Securing quality child care is a crucial step for working families. The Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) offers vital tuition assistance, making child care more accessible. Applying for this program is now more convenient than ever, thanks to the online application system. This guide will walk you through each step to Apply For The Care Program Online, ensuring you have all the information needed for a smooth and successful application process.
Step 1: Find an Approved Child Care Provider
Before you begin your application to apply for the care program online, it’s essential to identify a child care provider. The CCPP program requires you to select a provider before you can apply for tuition assistance. This ensures that if your application is approved, the funds are directed to a participating and eligible child care facility.
To simplify your search, utilize the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) online provider database. This resource allows you to search for child care providers in your vicinity. When using the search tool, and if your goal is to use CCPP payments, make sure to check the box labeled “Accepts MDHS Subsidy Children” before initiating your search. This filter will narrow down your options to providers who are already enrolled to accept payments through the CCPP, streamlining the process for you and ensuring a seamless payment system once approved.
It’s important to contact the provider directly to discuss their programs, availability, and to confirm their participation in the CCPP program, even if they are listed in the MDHS database as accepting subsidies.
Step 2: Gather Your Necessary Supporting Documents
Once you have selected a child care provider, the next crucial step to apply for the care program online is to gather all the required supporting documents. These documents serve as verification for the information you provide in your application and are essential for determining your eligibility for the CCPP program. It’s advisable to collect these documents before you start the online application to make the process faster and more efficient.
Many documents can serve multiple purposes, meaning you might not need to submit a separate document for each requirement. Review the following list carefully to understand what is required and prepare accordingly.
Essential Document Checklist
To successfully apply for the care program online, ensure you have the following documents ready. These are categorized to help you understand their purpose and ensure you provide the correct proof.
For Child’s Identity and Age:
- Long form birth certificate: This is the primary document required to verify the child’s age and identity.
- Record of Live Birth: For children under three months old, a Record of Live Birth is acceptable temporarily until the long form birth certificate is available.
For Proof of Gross Family Income (for the last 30 days): You need to provide only ONE of the following:
- Check stubs:
- Monthly pay: Submit one (1) recent check stub.
- Bi-monthly pay: Submit two (2) consecutively issued recent check stubs.
- Weekly pay: Submit four (4) consecutively issued recent check stubs.
- Estimated quarterly tax report: This is relevant for self-employed individuals or those with variable income.
- Federal 1040 tax form—line 9 (total income): This can be used as proof of annual income, though recent check stubs are preferred for current income verification.
- Schedule C Form 1040—line 7 (gross income): Specifically for self-employed individuals, showing gross income from their business.
- New Employment/ Temporary Agency Employment Letter: If employed for less than 30 days, a letter from your employer on company letterhead is required. This letter must include:
- Start date of employment
- Pay rate
- Work schedule (hours worked)
- Method of pay
- Employer name, address, and phone number
- Alternatively, a completed wage verification form can be used.
- Wage Verification Form for Cash Payments: If paid in cash, you need to submit a Wage-Verification-Form_2023 or a notarized letter from your employer with similar details as mentioned above, explicitly stating payment in cash.
- Proof for Personal Check Payments: Copies of the front and back of two personal checks that have cleared the bank.
- Self-Employed with Filed Tax Return:
- Completed Wage Verification Form.
- Copy of an Estimated Quarterly Tax Report OR Federal 1040 Tax Form with Schedule C (Profit/Loss Statement).
- Self-Employed, New Business:
- Completed Wage Verification Form.
- Current business license.
This income information is required for the applicant, spouse, and any biological parent residing in the household.
For Proof of Work or Education/Training (for the last 30 days): Parents must provide proof of work OR enrollment in an educational/training program.
- Check stubs: (Same requirements as income proof – monthly, bi-monthly, weekly).
- New Employment or Temporary Agency Employment Letter: (Same requirements as income proof – letter from employer).
- Wage Verification Form for Cash Payments or Notarized Letter: (Same requirements as income proof).
- Self-Employed: Wage Verification Form and a copy of the business license.
- Proof for Personal Check Payments: Copies of cleared checks (same as income proof).
- Medical Leave Letter: If on medical leave, a letter from the employer on company letterhead including pay rate, typical hours, pay frequency, and expected return date.
- Full-time Education/Training Program Enrollment Proof (if not working 25+ hours/week):
- Letter from the Registrar confirming full-time enrollment.
- Printout of current class schedule verifying full-time status with applicant’s name.
For Teen Parents in High School:
- School Principal verification of full-time enrollment.
- If living with parents (under 65), parents’ work proof (check stubs) for 25+ hours/week.
For Child’s Relationship to Applicant/Guardianship:
A. Documents showing both parent/applicant and child’s name:
- Long form birth certificates.
- Court documents indicating custody.
- School registration documents.
B. Guardianship Verification (if parent is unable to act): - MDHS Guardianship/In Loco Parentis Verification form.
- Court Order.
For Mississippi Residency Verification:
A. Documents verifying a Mississippi address (at least one matching application address):
- Valid Mississippi driver’s license.
- Valid state-issued ID.
- Current bank statement.
- Current cell phone bill.
- Current utility bill.
- Current cable bill.
- Current employment records.
- Rent/lease agreement.
B. Current documents dated within 30 days of application. For temporary addresses, use the MDHS Transitional Living form.
For Applicant Identity Verification:
- Photo ID:
- Driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or government-issued photo ID.
- If no Photo ID, two forms of identity verification:
- Work or school ID, health benefits ID, voter registration card, birth certificate, EBT card, EPPICard.
For Special Needs (if applicable):
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter.
- Social Security Administration (SSA) award letter.
- Award letters dated within 12 months of application date.
Providing proof of special needs may waive the work requirement for the concerned parent.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application to Apply for the Care Program Online
With your documents gathered and your chosen provider in mind, you are now ready to apply for the care program online. The CCPP application is exclusively available online, offering a convenient and accessible way to apply.
The online application will require you to list all children who will be enrolled in child care with your selected provider. Make sure you have all necessary details about your family and income readily available to complete the form accurately.
It’s crucial to submit your application before you submit any supporting documents. The application process initiates your request in the system, and the supporting documents then verify the information provided in the application.
Complete Online CCPP Application
Alt text: Screenshot of the Mississippi Department of Human Services Child Care Payment Program online application page, emphasizing the ‘Start a New Application’ button.
For those who prefer to review the application content offline or need to apply via paper for specific reasons, downloadable versions of the CCPP application are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese:
Downloadable CCPP Application:
After submitting your application, you can also track its status online, providing you with real-time updates on the progress of your application.
Step 4: Submit Your Supporting Documents After You Apply for the Care Program Online
Once you apply for the care program online and have submitted your application, the final step is to submit the supporting documents you prepared in Step 2. MDHS offers multiple convenient methods for document submission to accommodate different preferences and accessibility needs.
You can submit your documents through the following methods:
- Online via Parent Document Upload Form: This is often the quickest and most convenient method. Use the secure online portal to upload digital copies of your documents. Parent Document Upload Form
Alt text: Digital icon depicting documents being uploaded to represent the online document submission process for the Child Care Payment Program.
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By Fax: Fax your documents to (601) 359-4422. Ensure all faxed documents are clear and legible.
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By Mail: Mail your documents to the following address:
MDHS
DECCD
Mississippi Child Care Payment Program
P.O. Box 352
Jackson, MS 39205
It is generally recommended to use the online upload form for faster processing and to ensure secure delivery of your sensitive documents.
What To Expect After You Apply for the Care Program Online
After you apply for the care program online and submit all required documents, here’s what you can anticipate:
Receiving Your Child Care Certificate
If your family is deemed eligible and approved for child care tuition assistance through the CCPP, you will receive a “child care certificate.” This certificate is an official document that outlines the details of your approved assistance.
The certificate will specify important information, including:
- The name of the child approved for care.
- The approved amount of tuition assistance (subsidy reimbursement rate).
- The type of care approved: full-time, part-time, or both, including the approved days of care.
- Your assigned co-payment rate – the amount you will be responsible for paying to the provider.
- The name and ID number of the specific approved child care provider location.
Note that the certificate is valid only for the provider location specified. If a provider operates multiple locations, care is restricted to the location listed on your certificate.
Ongoing Participation and Staying Informed
Once approved, payments will be sent directly to your child care provider. Remember that you may still have a monthly co-payment responsibility, as indicated on your child care certificate.
Additionally, parents are responsible for covering the difference between the CCPP voucher amount and the provider’s standard tuition rates.
Reporting Changes
It’s crucial to report any changes in your family circumstances that could affect your CCPP eligibility. This includes changes in:
- Family income
- Work hours
- Employment status
- Education/job training enrollment
You must also inform MDHS if you move out of state or wish to withdraw from the CCPP voluntarily. Changes to your child care provider can also be requested.
Applying for the Child Care Payment Program online is designed to be a user-friendly process. By following these steps and preparing your documents in advance, you can efficiently apply for the care program online and take a significant step towards accessing affordable, quality child care for your family.
