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AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE
WITHIN REACH
"Every child deserves quality care"
At Healthy Kids, we believe every child deserves access to safe, enriching, and high-quality care. We proudly partner with Maine State's child care assistance program to help make our services more affordable to families. Whether your child is just starting out or needs care during the school year or summer, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Is My Family Eligible?
Check the requirements below to see if you qualify
Eligibility Requirements
✓ If your family income is at or below 125% of the Maine median income, you may be eligible.
✓ Your child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, and you must be a Maine resident.
✓ You must be employed, in school or job training, or retired.
Eligibility is redetermined every 12 months and families must recertify annually.
2026 Income Limits
N/A
Annual Income Limit
$5,044
Monthly Income Limit
What Documentation Do I Need?
Gather these documents before you apply
Proof of Identification & Household Members
Examples may include: photo ID for parent/guardian (driver's license, state ID, passport), birth certificates for children, Social Security numbers(if available), custody or guardianship documents (if applicable)
Proof of Income (Required)
Examples may include: recent pay stubs (typically last 4-8 weeks), employer verification letter, most recent tax return (especially for self-employed families), proof of other income:
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Child support
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Unemployment benefits
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Social Security (SSI/SSDI)
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Disability or pension income
Proof of Work, School, or Training (Activity Requirement)
Families must show they are engaged in an approved activity. Examples may include: employer schedule or verification letter, school or college enrolment, job training program documentation, approved job search participation (if allowed)
Proof of Maine Residency
Examples may include: lease or rental agreement, utility bill (electric, gas, water), official mail with name and address, drivers license/ state ID (if current address is listed)
Child Care provider Information
Family must provide: provider name and program, location of care, schedule (days/hours needed)
Additional documentation (if applicable)
Depending on family situation:
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Custody or court orders
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Foster care or Kent care paperwork
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Disability/ special needs documentation
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Proof of job loss (if applying under transitional eligibility)
Accepted document types include: PDF, DOC/DOCX, JPEG, or PNG
Certain documents may fulfill more than one requirement.
How to Apply
Families can apply for childcare assistance online
For more information and support, please contact OCFS at 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999 (Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm) or email CCAP.DHHS@maine.gov
Are There Other Forms of Assistance?
Have Questions?
We're here to help through every step of the process
Chat With Us
Need help right now?
Use the chat bubble in the bottom right corner—available 24/7 in English and Spanish.