North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program

About This Program

North Carolina's Child Care Subsidy Program helps low-income working families pay for child care through county DSS offices. Families choose from licensed child care centers and homes rated in NC's STAR-rated license system. Higher-rated providers receive higher subsidy payments. Families contribute a co-payment based on income; the county/state pays the balance.

Subsidy covers portion of childcare costs based on income; family pays sliding-scale co-payment

Key Details

• State program administered under federal CCDF block grant
• Eligibility: At or below 200% Federal Poverty Level; parent must be working, in school, or in job training
• Families choose their own licensed child care provider
• Subsidy paid directly to provider; family pays income-based co-payment
• Apply through your county/local social services office

How to Apply

Deadline: Rolling — year-round applications