Last updated: October 31, 2026
Bottom line
Arizona’s main program for help paying for child care is Department of Economic Security (DES) Child Care Assistance. It may pay part of the cost at an approved provider while you work, study, train, or meet another approved need. DES pays the provider, not the parent. You may still have a copay or other charges.
There is a waiting list for most new families. On October 9, 2026, DES reported 9,152 families and 15,130 children on that list. Those figures change each week. You can still apply. Some families linked to Cash Assistance, the Jobs Program, or child welfare may qualify for an exception. Do not count on an opening or payment before DES tells you that care is approved.
Start with the official DES application instructions. While you apply, use our child care assistance guide to compare other kinds of help.
If you need child care right away
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Arizona, call the Department of Child Safety at 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445); the DCS reporting page explains how to report.
If you may lose your job, school place, treatment, or safe housing because care is missing, ask for several options at once. Call Arizona Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) at 1-800-308-9000 for provider referrals, and use 211 Arizona child care for nearby programs and other basic needs. Ask your employer, school, shelter worker, or case manager if short-term care or a schedule change is possible.
If you are concerned about a provider, the DES provider complaint guide can help you reach the right office. A complaint is not the same as an emergency report.
Where to start: four steps
- Apply once. Use the A-to-Z Arizona portal or the paper route listed by DES. Keep your date and confirmation. Do not file a second application unless DES tells you to.
- Call child care providers now. Ask if they accept DES, have room for your child’s age, cover your hours, and charge extra fees. Try more than one provider.
- Check other early care. If your child is young, ask about Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool, and Quality First Scholarships. Each uses its own rules and space limits.
- Follow your DES case. Read every notice, complete the interview, send missing proof, and tell DES when your address, work, or family changes.
For food, rent, medical coverage, and other bills that affect your ability to work, see our Arizona family assistance guide. It explains why most aid is a benefit or service, not a cash grant.
What has changed
Income and fee chart: DES published its FY2027 Child Care Assistance Income Eligibility Chart and Fee Schedule, form CCA-0229A-FY27, effective August 1, 2026. Do not use FY2026 dollar limits to judge an application now. Find the new form through the DES document center.
Waiting list: DES reports updated counts each Friday. The October 9, 2026 report lists 9,152 families and 15,130 children waiting. The list remains in use for most new families.
Forms: DES also lists an updated priority-list guide (CCA-1116A) and change-report form (CCA-1235A), both effective August 1, 2026. Ask your specialist which form applies to you.
Quick reference table
| Your need | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Help with regular child care | Apply to Arizona DES | Most new families may be waitlisted. |
| Care while on Cash Assistance | Tell your DES caseworker | Ask about Jobs, work, and special referral rules. |
| Infant, evening, or weekend care | Call CCR&R and providers | Openings and DES contracts can change. |
| Care for a young child | Check Head Start and Quality First | Programs have their own age and space rules. |
| Provider or safety concern | Contact the right licensing agency or DES | Call 911 for immediate danger. |
DES Child Care Assistance: who may qualify?
DES helps eligible Arizona parents and legal guardians pay for care so they can work, attend approved school or training, or take part in another approved activity. The program mainly serves children under age 13. Ask DES about any rule that may apply to an older child with special needs rather than assuming coverage.
DES describes several paths, including low-income working families, teens attending high school or other approved classes, people staying in homeless or domestic violence shelters, and parents who cannot care for a child for certain health, treatment, or court-ordered activity reasons. It can also help grandparents or guardians when a child’s parent is not living in the home and the caregiver meets an approved-activity rule. In that caregiver situation, DES says only income received on behalf of the child is considered.
Some referrals have different income rules. DES lists eligible Cash Assistance or Grant Diversion cases, the DES Jobs Program, and referrals from DCS or Tribal child welfare. If you receive TANF, use our TANF cash assistance guide and tell your DES caseworker that child care is needed for work or your Jobs plan.
Ask about your exact case. Residence, the child’s age and status, your approved activity, your income where applicable, the care provider, and the type of referral can all affect the decision. An income exception does not mean every family is automatically approved or exempt from the waitlist.
