DSS announces childcare assistance waitlist effective November 1

Published on October 28, 2025

Due to limited funding, the Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) will implement a waitlist for new applications and recertifications for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) starting November 1, 2025.

DSS will continue accepting new applications. However, complete and eligible applications and recertifications will be placed on a waitlist until additional funding becomes available. Only applications and recertifications that meet eligibility requirements will be added to the waitlist. Families must complete the application and eligibility process to be placed on the list.

When funding is restored, DSS will process waitlisted cases in accordance with federal and state priority guidelines.

Recertification exceptions

Families who are currently receiving childcare assistance will remain eligible if they fall under one or more of the following federally defined priority groups:

Families experiencing homelessness
Families with income below 300% of the State Income Standard (SIS)
Families with children who have special needs

Who is not affected

Foster and protective childcare cases will continue without interruption.
Temporary Assistance cases will also continue without interruption.

What applicants can expect

Once an application is complete and eligibility is confirmed, the family will be placed on a waitlist and notified when additional funding becomes available.
Applicants will be contacted by a member of the CCAP Unit when it is time to reapply. Applications older than 30 days must be resubmitted with updated documentation.

For questions or assistance, contact the Tompkins County Department of Social Services Child Care Unit by email at dfa3a50.dl.childcare@dfa.state.ny.us or visit tompkinscountyny.gov/socialservices/childcare.