Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
Virginia’s main child care help is the Child Care Subsidy Program, often called CCSP. It can pay part of the cost of care directly to an approved provider while you work, look for work, attend school, or take part in an approved training activity. The program is not only for single mothers, but many single-parent families use it because child care is one of the biggest work costs.
Start with the official Child Care VA page for rules, then use CommonHelp to apply online. If you cannot apply online, ask your local DSS office for the paper application and help with the interview.
Many Virginia localities have waitlists when all funded slots are full. Apply anyway. You do not need to have a provider chosen to get on the waitlist, but you will need a participating provider before care can be authorized.
If you need child care right now
If you may lose work, school, housing, or safety because you do not have child care, do not wait for one online form to solve everything. Apply for CCSP, but also call 2-1-1, your local DSS office, and Child Care Aware of Virginia on the same day.
- Call 2-1-1 or search 211 Virginia for local help with food, shelter, diapers, transportation, utility bills, and child care referrals.
- Call the state child care family support line at 855-635-4370 and press 1 for family support.
- Call Child Care Aware of Virginia at 866-543-7852 and ask for providers with openings that accept subsidy.
- If a provider is unsafe or may be operating illegally, use the complaint page or call the Office of Child Care Health and Safety at 833-778-0204.
Where to start
1. Apply for CCSP
Apply even if you think there may be a waitlist. Your application date can matter. Save your confirmation number and keep copies of anything you upload.
2. Call your local office
Ask whether your city or county has a waitlist, what documents they need, and whether your work, job search, school, or training activity counts.
3. Search for care
Look for a provider early. Use the state tools, but also call programs directly because openings change faster than websites.
4. Build a backup plan
Apply for Head Start, VPI, Mixed Delivery, and local help while you wait. These programs can have their own lists and deadlines.
For a broader support plan, keep the child care help guide open, then use the Virginia help page to connect child care with food, housing, utilities, and job support.
Quick reference table
| Need | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Help paying for child care | Apply for CCSP through CommonHelp or your local DSS office. | Some localities have waitlists when slots are full. |
| Find a provider | Use the state search and call Child Care Aware of Virginia. | Not every provider accepts subsidy or has openings. |
| Care for ages 0 to 5 | Apply for Head Start, Early Head Start, VPI, or Mixed Delivery. | Each program has its own age rules and openings. |
| School-age care | Ask the school division, parks and recreation, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and 2-1-1. | Summer and afterschool spots can fill early. |
| Denied, closed, or delayed case | Ask for the reason in writing and file an appeal if needed. | Appeal deadlines matter, so keep every notice. |
Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program
CCSP helps eligible families pay for child care for children under age 13. It may also help with care for a child with special needs under age 18. If you are approved, Virginia pays a participating child care provider directly, and you pay your family copay plus any approved charges that are still your responsibility.
Who may qualify
You must live in Virginia and need child care because you are working, looking for work, in school, in training, receiving child protective services, taking part in VIEW, or taking part in a SNAP Employment and Training activity. You also must give required proof for your child, such as citizenship or lawful presence documentation and immunization information, unless an exception or temporary rule applies.
Income limits are based on household size and locality rules. Do not guess based only on gross pay. A caseworker decides what income counts. If you recently lost hours, changed jobs, started school, separated from a partner, or became homeless, tell the worker because your current situation matters.
How to apply
The fastest route for most families is the subsidy application page, which points to the online form and paper application. If you apply online, choose child care services and upload documents from your phone if possible. If you need paper, ask DSS to mail the application or let you pick it up.
Virginia says applications are reviewed within 30 days, but a review is not the same as a guaranteed start date. A complete application can still go to a waitlist if your locality has no funded slots open.
Waitlists
Virginia reintroduced waitlists in many areas when demand is higher than available slots. Your local department can tell you whether a waitlist applies where you live. Families on a waitlist must update or confirm their information once per quarter to stay active. If your phone number, address, job, school, income, or family size changes, update your worker right away.
Copays and costs
Virginia updated the CCSP copayment scale effective July 1, 2025, with full implementation for families by September 1, 2025. The state uses Federal Poverty Guideline brackets and a family cap. The official copayment scale gives the current amounts and examples.
| Income bracket | Monthly copay per child | Family cap |
|---|---|---|
| Income is $0 | $0 | Maximum 5% of family income |
| More than 0% to 100% FPG | $5 | Maximum 5% of family income |
| 101% to 150% FPG | $125 | Maximum 5% of family income |
| 151% to 200% FPG | $175 | Maximum 5% of family income |
| 201% to 250% FPG | $225 | Maximum 5% of family income |
| 251% to 300% FPG | $275 | Maximum 5% of family income |
| 301% to 350% FPG | $325 | Maximum 5% of family income |
| 351% FPG to 85% SMI | $375 | Maximum 5% of family income |
Ask about the full parent portion
Your copay may not be your only cost. The state pays up to a maximum reimbursement rate based on locality, child age, and provider type. If a provider charges more than the state rate, you may owe the difference. Before you sign, ask the provider to write down the total monthly amount you must pay.
Documents checklist
You may not need every item below, but having them ready can prevent delays. If you are missing papers because you are homeless, fleeing unsafe housing, or recently separated, tell the worker. Virginia may allow conditional approval for a child experiencing homelessness for up to 90 days while documents are gathered.
| Document or information | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and residence | Photo ID, lease, shelter letter, mail, utility bill | Shows who is applying and where you live. |
| Child information | Birth certificate, citizenship or lawful presence proof, immunization record | Shows the child meets program rules. |
| Income | Pay stubs, employer letter, self-employment records, benefit notices | Helps DSS calculate eligibility and copay. |
| Activity schedule | Work schedule, class schedule, training letter, job search notes | Shows why child care is needed. |
| Provider information | Name, address, phone, subsidy vendor status | Needed before care can be authorized. |
Finding a provider that works
Use Virginia’s Find Care tool to search by locality, provider type, and subsidy provider status. You can also use the finding child care page to understand inspection reports, hours, ages served, capacity, and violations.
