Note: New income-eligible voucher authorizations from the waitlist are currently on hold. See The Waitlist (0.4) for details. If you think you may qualify through a DTA or DCF referral, skip down to that section.

Ready to get started with childcare financial assistance? Here's what to do, step by step.

A note about terminology: In this system, "applying" can mean different things depending on your situation:

• Initial authorization — You're new to the system and getting your first voucher. This is what this page covers.
• Reauthorization (renewal) — You already have a voucher and it's time to prove you still qualify. See Reassessment (1.11).
• Waitlist placement — Funding isn't available, so you're placed on the waitlist to wait for an opening. See The Waitlist (0.4).

The word "application" is used loosely in official documents, but the processes are different. This page focuses on getting authorized for the first time.

Step 1: Contact Your Local CCR&R

Your Child Care Resource and Referral agency (CCR&R) is where the application process starts. They are also called Family Access Administrators.

How to find your CCR&R:

• Call Mass 211 — they can connect you to the CCR&R that serves your area
• In Metro Boston: Contact Childcare Choices of Boston (cccboston.org)
• Online: Search for your local CCR&R through the EEC website
• If you move: Search for your local CCR&R through the EEC website

Other places you can apply:

• Your local DTA office (if you receive TAFDC or SNAP)
• A contracted childcare program that participates in EEC financial assistance
• Any other location authorized by EEC

Step 2: Complete the Authorization Paperwork

You'll need to fill out a child care application and fee agreement on forms provided or approved by EEC. Your CCR&R will help you through this.

Step 3: Submit Your Documentation

After your CCR&R receives your paperwork, you have 30 days to submit documents that verify:

• Your identity
• Your Massachusetts residency
• Your child's citizenship or immigration status
• Your income
• Your service need (approved activity)
• Your family size and relationships

See What Documents Do I Need? (1.4) for the full list of what's accepted.

Tip: Start gathering your documents before you apply. Pay stubs, school enrollment letters, and birth certificates take time to collect.

Step 4: Eligibility Determination

Your CCR&R reviews your documentation and determines whether you meet the eligibility requirements. One of three things happens:

You're Approved

You receive an authorization — either a voucher or a contract slot — typically for 12 months. You can then choose a provider and start childcare.

You're Placed on the Waitlist

You meet the eligibility requirements, but funding isn't available right now. You're placed on the EEC centralized waitlist until a spot opens up. See The Waitlist (0.4).

You're Denied

If you don't meet the eligibility requirements, you'll receive a written notice explaining why. You have the right to appeal. See Your Voucher Was Denied (1.18).

What If I Don't Have an Approved Activity Yet?

If you're still looking for a job, waiting for school to start, or enrolled in a non-approved training program, you may qualify for a provisional authorization of 12 weeks. This gives you time to find and certify an approved activity.

• You must first be given 30 days to provide all eligibility documentation for a 12-month authorization. The provisional authorization is only issued after that 30-day period if you still cannot verify a service need.
• If you certify an activity before the 12 weeks are up: you get a full 12-month authorization
• If you have preliminary proof that an activity will start before the end of a second 12-week period: you may get an additional 12-week extension (one time only)
• If you still haven't certified by the end: your placement will end. You have 30 days from that point to provide documentation and reopen your case. After 30 days, you must re-enter the waitlist.

Provisional authorizations cannot be used:

• To combine with employment of 15 hours or more (see Pathway to Full-Time Employment in Service Need (1.3) instead)
• For parental leave
• For an activity verified to start within 30 days (you should receive a 12-month authorization instead)

In a two-parent household, each parent may use one provisional period, for a total of two during a 12-month authorization period.

What If I Have a DTA or DCF Referral?

The process is slightly different:

DTA referral (TAFDC/SNAP): DTA issues you a childcare referral. Bring or send it to your CCR&R. The referral covers most eligibility documentation — you'll mainly need to verify your identity. See DTA Referrals (1.12).

DCF referral: DCF issues a referral. Bring or send it to the CCR&R designated by EEC for DCF-related care. The referral covers eligibility documentation. See DCF Referrals (1.13).

After You're Approved

Once you have your authorization:

1. Choose a provider — see Choosing a Provider (1.6)
2. Understand your parent fee — see Parent Fees (1.8)
3. Know your responsibilities — keep your contact info current, report certain changes within 30 days, and make sure your child attends regularly
4. Mark your calendar — your authorization lasts 12 months, then you'll need to renew (see Reassessment (1.11))

---

Next Steps

• Find your CCR&R: Call Mass 211
• Gather your documents: See What Documents Do I Need? (1.4)
• Check if you qualify: See Am I Eligible? (1.1)
• Have questions about who to contact? See Who Does What? (0.2)