Income limits, copays, and other fees
For most new income-tested cases, DES uses an initial limit of 165% of the federal poverty level (FPL), based on family size and gross monthly income before taxes. Continued care can use a different limit tied to 85% of state median income (SMI). These are different measures; the higher renewal limit is not the rule for a first application.
Use the FY2027 DES chart, CCA-0229A-FY27. The FY2026 table previously shown on this page expired. Current monthly dollar limits and minimum copays are in the new official chart. DES must decide your fee level, family size, and any special-case rule. If the document will not open, call 1-833-947-6396 and ask the specialist to read the row for your household.
| Cost or rule | What it means | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Initial income test | Usually 165% FPL for a new income-tested case | Which FY2027 limit fits my family size? |
| Renewal rule | Uses a separate SMI test and case rules | When is my renewal, and what proof is needed? |
| DES copay | Amount DES requires a family to pay toward care | What is my copay for each child and care schedule? |
| Provider rate difference | Provider may charge more than DES pays | How much must I pay above the DES rate? |
| Other charges | May include registration, supplies, or late pickup | Can I get a written list of every fee? |
DES pays only for approved care and hours. Before you sign with a provider, ask for the full cost in writing. Do not assume assistance makes care free. Ask whether a family member could qualify as a DES non-certified relative provider; the relative must meet the program’s approval steps.
How to apply for DES child care assistance
- Choose one application route. Apply through A-to-Z Arizona or use the paper application and submission steps on the DES site. You can also ask for an office or language help.
- Share the basic facts. List each child needing care, household members, income, your work or school hours, and any special referral or shelter situation.
- Complete the interview. DES says an eligibility specialist will review your case, ask for more proof if needed, and explain your eligibility and fee amount.
- Send proof and keep copies. Save screenshots or receipts, letters, and the names and dates of people you speak with.
- Check the decision and waitlist notice. An eligible application may still lead to a waiting-list notice instead of paid care. Follow the next instructions on your letter.
DES says it can take up to 30 days to finish an application. Do not ignore a DES letter while that process is under way. The current DES contact page lists the Child Care Specialist number, 1-833-947-6396, and methods for sending forms. The general DES Child Care number is 602-542-4248.
Documents to gather
| Document | Why it may matter | If you do not have it |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant identity | Shows who is applying | Ask DES what other proof is accepted. |
| Child age and status | Checks the child’s program status | Ask about acceptable citizenship or immigration-status proof for the child. |
| Pay stubs or income records | Helps check income and work activity | Ask about new-job or self-employment forms. |
| School or training schedule | Shows approved care hours | Ask your program for a signed schedule. |
| Shelter, health, or case referral | May support a special situation | Ask the caseworker for the proper DES form. |
| Provider name and phone | Needed before DES can authorize care | Call CCR&R for possible providers. |
Do not pay for records until you ask DES what proof it will accept. Some child welfare or special-needs records are private. Share them through the method DES or your assigned caseworker gives you.
Arizona’s child care waiting list
DES began the statewide waiting list in August 2024. It remains in place for most new families because funding is limited. The number of people waiting is not a promise of how long your family will wait.
Priority: DES generally gives higher priority to eligible families at or below 100% FPL, then other income groups in steps up to 165% FPL. The date you entered the list also matters. A teen parent, a shelter resident, or a family with special care needs should still ask how DES will code the case; these facts do not always mean an automatic waiver.
Possible exceptions: DES describes paths for certain Jobs Program referrals, eligible Cash Assistance work cases, some families moving from Cash Assistance to Transitional Child Care, and DCS or Tribal child welfare referrals. Ask the person handling your case whether the right referral has been sent and entered.
| Your situation | What to do now | What not to assume |
|---|---|---|
| Working parent | Apply and keep your address current. | A work schedule alone does not avoid the list. |
| Teen parent at school | Give proof of approved school activity. | School attendance does not always waive the list. |
| Cash Assistance or Jobs | Ask the DES worker about referrals and exemption coding. | Do not assume DES has the needed referral. |
| DCS or Tribal child welfare | Ask your caseworker to send the proper referral. | A referral must still be checked by DES. |
| Release notice arrives | Reply within the notice’s stated 10-day window. | Release is not the same as final approval. |
Report changes. DES says families on the waiting list must tell it about changes to address, income, or household members within five business days. DES also requires families receiving care to report changes in eligibility activity; ask your specialist about the five-day rule that applies to your change. Tell DES right away if you start or leave work, move, add a child, change schools, or need another provider.