For personal help, call Child Care Aware at 866-543-7852. Ask for providers near your work, school, bus route, or home that accept subsidy and have space for your child’s age.
Do not choose only by price. Check hours, transportation, illness rules, late pickup fees, teacher turnover, inspection history, and how the provider handles emergencies. You can also review VQB5 profiles for publicly funded early childhood programs in Virginia.
Backup options if CCSP is delayed or not enough
It is common to need more than one path. Apply for CCSP, then add the options below based on your child’s age and your schedule.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start serves many children from birth to age 5 from families with low income. Some children are eligible because they are in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or the family receives TANF, SSI, or SNAP. Use the Head Start locator and check the Head Start FAQ before you call.
Virginia Preschool Initiative
VPI uses state funds for quality preschool for at-risk three- and four-year-olds not served by Head Start. Local school divisions and community partners run programs, so apply through your local school division. The VPI page explains the state program.
Mixed Delivery
Mixed Delivery can provide publicly funded, full-day, year-round early care in eligible private settings. Availability depends on your Ready Region and provider openings. The Mixed Delivery page is a good place to start.
School-age care
Ask your school division, parks and recreation office, library, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, church, and 2-1-1 about afterschool or summer programs. Also check afterschool help for Virginia options.
If child care costs are part of a larger crisis, use emergency help, SNAP in Virginia, TANF in Virginia, and WIC in Virginia to lower other bills while you wait.
For housing, energy, work, or legal problems that make child care harder to keep, see housing help, utility help, job training, and legal help for next steps.
If your child has a disability or needs extra support, ask the provider and your worker what documentation is needed. The special-needs help guide can help you plan questions for school, Medicaid, and local services. For diapers, car seats, clothing, or baby supplies, try baby items and call local nonprofits.
Other help that can support child care
Virginia has 31 public and nonprofit Community Action agencies that may help with job training, housing support, and local referrals. Use the state community services page to find agencies and programs near you.
If you pay out of pocket for care so you can work or look for work, you may be able to claim the federal child and dependent care credit. The IRS credit page explains the tax credit. This is not immediate cash help, and tax rules can change, so use free tax help or a qualified tax preparer if you are unsure.
What to do if your case is denied, delayed, or confusing
Ask for the reason in writing. A denial may be about income, missing documents, activity hours, child age, provider status, or a missed interview. Do not rely only on a phone message if your deadline is close.
If you disagree with a decision, you may have appeal rights. The Virginia appeal page explains the fair hearing process, including notices, phone hearings, evidence, and appeal status help. The rights page can also point you to civil rights and review options.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing a call from DSS and not calling back the same day.
- Assuming you cannot apply because you do not have a provider yet.
- Ignoring quarterly waitlist updates.
- Choosing a provider before asking if they accept CCSP.
- Forgetting to report a new job, lost hours, new address, or school schedule change.
- Signing a provider contract without knowing the full parent portion.
Phone scripts
Call DSS about applying
“Hi, I am a Virginia resident and I need child care so I can work, job search, or attend school. I want to apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program. Can you tell me if my locality has a waitlist, what documents you need, and how I can keep my application active?”
Call about a waitlist
“I applied for CCSP and want to make sure I stay on the waitlist. When is my next update due? Do I need to confirm my information every quarter? Is there anything missing from my file?”
Call a provider
“Do you have openings for a child age ___? Do you accept Virginia child care subsidy? What is the total parent portion after subsidy, including registration, late pickup, meals, and any difference above the state rate?”
Call Child Care Aware
“I need help finding care near ___ that accepts subsidy. My child’s age is ___, and I need care during these hours: ___. Can you give me providers to call and tell me what to ask?”
Resumen en español
El programa principal en Virginia para ayudar con el costo del cuidado infantil se llama Child Care Subsidy Program, o CCSP. Puede ayudar a pagar una parte del cuidado si usted trabaja, busca trabajo, estudia o participa en una actividad aprobada.
Puede solicitar por CommonHelp o por medio de su oficina local de servicios sociales. Algunas áreas tienen lista de espera. Si necesita ayuda ahora, llame al 2-1-1, a su oficina local, o a Child Care Aware of Virginia al 866-543-7852.
Guarde copias de sus documentos, pregunte por el copago total, y confirme su información si está en lista de espera.
FAQ
Can single mothers get child care assistance in Virginia?
Yes. Single mothers may apply for Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy Program if they meet the program rules. Eligibility is based on Virginia residence, child age, need for care, activity such as work or school, income, documents, provider status, and local availability.
Do I need a provider before I apply for CCSP?
No. You can apply and be placed on a waitlist without having a provider chosen. You will need to choose a participating provider before child care can be authorized and paid.
How long does Virginia take to review a child care subsidy application?
Virginia says applications are reviewed within 30 days. A complete review does not always mean care starts right away because some localities have waitlists when funded slots are full.
What if I am homeless and missing documents?
Tell your local DSS worker right away. Virginia says a child experiencing homelessness may be conditionally approved for services for up to 90 days if required documents are not available at application time.
What else can help if CCSP has a waitlist?
Apply for Head Start, Early Head Start, VPI, Mixed Delivery, school-age programs, and local 2-1-1 resources. These options also may have limits, so apply early and ask about waitlists.
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 May 19, 2026, next review August 19, 2026.
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.