How do I get childcare assistance in North Dakota?

Apply through North Dakota Child Care Assistance. Families of 4 earning under $59,892/year may qualify.

What is the income limit for childcare subsidies in North Dakota?

For a family of 4, the income limit is approximately $59,892/year (85% of state median income).

Childcare Subsidies in North Dakota

Financial assistance programs to help North Dakota families pay for daycare and childcare.

$59,892

Income limit (family of 4)

85%

of state median income

$10,926

Avg infant care cost/yr

North Dakota Child Care Assistance

Relatively high income limits for a low-cost state.

Am I Eligible?

1. Family income is below $59,892/year for a family of 4 (85% of state median income)

2. Parent/guardian is working, in school, or in an approved training program

3. Child is under 13 years old (or under 19 with special needs)

4. Child is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen

5. Family resides in North Dakota

Apply for North Dakota Child Care Assistance

How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in North Dakota

Application Process

Apply for North Dakota's Child Care Assistance through the North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) online at applyforhelp.nd.gov or at your local Human Service Zone office (formerly county social services). The online application is straightforward and North Dakota's smaller population means processing is efficient. Documents needed include proof of income, ND residency, Social Security numbers, and verification of work or education activity. Processing takes 2-3 weeks, which is faster than the national average.

Co-Pay Structure

North Dakota's co-pay is based on family income and size. The income ceiling of $59,892 for a family of four is relatively generous for a low-cost-of-living state, meaning the subsidy goes further in North Dakota than in many states. Co-pays start at $0 for families below the poverty line and increase moderately. A family earning $40,000 might pay $50-$100/month. Co-pays are assessed per family. The state reviews and adjusts the co-pay schedule periodically.

Waitlist Reality

North Dakota does not have a waitlist for child care assistance. All eligible families are served promptly. The state's oil revenue has helped fund adequate CCDF supplements. However, the child care provider shortage is severe in western North Dakota (the Bakken oil region) and rural areas. Communities like Williston, Watford City, and Dickinson have experienced acute child care deserts. Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks have better provider availability.

Additional Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota does not have a universal state pre-K program, but some school districts offer preschool programs. Head Start is available in many communities, particularly on the state's reservations (Turtle Mountain, Standing Rock, Fort Berthold, Spirit Lake). Tribal child care programs provide additional support for Native families. North Dakota offers a state income tax credit for childcare expenses. The state's Bright & Early quality framework is being developed to rate providers.

Tips for North Dakota Parents

Apply through applyforhelp.nd.gov for the fastest processing. If you are in western North Dakota, start your provider search immediately, as the oil patch area has the worst child care shortage in the state. Contact the ND Child Care Resource and Referral network for help finding providers. If you are on a reservation, contact your tribal child care program in addition to applying for state assistance. Family child care homes are important in rural ND; many smaller communities have a family child care home but no center.

Federal Programs Available Everywhere

Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit

Claim 20-35% of childcare expenses on your federal taxes.

Max expenses (1 child) $3,000

Max expenses (2+ children) $6,000

Credit percentage 20-35%

Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)

Employer-sponsored pre-tax account for childcare expenses. Reduces taxable income.

Max annual contribution $5,000

Tax benefit Pre-tax (reduces taxable income)

Head Start / Early Head Start

Free federally funded program for children from low-income families. Head Start: ages 3-5. Early Head Start: birth to 3.

Eligibility: At or below federal poverty level (family of 4: ~$31,200 in 2024).

See Daycare Costs in North Dakota

Compare childcare prices across 53 counties in North Dakota. Center-based infant care averages $10,926/year.

View North Dakota daycare costs →