 877.244.0864 (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday; contact local law enforcement for emergencies)

Additional Resources:

  • One-Stop Career Centers: Contact your local center for application help
  • Child Care Resource and Referral: Get help finding quality child care
  • South Dakota DSS Main Website: dss.sd.gov
  • Subsidy Manual: CCS Subsidy Manual for detailed information about income calculations and co-payments