AL Arise Login: Complete Guide to Alabama’s Childcare Subsidy Portal, Family and Provider Access, Registration Process, Troubleshooting, and Mobile App Instructions

1. What is AL Arise Login? (System Overview)

AL Arise Login is the access point for Arise Care, Alabama’s comprehensive childcare management system designed to make childcare services easily accessible to families and convenient for providers. The system is administered by the Alabama Department of Human Resources’ Child Care Services Division and serves as the digital infrastructure for the state’s childcare subsidy program.

The Arise Care system replaced older paper-based processes with a modern, user-friendly online platform that streamlines everything from subsidy applications to attendance tracking to provider payments. Whether you’re a parent seeking childcare assistance or a licensed childcare provider looking to participate in the subsidy program, the AL Arise Login portal is your gateway to these services.

What Arise Care Does

The Arise Care system serves two primary user groups with distinct but interconnected needs. For families, the system provides a centralized place to apply for childcare subsidies, maintain their subsidy status by reporting changes in income or employment, identify and select qualified childcare providers from a searchable directory, track their children’s attendance at childcare facilities, and manage all documentation related to their childcare assistance.

For childcare providers, the system offers tools to apply for and maintain state licenses online, enroll as approved subsidy providers, submit attendance records and claims for payment, receive payments for services provided to subsidy-eligible families, and manage their provider profile and compliance documentation. This dual-portal approach ensures that both sides of the childcare assistance equation can work efficiently within a single, integrated system.

The Connection to Alabama’s Childcare Assistance Program

Arise Care is the technological backbone of Alabama’s subsidized childcare program, which exists to provide low- and moderate-income families with equal access to affordable and quality childcare services. The program recognizes that childcare is often a significant barrier to employment, education, and training for working families. By subsidizing childcare costs, the state helps parents maintain employment or pursue education while ensuring their children receive care in safe, licensed environments.

The program is funded through a combination of federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) dollars and state matching funds. Eligibility is based on family income, employment or educational status, and family size. The Arise Care system manages all aspects of this program digitally, from initial applications through ongoing eligibility monitoring and provider reimbursement.

2. AL Arise vs. Alabama Arise (Important Difference)

One of the most common sources of confusion for people searching for “AL Arise Login” is the similarity in names between two completely separate Alabama organizations: Arise Care (the childcare subsidy system) and Alabama Arise (the nonprofit advocacy organization). Despite the similar names, these organizations have different missions, serve different purposes, and have no affiliation with each other.

Arise Care (AL Arise Login)

Arise Care is Alabama’s childcare management and subsidy system. It’s a government program administered by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. When people search for “AL Arise Login,” they’re typically looking for access to this system. Arise Care provides direct services including childcare subsidies for eligible families, online licensing and compliance for childcare providers, payment processing for subsidy claims, and attendance tracking tools.

If you’re looking to apply for childcare assistance, track your child’s attendance, or manage your childcare provider business, you need Arise Care. The official portal is at al-arise-publicaccess.citigovcloud.com. For more information about housing and support programs in Alabama, you can explore resources like Alabama housing assistance programs.

Alabama Arise (Policy Advocacy Organization)

Alabama Arise is a completely separate nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on policy advocacy to reduce poverty in Alabama. This organization does not provide direct childcare services or manage any government subsidy programs. Instead, Alabama Arise conducts policy research and analysis on issues affecting low-income Alabamians, organizes grassroots advocacy campaigns, and trains citizens to participate in the policy-making process.

If you’re interested in advocating for policies that address poverty, joining a member-led organization, or learning about issues like tax reform, healthcare access, or voting rights, you’re looking for Alabama Arise. You can learn more about their work at Alabama Arise’s housing advocacy work. Their official website is alarise.org (note the different domain).

Quick Comparison Table

3. Family Portal: How to Access and Use

The Arise Care Family Portal is designed for parents and guardians who need childcare assistance. This portal allows families to manage every aspect of their childcare subsidy from a single, convenient online location.

Accessing the Family Portal

To access the Family Portal, navigate to the official login page at al-arise-publicaccess.citigovcloud.com/Account/FamilyLogin. You’ll need a valid username and password that you created during the registration process. If you’re a returning user but have forgotten your login credentials, there’s a “Forgot Password” link on the login page that will guide you through password recovery.

The login page is secure and uses encryption to protect your personal information. Always verify that you’re on the official Alabama government website before entering your credentials. Look for the “citigovcloud.com” domain in the URL and ensure your browser shows a secure connection (usually indicated by a padlock icon).

