Program Reopening for Limited Number of Slots

December 19, 2025

(TRENTON) - Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced that eligible families can now register to apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) benefits.The Department is reopening the program for a limited number of slots, with the goal of allowing applications in January for new children.

Families will need to complete a registration form by entering some basic information and will be notified when they can complete the full application.

Information on how to register is available on ChildCareNJ.gov.

"We know high child care costs can strain families and force parents to make difficult decisions. New Jersey's Child Care Assistance Program provides critical financial support to lower income families across the state, and we are grateful to be able to reopen enrollment, even on a limited basis. We encourage families to review the eligibility criteria and register to apply as soon as possible," said Commissioner Adelman.

Once families have completed the registration process, they will be invited to apply based on the number of slots available. Families with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, families experiencing homelessness, and families needing care for children with special needs will be invited to apply first in accordance with Federal and State law.

Applications will remain open on a rolling basis as children join and exit the program, with enrollment capped at 75,000 children at any given time. Registered families who are not enrolled during this limited reopening will remain on the registration list and be contacted as slots become available.

CCAP helps income-eligible parents who are working, in school, or in job training to pay for child care. The program stopped accepting new applications as of August 1, 2025, due to limited funding. The pause in applications affected only new enrollees; children who were already enrolled and being served by the program continue to receive assistance.

"Child care is a necessity for working parents, but it can be a real strain on family budgets. Reopening this application at a time when many are struggling with rising costs will help provide some relief to eligible families who need it most," said Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson.

"Families who are not CCAP-eligible can find information about other affordable child care services through their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies, which are available to all New Jersey families," said Division of Family Development Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson. "Families can find contact information for their local agency on our website."

Continue to visit www.ChildCareNJ.govfor information and updates.