Learn how to receive assistance for
child care expenses
Step 1
See if you are eligible.
The child care assistance program provides assistance to:
- Families who receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
- Low-income, working families.
- Some families who are engaged in educational or training activities.
- Teen parents completing high school or GED.
If any of the above describes you, see if you qualify for financial assistance.
If the self-assessment indicates that your children might be eligible, complete an application.
If you are a foster caregiver, please visit the foster care child care step-by-step guide.
If you are a family who is facing homelessness, already is homeless, or a foster caregiver please note: Children facing homelessness or a move because of a natural disaster or foster care may have trouble getting documents for enrollment. That’s why special child care assistance rules allow those children to enter care while giving extra time to provide documents. These documents include those for immunizations or a health assessment. Child care providers can have 60 days to get the needed documents.
Step 2
Select a participating child care provider.
You may choose any of the following types of child care providers:
- Licensed child care center
- Licensed family child care home
- Licensed group child care home
- Out-of-home relative provider
- In-home relative provider
- Before/after-school provider
Looking for a provider?
To search for child care providers in your area, visit Child Care Aware or call 1-877-678-2548. Select DCF under the type of child care.
Already have a provider?
- If they are already enrolled with DCF, list the provider on your application.
- If they are not enrolled with DCF, still complete a child care assistance application and list your provider.
You may also ask the provider to contact their local DCF office and speak with their provider enrollment specialist.
Step 3
Receive your assistance through a Kansas Benefits card.
Child care assistance is issued to families using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Kansas Benefits card, which is similar to a debit card. Assistance is available on the Kansas Benefits card every month, and families use this to pay providers electronically. Information on how to use the card will be included if you are determined eligible and receive your card.
Questions? We have answers!
It’s normal to have questions when applying for services. Contact 1-888-369-4777 or email DCF.CustomerService@ks.gov to get answers.
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