What You Can Do in the Family Portal

Once logged in to the Family Portal, you’ll have access to several key functions that help you manage your childcare assistance:

Apply for Childcare Subsidies: If you haven’t already applied for assistance, you can complete the entire application process online through the portal. The system will walk you through the required information, including household income, employment or educational status, family size, and childcare needs. You’ll also be able to upload supporting documentation electronically.

Maintain Your Subsidy: Childcare assistance isn’t a one-time approval. You’ll need to report changes in your circumstances, such as changes in employment, income, address, or household composition. The Family Portal makes it easy to submit these updates and maintain your eligibility without having to visit an office or mail paperwork.

Identify and Select Providers: The portal includes a searchable directory of licensed childcare providers who participate in the subsidy program. You can filter by location, type of care (center-based or home-based), age groups served, hours of operation, and other criteria. Once you’ve identified a provider that meets your needs, you can select them through the portal, which formally links your subsidy to that provider for payment purposes.

Track Attendance: One of the most important features of the Family Portal is attendance tracking. To receive subsidy payments, you must accurately document when your child is in care. The portal allows you to review attendance records submitted by your provider, report any discrepancies, and ensure that attendance data is complete and accurate. You can also use the mobile Arise Care Attendance app (covered in Section 6) to mark attendance in real-time.

View Subsidy Status and Payment History: The portal provides transparency into your subsidy status, showing when payments are processed to your provider, how much of your subsidy allocation has been used, and when your next eligibility review is due. This information helps you plan ahead and avoid service interruptions.

Step-by-Step: Logging Into the Family Portal

For families seeking additional housing support beyond childcare assistance, you might also be interested in learning about Section 8 housing voucher programs available in Alabama.

4. Provider Portal: How to Access and Use

The Arise Care Provider Portal is designed for licensed childcare centers, family childcare homes, and other childcare facilities that participate in Alabama’s subsidy program. This portal streamlines licensing, enrollment, attendance reporting, and payment processing.

Accessing the Provider Portal

Childcare providers access their portal from the main Arise Care homepage at al-arise-publicaccess.citigovcloud.com. On the homepage, you’ll see separate sections for families and providers. Click on the “Provider Portal Login” section and enter your provider username and password.

Provider credentials are separate from family credentials, even if you happen to be both a provider and a parent receiving subsidies. If you operate a childcare facility and also have children in care elsewhere, you’ll need two separate accounts: one as a provider and one as a family member.

What Providers Can Do in the Portal

The Provider Portal offers comprehensive tools for managing your childcare business’s interaction with the state subsidy program:

Apply for and Maintain Licenses: New providers can initiate the licensing application process online, submitting all required documentation electronically. Existing providers can renew licenses, update facility information, report changes in capacity or staff, and maintain compliance with state regulations all through the portal.

Enroll as a Subsidy Provider: Being licensed to operate a childcare facility doesn’t automatically enroll you in the subsidy program. Through the Provider Portal, you can complete the additional steps required to become an approved subsidy provider, which allows you to serve families receiving childcare assistance and receive payments directly from the state.

Submit Attendance and Claims: For each child you serve who receives subsidies, you must accurately track and report attendance. The Provider Portal includes tools for recording daily attendance, submitting monthly attendance summaries, and generating claims for payment based on the care you’ve provided. Timely and accurate attendance reporting is critical for ensuring you receive payment on schedule.

Receive Payments: Once you’ve submitted attendance records and claims, you can track the payment approval process through the portal. The system shows when claims are under review, approved, or paid, providing transparency into your cash flow. You can also access historical payment records for accounting and tax purposes.

Manage Provider Profile: Your provider profile includes important information about your facility, including contact information, hours of operation, age groups served, capacity, tuition rates, and program features. Keeping this information current ensures that families searching for childcare can find accurate details about your program.

Provider Resources and Training

The Arise Care system includes a dedicated Provider Resources section with tutorial videos, user guides, and step-by-step instructions for all major provider tasks. These resources cover topics like provider login and registration, completing your provider profile, submitting attendance records, generating and submitting claims, understanding payment schedules, and troubleshooting common issues.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources also offers periodic training webinars and workshops for providers. Information about these training opportunities is typically posted in the Provider Portal announcements section.

5. How to Register for an AL Arise Account

Before you can log in to Arise Care, you need to create an account. The registration process differs slightly depending on whether you’re a family member applying for assistance or a childcare provider enrolling in the system.

Family Registration Process

Families have two registration pathways depending on their situation:

New Applicants (First-Time Users): If this is your first time applying for childcare assistance in Alabama, you’ll use the “Register Family Benefit” option. Navigate to al-arise-publicaccess.citigovcloud.com/Account/RegisterFamilyBenefit and complete the new user registration form. You’ll need to provide basic information about your household, create a username and password, set up security questions for account recovery, and provide an email address for account notifications.

