State officials say all eligible families can again apply for Child Care Assistance Program benefits, a change with immediate affordability implications for working parents across New Jersey.
TRENTON, NJ The New Jersey Department of Human Services said on April 9, 2026 that it has fully reopened the Child Care Assistance Program, restoring access for all eligible families seeking child care help. The department said the program supports income-eligible parents who are working, attending school, or participating in job training.
Officials said new applications are being accepted now because some families have transitioned off the program. After applicants submit the required documents, the state said local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies will review the application and make an eligibility decision within 30 days. Families can also be routed through MyNJHelps and may be eligible for other options, including Head Start or free preschool offered by their school district.
The department said $18 million in the governor’s proposed budget would expand capacity further, with the state anticipating service for up to 77,500 children in FY 2027. It also said New Jersey has invested more than $1 billion in new child care funding since 2018 and that provider payment rates have more than doubled during that period.