07/20/2026
Here are the most frequent questions and answers families ask about the New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP):
1. What is the NJ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?
New Jersey’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps income-eligible families who are working, attending school, or participating in job training pay for childcare. CCAP is a State
program that is managed locally by Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. There is a CCR&R in every county. Community Coordinated Child Care is the CCR&R in Union County.
2. Who qualifies for CCAP in Union County, New Jersey?
Families must:
•Reside in Union County, New Jersey
•Meet income requirements
•Be working, attending school, or in approved job training
•Have children under age 13 (or under 19 with special needs/special circumstances)
Parents must:
•Work at least 30 hours/week, OR
•Attend school full-time, OR
•Participate in job training at least 20 hours/week
3. How do I apply?
•Get connected to the State’s secure application system, MyNJHelps.gov, to apply.
•You will need to create an account to apply.
•If you have previously created a MyNJHelps account to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Work Frist New Jersey (WFNJ), use your previously created username and password to sign in.
4. What Can I Expect After Applying?
After you submit your application, a Community Coordinated Child Care representative will:
•Contact you with next steps and let you know which documents are required.
•Provide instructions on how to submit them.
•Help you complete the application process.
5. How long does approval take?
Families have 45 days to submit required documents. After receiving ALL required documents, eligibility decisions are typically made within 30 days.
6. Do families have to pay part of the daycare cost?
Usually, yes. Most families pay a copayment (“copay”) based on:
•Household income
•Family size
•Number of children
•Full-time vs part-time care
Some very low-income families may have no copay.
7. How is the copay calculated?
NJ uses a sliding fee scale based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Families at lower income levels pay smaller copays.
8. Can I choose my own daycare provider?
Yes, but the provider must participate in the NJ CCAP program. Payments are made directly to approved child care providers. Families can choose:
•Licensed child care centers
•Registered family child care homes
•Approved relatives/caregivers in some situations.
9. How long does assistance last?
Approved families generally receive 12 months of eligibility before renewal/redetermination is needed.
10. What am I required to report?
Report the following to Community Coordinated Child Care within 10 calendar days of the change:
•You no longer need child care assistance.
•Your child no longer lives with you.
•You moved to a different county or state.
•You are changing from part-time to full-time care or from full-time to part-time care.
•You want to change providers (must also report to your current provider).
•Your family’s income exceeds 85% of the State Median Income
Need Help?
If you have questions at any point or need help completing the application, contact Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County by calling 973-923-1433.
