Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors Application

Please Do Not continue on and create another
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) application:

  • If you already have an active CCS case and are reporting changes, adding documents or adding family members, please contact the Child Care Subsidy Unit at 1-855-643-1643 or by email at HawaiiCCSU@dhs.hawaii.gov;
  • If you are participating with a First-To-Work unit, please contact your Case Manager to request child care subsidies; or
  • If you have already submitted an application and are waiting for a decision on your eligibility for child care.

Before you can submit your application,
you must upload all required verifications.

Click Here to learn more about what you may need to submit.

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Guidelines

Instructions

This application consists of 9 sections, and it is imperative to complete each section before proceeding to the next. To ensure the security of your information, please refrain from leaving your application unattended, as it could pose a potential security risk.

Although the initial section may be optional, we strongly recommend its completion as it aids in assessing your eligibility for child care subsidy.

It is important to note that while the pre-eligibility section provides assistance in evaluating an applicant's potential eligibility, only a fully submitted application (sections 2 - 9) will be taken into consideration during the final review process.

The final decision on acceptance will be based on the completed application submission.

Starting from section 4, it is possible to save your progress and resume at a later time. To access an application in progress, kindly navigate to the Continue Application page with your Tracking Number.

Should you encounter any difficulties during the application process or if you identify any inaccuracies, please feel free to reach out by sending an email to HawaiiCCSU@dhs.hawaii.gov.

Child Care Subsidy Eligibility Requirements

  1. Child must be under age 13, or 13 through 18, and unable to care for self.
    • Written verification from a state-licensed physician or psychologist if child is 13 through 18 and unable to care for self will be required.
  2. Child must be a US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
    • If not born in the US: US passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship or permanent resident card ("Green Card") will be required.
  3. Child for whom assistance is being requested must reside with the applicant.
  4. Income eligibility for the household size (see CCS program info here).
  5. Parent(s)/guardian(s) must be (select all that apply):
    • Employed or attending school or a job training program; Employment verification or school registration which shows credits/hours enrolled or job training program enrollment will be required.
    • At risk of losing employment because child care is needed.
    • Offered a job and need child care to start employment. Offer of job verification will be required.
    • Receiving Child Protective Services (CPS);Child Welfare Services (CWS) court-ordered Family Service Plan or the Foster Custody Placement Agreement will be required.
  6. Family will select the child care provider that meets DHS requirements and the needs of the family and child(ren).
  7. If applying for the Child Care Subsidy program you may file your application if your child care starts in 30 days.

Preschool Open Doors Eligibility Requirements

  1. Child must turn 3 years old by 7/31, or 4 years old by 12/31, or 5 years old between 8/1 through 12/31 of the applying program year (the school year that the child will be attending preschool). Priority is given to children:
    • who received POD service the previous school year;
    • are eligible to enter kindergarten at the start of the following school year;
    • who qualify as a special population (underserved or at-risk).
  2. Child for whom assistance is being requested must reside with the applicant.
  3. Income eligibility for the household size (see POD program info here).
  4. Supporting documentation required to determine family's eligibility.
    • Gross Monthly Income
    • Child’s Age
    • Custodial/Guardianship or Foster Custody Placement Agreement

Child Care Subsidy Required Documents

  • For parents/guardians: Identification, copies of court decrees, custody agreements, legal guardianship, verification of relationship to child (e.g. power of attorney), income verification, pay stubs, self-employment documents (e.g. G-45, tax form, General Excise tax license, tax returns, income & business expenses), school/training registration, verification of permanent disability.
  • For children: Copies of birth certificates for all children, citizenship/lawful permanent resident verification, court decree or custodial documentation.
  • For all: The provision of a social security number and copies of the social security card for all household members listed on the application is strictly voluntary. Failure to provide this information will not affect the application process or the amount of benefits you will receive. The use of social security numbers will be for agency use only as an internal identifier.

Preschool Open Doors Required Documents

  • For parents/guardians: Identification, copies of court decrees, custody agreements, legal guardianship, verification of relationship to child (e.g. power of attorney), income verification, pay stubs, self-employment documents (e.g. G-45, tax form, General Excise tax license, tax returns, income & business expenses).
  • For children: Copies of birth certificates for all children, other government issued documents that verifies date of birth, court decree or custodial documentation.
  • For all: The provision of a social security number and copies of the social security card for all household members listed on the application is strictly voluntary. Failure to provide this information will not affect the application process or the amount of benefits you will receive. The use of social security numbers will be for agency use only as an internal identifier.

Next Steps

After completing the application, you will be taken to the Application Review page. You may return to this page using your Tracking Number to view updates on your application status.