Can I Get Help Paying a Family Member, Friend, or Neighbor to Care for My Child?

Many California families prefer having a grandparent, aunt, friend, or neighbor care for their children. This type of arrangement—known as Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) care—often feels more comfortable and trusted, and can fit better with work schedules, cultural preferences, or a child's specific needs.

The good news? California's child care subsidy programs can help pay your FFN caregiver—even without a child care license. And if your caregiver is a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, they may be exempt from background check requirements, making the process even simpler.

FFN care is a type of license-exempt care, meaning the caregiver doesn't need a state child care license. FFN providers include:

An individual FFN provider may only care for one family's children (plus their own children). This is different from licensed family child care homes, which can care for multiple families.

Yes. If you qualify for subsidized child care in California, you can choose a family member, friend, or neighbor as your paid provider. The subsidy program pays your caregiver directly for the hours of care they provide.

Important: Grandparents, aunts, and uncles have an easier path—they are exempt from TrustLine background check requirements (more details below).

Several programs allow you to choose your own provider, including FFN caregivers:

CalWORKs Child Care (Stages 1, 2, and 3) For families currently receiving CalWORKs cash aid or transitioning off the program. Families now receive 24 months of continuous eligibility before needing to recertify (as of January 2025).

Alternative Payment (AP) Programs For income-eligible working families who are not on CalWORKs but need help paying for child care.

Other Programs Migrant Child Care and other specialized programs also allow FFN provider choice.

Through all of these programs, you choose your own provider and the subsidy pays them directly through a voucher system.

TrustLine is California's official background check registry for license-exempt child care providers. Providers registered with TrustLine have:

The following relatives do not need to register with TrustLine, even when receiving subsidy payments:

These relatives sign a Declaration of Exemption form instead.

All other FFN providers receiving subsidy payments must complete TrustLine registration:

TrustLine registration details:

👉 Learn more at TrustLine.org or call 1-800-822-8490

Your FFN caregiver must meet these requirements:

The following individuals cannot be paid as your child care provider through a subsidy:

Note: A grandparent or other relative living in your household CAN be a paid provider, as long as they are not part of your CalWORKs Assistance Unit. In-home care (where the provider comes to your home) is also allowed.

Step 1: Find out if you qualify Contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral (R&R) agency or county social services office. Eligibility is based on:

Step 2: Tell them you want to use an FFN provider When you apply or update your child care plan, let them know you've chosen a family member, friend, or neighbor as your caregiver.

Step 3: Your caregiver completes provider enrollment Depending on their relationship to your child:

Your R&R agency will guide your caregiver through this process.

Step 4: Once approved, your FFN provider gets paid Payments go directly to your caregiver based on the hours of care provided. If TrustLine registration is required, retroactive payments can be made for up to 120 days once registration clears.

Good news for many families—you may pay nothing:

These fee reductions are now permanent under California law.

If a grandparent, aunt, friend, or other trusted person is already caring for your child without pay, and you become eligible for a subsidy, they may be able to start receiving payment for that care.

This can be a meaningful way to recognize and compensate the important work they're already doing for your family.

Can my mom or grandma get paid to watch my grandchild in California? Yes. If you qualify for a child care subsidy, grandparents can be paid providers. Grandparents are also exempt from TrustLine registration—they just need to sign a Declaration of Exemption form.

Do grandparents need a TrustLine background check? No. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles (by blood, marriage, or court decree) are exempt from TrustLine requirements.

Can a family member who lives with me be my paid child care provider? It depends. A grandparent or other relative living in your home can be paid, as long as they are not a member of your CalWORKs Assistance Unit (AU). Parents, legal guardians, and step-parents cannot be paid providers.

How much does California pay license-exempt FFN providers?

Payment rates vary by county and are based on the Regional Market Rate (RMR) ceilings set by the California Department of Social Services. License-exempt FFN providers are reimbursed at 70% of the Family Child Care Home rate for their county.

Rates also vary by:

👉 Look up your county's rates: CDSS Reimbursement Ceilings for Subsidized Child Care

Contact your local R&R agency for help understanding what rates apply to your situation.

How long does it take to get approved? Timeline varies, but TrustLine registration (if required) takes about 2 weeks for California residents. Exempt relatives can often be approved faster since they don't need TrustLine.

What's the difference between CalWORKs Stage 1, 2, and 3?

All three stages now provide 24 months of continuous eligibility.

Your local Child Care Resource & Referral (R&R) agency provides free assistance with:

R&R agencies serve every California county.

👉 Find your local R&R:

👉 TrustLine questions: