Denver Child Care Assistance (CCCAP) 2026–27: The Enrollment Freeze, Income Limits, and What to Do Now
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) helps low-income families pay for child care while parents work, look for work, go to school, or get treatment. In Denver it's run by Denver Human Services (DHS) as Denver CCAP. Right now, Denver has an enrollment freeze for all new applicants. Most families can't start benefits yet, but they can still get on the list that will be invited first if the freeze lifts.
This guide explains the freeze, the new income limits that took effect October 1, 2026, how to protect your spot, and other child care help you can use in the meantime.
Last checked October 2026. The freeze is indefinite, so check Denver Human Services for updates.
The Freeze: What It Means
Denver Human Services says Denver County's CCAP is on an enrollment freeze for all new applicants because program costs exceeded available funding.
Current families keep their benefits. DHS says no one will lose benefits because of the freeze, as long as you turn in your redetermination packet by the due date. If you're late, you could lose care.
New families can join the freeze list. Fill out DHS's pre-screen eligibility questionnaire on the Denver CCAP page. DHS reviews it, and if you're approved, you're added to the freeze list.
The freeze list gets priority. DHS says that if the freeze lifts, it will invite people on the freeze list to apply before new applicants.
Renew your spot every year. DHS will contact you annually to recertify your place on the freeze list. If you don't, you lose your spot.
How it ends. DHS says the freeze is indefinite. When it lifts, DHS will either start a waitlist for priority groups or reopen applications.
Colorado Works families: DHS says child care through Colorado Works isn't affected. If you move from Colorado Works to low-income CCAP, your case manager handles the transition.
Child welfare families: Child Welfare continues to provide 90 days of care through its block grant. After that, families can apply for low-income CCAP, but they'll be placed on the freeze list.
Income Limits (Effective October 1, 2026)
Denver uses two limits: a lower one when you first apply and a higher one when you renew.
Gross monthly income limit at application (225% of the Federal Poverty Level):
2 people: $4,057.50
3 people: $5,122.50
4 people: $6,187.50
5 people: $7,252.50
6 people: $8,317.50
Gross monthly income limit during recertification (85% of State Median Income):
2 people: $6,992.69
3 people: $8,638.03
4 people: $10,283.37
5 people: $11,928.71
6 people: $13,574.05
Use your household's income before taxes. DHS staff verify income as part of the process.
Statewide rules: The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) says each county sets its own limits, but every county must serve families at or below 185% of the federal poverty guideline, and no county can serve families above 85% of State Median Income. Since July 1, 2023, you don't have to cooperate with Child Support Services to get CCCAP.
Who Qualifies
CDEC says CCCAP helps families that are:
Working
Searching for work
In school
Participating in substance use disorder treatment
Experiencing homelessness
Enrolled in Colorado Works
Denver CCAP serves children from birth to age 13.
You choose your own provider. CDEC says this can be a licensed child care center, a licensed family child care home, or a friend, neighbor, or relative caretaker.
If You Already Have Denver CCAP
The freeze makes it more important than ever not to lose your case.
Turn in your redetermination on time. CCCAP sends a redetermination form every 12 months. Return it with verification, such as 30 days of pay stubs and your work schedule. Email it to denverccap@denvergov.org.
Report changes the right way. DHS says don't use Colorado PEAK for changes or updates. Email denverccap@denvergov.org, fax 720-944-3330, or drop off the Denver CCAP Change Form at a DHS location marked "ATTN: CCAP."
Change deadlines: The Colorado redetermination form says you must report in writing within 10 calendar days if household income goes over 85% of SMI, and within four weeks if your qualifying activity (like your job or school) changes.
Processing times: DHS says it normally takes 15 days to process applications and redeterminations, but because of high volume it may take 30 to 60 days. Send your packet early.
Parent fees: If you have income, you may owe a monthly parent fee to your provider based on gross income, household size, and the number of children in care. Pay it at the beginning of each month, even if you change providers, or benefits may end. The amount is on your Authorization Eligibility Notice. Providers can't charge more than the county rate for authorized care, but they can charge for extra hours and late pick-ups.
Hardship request: If the fee is too high, submit DHS's CCAP Hardship Request Form to your caseworker at denverccap@denvergov.org.
Attendance tracking: You must check your child in and out with the state's Attendance Tracking System. Never share your PIN with your provider.
Your Checklist This Week
New to CCCAP? Fill out Denver's pre-screen questionnaire now. A spot on the freeze list is the only way to get priority later.
Check your income against the at-application limits above, using gross monthly income.
Gather proof now: recent pay stubs, a work or school schedule, and ID for your household. CDEC says that when you first apply, your worker may call your employer, and you'll have 30 days to provide written verification of your job or school program. If you don't, you won't get benefits.
Set a reminder for your yearly freeze-list recertification.
Line up backup care through 2-1-1, Head Start, or the Denver Preschool Program.
Moving to Denver With CCCAP From Another County
DHS says you don't need to reapply right away. Your current county covers you until your redetermination date. When the packet comes, send it to Denver CCAP by email or fax.
Other Child Care Help While You Wait
Find a provider: The Colorado Shines Child Care Referrals team at Mile High United Way can help you find providers, including ones that accept CCAP. Call 2-1-1 or email childcarereferrals@unitedwaydenver.org.
Preschool for 4-year-olds: The Denver Preschool Program helps families with 4-year-olds find and pay for preschool.
Ages 3 to 5: Denver Great Kids Head Start helps families with children ages 3 to 5.
Colorado Universal Preschool: Ask your provider or the CDEC line, 1-800-799-5876, about free preschool hours through the state's universal preschool program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for CCCAP in Denver right now?
You can't start benefits, but you can fill out the pre-screen questionnaire to join the freeze list. People on the freeze list get priority if the freeze lifts.
How long will the Denver freeze last?
DHS says it's indefinite.
Do I have to pursue child support to get CCCAP?
No. CDEC says child support cooperation hasn't been required since July 1, 2023.
Can my mom watch my kids and get paid by CCCAP?
CDEC says CCCAP can pay a friend, neighbor, or relative caretaker. Ask your county about its requirements for that type of provider.
What if I miss my redetermination deadline?
DHS says you could lose your benefits, and with the freeze in place, you may not be able to get back in. Submit early.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Comments