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Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Working Connections Child Care Program.

What is Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)?

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps eligible families pay for child care. When a family qualifies for child care subsidy benefits and chooses an eligible provider, the state pays a portion of the cost of child care. Parents may be responsible for a copayment to their provider each month. WCCC helps families with children pay for child care to find jobs, keep their jobs, and get better jobs. The program helps pay for child care while the parent, or parents in a two-parent household, participate in an approved activity such as employment, education, or job training.

How do I apply for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)?

You can apply for WCCC in several ways:

Online Application:

Phone Application:

  • Call the Child Care Subsidy Contact Center at 1-844-626-8687
  • Application hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Paper Application:

  • Complete the child care application form in person at your local Community Services Office (CSO)
  • Mail the application to your local office
  • Fax completed applications to 1-877-309-9747

Additional Resources:

How long does it take to receive funds from Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)?

Application Processing Timeline:

  • Within 30 days: You have the right to be told if you qualify for benefits within 30 days of applying
  • After approval: DCYF gathers and reviews information to determine your family's eligibility
  • Priority families: Some families receive priority status and will not go on the wait list
  • Benefits begin: Once approved, the state pays a portion of costs directly to your chosen provider

Important Notes:

  • You do not have to have a provider before applying for child care subsidy
  • WCCC has a waitlist, but priority families bypass the waitlist
  • Families experiencing homelessness may be approved for up to 12 months to help resolve housing issues

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Determine Your Eligibility: Check if your family income is at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI) and if you're participating in approved activities
  2. Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of income, residency, child citizenship, and activity verification (see documentation section below)
  3. Choose Your Application Method: Apply online, by phone, or with paper application
  4. Complete the Application: Provide accurate information about your family size, income, and child care needs including activity schedule (example: Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
  5. Submit Verification Documents: DCYF will need to verify information using existing systems or may request documents from you
  6. Participate in Review Process: DCYF reviews your application and may contact you for additional information
  7. Choose Your Child Care Provider: You'll need to provide DCYF with the name and phone number of your chosen provider
  8. Receive Approval Decision: You'll be notified within 30 days if you qualify for benefits
  9. Begin Services: Once approved, start using your child care provider and pay any required copayment directly to them

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

DCYF will verify the following information as applicable. Some verification may be obtained using existing DCYF or state systems:

Child Information

  • Identification and residency of children (DCYF uses internal systems, but may need birth certificate if not available)
  • Child citizenship or legal residency status in the United States
  • Custody documentation (court order, signed statement from parents, or third-party statement)

Family and Income Information

  • Proof of current household income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements)
  • Family size and household composition
  • Single parent status verification (DCYF form 16-238, lease agreement, or signed statement from homeowner)
  • Child support information (if applicable)

Residency and Housing

  • Verification that child and family live in Washington state
  • Homelessness documentation (if applicable) - DCYF will obtain verification from a reliable source who knows your living situation

Activity Verification

  • Employment verification or self-employment documentation
  • School enrollment and schedule for education activities
  • Training program documentation
  • WorkFirst or BFET plan approval (if applicable)

Special Circumstances

  • Foster care documentation
  • Special needs documentation for children requiring additional support
  • Teen parent status verification (if attending high school full-time)

Common FAQ's

Q: What are the income limits for WCCC? A: Your family's income must be at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI) at application or 65% of SMI when reapplying. For example, a family of 4 can earn up to $6,552 monthly. Use the copay calculation table to determine eligibility and estimated copayment.

Q: What copayment will I need to pay? A: Copayments range from $0 to $215 per month depending on your family size and income. Families earning 0%-20% SMI pay $0, while those earning 60%-65% SMI pay $215. The exact amount depends on your specific income level.

Q: Who gets priority for WCCC services? A: Priority families who bypass the waitlist include: families receiving TANF benefits, foster children, income-eligible families with special needs children, teen parents attending high school full-time (with on-site child care), and families who received DCYF child protective services in the past six months.

Q: What types of child care providers can I choose? A: You can choose from licensed or certified child care centers, licensed or certified family child care homes, or eligible license-exempt providers (family, friend, or neighbor care). All providers must meet specific requirements and pass background checks.

Q: Can I use relatives as my child care provider? A: Yes, but relatives who provide care and receive WCCC benefits cannot receive those benefits for their own children during the hours they provide subsidized child care. The relative must be 18 or older, pass background checks, and meet health and safety requirements.

Who do I contact about my application status?

Main Contact Information:

Child Care Subsidy Contact Center

  • Phone: 1-844-626-8687
  • For questions about eligibility, applications, and copayments

Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)

DCYF Provider Help Line (for child care providers)

Online Application Portal:

Child Care Provider Resources:

Additional Support:

  • For questions about your legal rights and responsibilities: Review the WCCC Rights & Responsibilities page
  • If you disagree with a decision about your benefits, you can ask for an administrative hearing
  • Free interpretation and translation services are available

Important Resources:

Your Rights:

  • Be treated politely and fairly
  • Be free from discrimination
  • Be told if you qualify for benefits within 30 days of applying
  • Receive written notice within 10 days of any benefit changes
  • Get free interpretation or translation services
  • Choose a provider who meets program requirements
  • Access your child at all times while in child care

Special Programs:

  • Families experiencing homelessness may be approved for up to 12 months
  • Parents of children with special needs may qualify for higher rates
  • Tribal families have "dual eligibility" and can receive coverage from either WCCC or their tribal organization

Note: Make sure to report income increases that put your household over 85% of state median income within 10 days, and notify DCYF within 5 days if you change your child care provider.