Watch the mail. If DES selects you from the list, its notice invites you to apply or update information within 10 days of the date on the letter. DES may need a new interview and a provider choice. If the letter comes late, call immediately, explain the postmark or delivery date, and ask what options exist. The DES child care overview explains priority groups, changes, and release notices.
Find child care that fits your family
DES assistance is tied to a provider DES can approve and to authorized hours. Before care begins, give DES the provider’s name, address, and phone number. Do not start care expecting DES to pay before it authorizes the care. You may have to pay for days not approved.
Start with the Arizona child care search and call Arizona CCR&R at 1-800-308-9000. CCR&R can help you compare centers, family child care, and options near work or school. Ask if a provider is licensed or approved for the type of care offered; you can check the Arizona licensing information for centers and the agencies responsible for other settings.
Ask every provider these questions
- Do you accept DES Child Care Assistance right now?
- Do you have a space for my child’s age and the hours I need?
- Can you support my child’s disability, medical, language, or learning needs?
- What will I owe after DES pays: copays, deposits, meals, supplies, and late fees?
- What happens if I have to change shifts or care ends early?
- Can I see your safety rules, pickup policy, and written fee agreement?
For a child with a disability, talk with the provider and your child’s care team about safe support and needed records. A DES-approved relative may also be an option in some cases; ask DES how relative-provider enrollment works.
Other child care options in Arizona
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start serves preschool-age children, while Early Head Start supports babies, toddlers under age 3, and some pregnant women. Programs may offer early learning, meals, screenings, and help for parents. Hours may be part-day, school-year, or another local schedule, so ask whether the care covers your work shift.
Use the federal Head Start locator to find a local program. Our Head Start guide explains what to ask about age rules, priority, enrollment, and waiting lists.
Quality First Scholarships
Some providers in Quality First offer scholarships for eligible low-income families with children from birth through age 5. The Quality First scholarship page says funds are limited and not offered in every Arizona region. Ask a participating provider if it has a current scholarship and how to apply. A scholarship may not cover all fees.
Local and school help
Ask your school, college, training program, or employer whether it offers campus care, a child care grant, emergency funds, or a schedule change. If tuition, books, and care costs all affect your classes, our Arizona scholarships guide may help you ask the school about other funds; it is not a promise that education aid can pay for child care.
Arizona community groups, Tribal programs, local early learning centers, and family resource centers may have other options. Use First Things First programs to look for services for young children and their families. If a child’s dental care costs are also affecting work or child care, see our Arizona dental care guide for coverage and clinic paths.
What to do if you are denied or delayed
Read the written DES notice first. Ask what rule caused the denial, what proof is missing, or why care was reduced or stopped. Keep the letter and proof that you sent your documents. Ask for a supervisor or eligibility specialist if a missing document or a coding mistake caused the delay.
Child care appeals have a short clock. Arizona’s child care hearing rule says a person who wants to challenge a negative action should file a written fair hearing request within 10 calendar days of the notice date. Do not use SNAP’s 90-day deadline or Cash Assistance’s different appeal period for a child care decision. Check the current notice and ask DES at once if the clock has started. The DES document center lists the Fair Hearing Request form CCA-0041A. The DES child care decision policy explains approvals and denials.
A fair hearing may cover a denial, failure to act within the rule’s time, a reduction, or an incorrect fee. Ask DES what you need to write, where to send the request, and how to prove it arrived. If you cannot resolve a service problem through your specialist, the DES Ombudsman can explain how to request help. The Ombudsman is not a substitute for filing an appeal on time.
For help with hearing papers, custody, child welfare, or safety issues, our Arizona legal help guide points to local legal resources. This guide is information, not legal advice. A lawyer or legal aid advocate can help with case-specific rules.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using last year’s income table. Ask for the FY2027 DES chart and your case type.
- Filing two applications. Follow one route and check status before sending another.
- Starting paid care too early. Get provider and hours authorized by DES first.
