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California Alternative Payment Program (Child Care Subsidy)

Administered by California Department of Social Services · cdss.ca.gov

Subsidized child care for low-income working families who are no longer eligible for CalWORKs Stage 1 or 2. Parents choose their own licensed or license-exempt provider. Administered by local Alternative Payment agencies.

Eligibility requirements

  • ✓Low-income families with children under 13 not eligible for CalWORKs child care
  • ✓Income at or below 85% of State Median Income
  • ✓Families pay a portion based on income; subsidized rates apply to the remainder.

How to apply

Apply directly on the official website. GrantLantern does not process applications — we link you directly to the source.

Apply at cdss.ca.gov →

Opens the official source. GrantLantern is not affiliated with this program.

Program details sourced from official government and agency websites. Eligibility is determined by the administering agency — not GrantLantern. Verify current requirements at the official source before applying.

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