The New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) faces significant changes due to a $30 million state budget shortfall. This program, managed by the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development (DFD), distributes subsidies through local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies.
From August 1, 2025, new co-payment rates will be implemented. Most full-time co-pays will represent about 6% of a family’s income, although this varies. Families under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will continue without co-payments. Notably, there will be no changes for children from families receiving Work First New Jersey cash assistance or those involved in child protective or post-adoption services.
Additionally, DFD will halt new applications and additional child applications for CCAP after July 31, 2025. Applications submitted before this date will still be processed, and payments for active cases will persist. Relevant updates can be found on the online portal and state childcare websites.
The lack of $30 million in the final state budget resulted in these service reductions despite an $80 million increase for CCAP. This additional funding would have been sourced from the state budget.
Advocates encourage communication with State Assembly members and Senators to express how these changes impact businesses, staff, and families. Parents are also urged to share their experiences accessing the program to aid advocacy efforts by organizations like ACNJ.
“Your stories can spark change and shape future funding opportunities,” states an ACNJ representative.