- Missing a waiting-list release letter. Check mail and reply by the stated date.
- Leaving out provider fees. Ask for the full weekly or monthly cost in writing.
- Not reporting a change. Notify DES about work, household, address, or provider changes as required.
- Waiting to challenge a denial. Check the child care appeal deadline right away.
Backup plan while you wait
Make a plan that does not depend on one opening or one approval. Apply to DES if you may qualify; then call at least three providers, including one close to work or school. Ask for sliding-scale charges, sibling discounts, temporary openings, and any scholarships. Ask your school or employer if there is a short-term schedule or attendance option.
Use 211 or a local family resource center for food, diapers, transport, and bill help if those costs make child care harder. Keep a short list with each provider’s name, opening date, fee, and callback time. If you receive a DES notice, deal with that first.
Phone scripts you can use
Ask DES about your case
“Hello. I applied for child care help on [date]. Can you check whether my application is complete, whether I am on the waiting list, and what proof I still need? Can you tell me the due date?”
Ask about a waiting-list exception
“I get Cash Assistance or have a Jobs, DCS, Tribal, or other referral. Could my case qualify for a waiting-list exception? Who needs to send the referral, and how can I check that DES got it?”
Call a child care provider
“Do you take DES Child Care Assistance? Do you have room for a child age [age] during [hours]? Could you tell me all fees I would pay if DES helps?”
Call CCR&R
“I need child care near [ZIP code] for [hours]. I need [infant, evening, disability support, or language help]. Can you help me find providers with openings that may accept DES?”
Resumen en español
En Arizona, el programa Child Care Assistance de DES puede ayudar a pagar el cuidado infantil mientras usted trabaja, estudia o cumple con otra actividad aprobada. DES paga al proveedor, pero usted puede tener un copago y otros cargos.
Hay lista de espera para la mayoría de familias nuevas. Aun así, puede solicitar ayuda. DES publicó una tabla nueva de ingresos y tarifas para el año fiscal 2027, vigente desde el 1 de agosto de 2026. Pida a DES la tabla CCA-0229A-FY27. Guarde sus cartas, avise si cambian sus datos y responda pronto a las fechas indicadas. Para hablar con DES, llame al 1-833-947-6396; para buscar proveedores, llame al 1-800-308-9000.
Si recibe una carta de rechazo, pregunte de inmediato por el plazo para una audiencia. Para decisiones de cuidado infantil, el plazo general de apelación es de 10 días calendario desde la fecha del aviso.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single mother get help with child care in Arizona?
Yes. DES Child Care Assistance may pay part of the cost for an eligible child while a parent or guardian works, studies, trains, or meets another approved need. Most new families may face a waiting list.
Is DES child care free?
Not always. DES pays the approved provider. Your family may owe a copay, any amount over the DES payment, and extra provider fees. Ask for the full cost before you enroll.
What is the Arizona child care income limit in 2026–27?
Most new income-tested cases use 165% of the federal poverty level. DES issued a new FY2027 chart effective August 1, 2026. Check form CCA-0229A-FY27 for your family size and ask DES about exceptions or renewal rules.
Can I apply while the waiting list is open?
Yes. DES accepts applications. You may be placed on the waiting list if you meet basic rules but do not qualify for an exception. Being on the list does not guarantee child care payment.
Who may be exempt from the child care waiting list?
Some DES Jobs Program, Cash Assistance, Transitional Child Care, DCS, or Tribal child welfare cases may have an exception. Ask your DES specialist to check the right referral and case rules.
How long do I have to answer a waiting-list release letter?
DES says its release notice invites families to apply or update details within 10 days of the date on the notice. Follow the exact instructions and call DES right away if the letter arrives late.
How do I find a provider that takes DES?
Use Arizona’s child care provider search and call CCR&R at 1-800-308-9000. Ask the provider about openings, your hours, current DES approval, and all fees.
What if DES denies child care assistance?
Read the notice, ask what proof or rule caused the decision, and act quickly. Arizona’s child care rules generally give 10 calendar days from the negative-action notice date to file a written fair hearing request. Ask DES or legal aid for help if needed.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified October 31, 2026; next review January 29, 2027.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.
Last updated: October 31, 2026 Next review: January 29, 2027