Get Help Paying for Child Care

Child care can be one of the largest expenses for families. Several programs and resources are available to help families in Alaska pay for child care. 

Some programs provide direct financial assistance, while others offer tax credits, employer benefits, or discounts through child care providers. 

Alaska’s child care assistance program is called Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS) and helps eligible families pay for child care so parents can work, attend school, or participate in job training programs. 

Depending on eligibility and income, families may receive assistance for some or all of their child care costs. Some families may contribute toward the cost of care through a sliding fee scale, which means the amount families pay is based on income and family size. 

Apply for Child Care Assistance 

Families in Alaska can apply for child care assistance through the Alaska Child Care Information System (AKCCIS). 

Families who need help completing an application or have questions about eligibility can contact their regional Child Care Assistance office listed below. If you have questions regarding Child Care Assistance contact your local Child Care Assistance Regional Office.   

PASS Child Care Assistance Programs

Child care assistance in Alaska is provided through the Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS) program. PASS includes several program categories designed to support families in different situations. 

PASS I

For families receiving Cash Assistance through the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP). Families request PASS I child care assistance through their assigned work services case manager. 

PASS II

For families transitioning from ATAP whose case has closed with earned income. Families must complete and submit the CC08 Child Care Assistance Application to their regional Child Care Assistance office. 

PASS III 

For families who are working or attending school but are not eligible for ATAP. Families must submit the CC08 application and meet income and non-income eligibility requirements. 

PASS IV

For children involved with the Office of Children’s Services (OCS). Families caring for children receiving OCS services must contact their OCS case manager regarding PASS IV child care assistance. 

Child Care Assistance Program and Other Government Programs

Government programs can help eligible families pay for child care so parents can work, attend school, or participate in training programs. 

In Alaska, the Child Care Assistance Program, Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS) helps families pay for care provided by approved child care providers. Families who qualify may receive assistance that helps cover part or all of their child care costs. 

Depending on eligibility, families may contribute toward the cost of care through a sliding fee scale, based on family size and income.  

You can apply or renew online for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) on the 
Alaska Child Care Information System (AKCCIS)

If it is your first time using AKCCIS, you will need to first create an account, which will allow you access to the portal. 

If you are approved for Child Care Assistance, you will be able to view your child care authorization document(s) and important notices that require your attention.  

Please contact your regional Child Care Assistance office with questions and for assistance. 

Additional information about child care financial assistance is available at ChildCare.gov.

Military families may also qualify for additional child care assistance through programs supported by the U.S. Department of Defense.  

Local and Provider-Specific Discounts

Some child care providers offer discounts or financial assistance programs that help reduce the cost of care. 

Examples may include: 

• Discounts for siblings enrolled at the same program 
• Reduced rates for part-time schedules 
• Sliding fee scales offered by individual providers 
• Scholarships or tuition assistance offered by child care programs or community organizations 

Families may want to ask providers directly about available discounts or payment options when contacting programs. 

Work and School Benefits

Some employers, schools, or training programs offer benefits that help families pay for child care. 

Examples may include: 

• Employer-sponsored child care assistance programs 
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) 
• Child care subsidies through job training programs 
• Scholarships or child care support for students attending college or workforce training 

Families may want to ask their employer, school, or training program whether child care assistance benefits are available. 

Native Population and American Indian Programs

Some tribal governments and American Indian or Alaska Native organizations offer child care assistance programs for eligible families. These programs may provide financial assistance for child care or early learning services and may operate independently from the State of Alaska Child Care Assistance Program. 

Families who are members of a federally recognized tribe may be eligible for child care assistance through their tribal government. Tribal child care programs are funded through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and are administered by individual tribal organizations. 

Families may wish to contact their tribal government or tribal social services office to learn about programs available in their community. 

You can also find tribal child care assistance contacts by state through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Child Care (OCC).

Tax Credits and Financial Supports

Families may also receive help paying for child care through federal tax credits. 

One of the most common is the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which allows eligible families to claim a portion of their child care expenses when filing federal taxes. 

Some families may also be able to use Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through their employer to pay for child care expenses using pre-tax income. 

Families should consult a tax professional or review official guidance to determine eligibility. 

Learn more about the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit from the Internal Revenue Service.