The system will create your account immediately, allowing you to log in and begin the application process. Note that creating an account doesn’t automatically approve you for benefits—you still need to complete the full application and provide required documentation for eligibility determination.

Returning Clients (With Registration Code): If you’ve previously received childcare assistance in Alabama or have been pre-registered by a DHR caseworker, you may have a registration code (typically your TAS Card Number). In this case, use the “Register With Code” option at al-arise-publicaccess.citigovcloud.com/Account/RegisterWithCode. Enter your registration code and last name to begin the account setup process.

This pathway links your online account to existing records in the DHR system, which can expedite processing if you’re reapplying after a break in services or if a caseworker has already started your file.

Provider Registration Process

Childcare providers must go through a more comprehensive registration process because the system needs to verify licensing status and gather detailed information about the facility:

From the Arise Care homepage, select the Provider Portal section and look for the “New Provider Registration” or similar link. You’ll need to have certain information ready before you begin, including your childcare facility license number (if you’re already licensed), your Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax and payment purposes, facility physical address and contact information, details about your program (capacity, ages served, hours of operation), and banking information for electronic payment deposits.

The provider registration process includes identity verification and background checks, so approval isn’t instant. The Alabama DHR will review your application, verify your license status, and approve your provider account before you can begin serving subsidy-eligible families and submitting claims. This process can take several business days to several weeks depending on the completeness of your application and the volume of applications being processed.

Registration Checklist

If you’re also exploring homeownership opportunities while managing childcare needs, you might want to learn about first-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance options available to Alabama families.

6. Arise Care Mobile App Guide

In addition to the web-based portal, Arise Care offers a mobile app called Arise Care Attendance (or simply “Arise Care”) that allows families and providers to manage attendance tracking on the go. The app is particularly useful for marking real-time attendance at drop-off and pickup, which improves accuracy and reduces the risk of errors or disputes.

Downloading and Installing the App

The Arise Care Attendance app is available for both iOS and Android devices. To download the app, iPhone and iPad users should visit the Apple App Store and search for “Arise Care” or “Arise CARE Alabama”, then tap the “Get” or “Download” button to install the app on your device. Android users should visit the Google Play Store and search for “Arise Care” or “Arise CARE”, then tap “Install” to download the app.

The app is free to download and use. There are no subscription fees or in-app purchases. However, you will need an active Arise Care account (either as a family member or provider) to use the app. The app cannot be used to create a new account—you must first register through the web portal before you can log in to the mobile app.

Logging Into the Mobile App

Once you’ve downloaded the app, open it and you’ll see a login screen. Use the same username and password you created for the web portal. The app will remember your login credentials for future sessions (unless you log out), making it quick and convenient to access when you need to mark attendance.

When you first log in, the app may request permission to access certain features of your phone, such as your camera (for scanning QR codes if the provider uses them), notifications (for reminders and alerts), and location services (some providers may use geofencing to verify attendance). You can choose to grant or deny these permissions, though granting them typically provides a better user experience.

Using the App for Attendance Tracking

The primary function of the mobile app is attendance tracking. For families, the app allows you to mark your child’s attendance in real-time when you drop them off at the childcare facility and when you pick them up. This creates an immediate, timestamped record that matches what the provider reports, reducing discrepancies and ensuring accurate payment.

The typical workflow is simple: open the app, select the child you’re checking in or out, confirm the date and time (usually auto-populated), add any notes if needed (like early pickup or late arrival), and submit the attendance record. The app will sync with the main Arise Care system, and both you and the provider will have a record of the transaction.

For providers, the app offers similar functionality but from the provider’s perspective. Providers can use the app to mark attendance for multiple children, review daily attendance rosters, submit corrections or adjustments, and track which families have checked their children in and out. This is especially helpful for small family childcare homes where the provider may not always be at a computer.

App Features and Benefits

Beyond basic attendance tracking, the Arise Care mobile app offers several features designed to make childcare management easier. Real-time attendance eliminates the need for paper sign-in sheets or end-of-day manual data entry. Automated notifications remind families and providers about attendance requirements and deadlines. The attendance history feature provides a searchable record of all past attendance entries. Error reduction occurs through immediate syncing between the app and the main system, reducing the risk of discrepancies that could delay payment or cause disputes. The app works offline in areas with poor connectivity, syncing data when the connection is restored.

7. Login Problems and Troubleshooting

Even with a well-designed system, users sometimes encounter login issues. Here are the most common problems people face when trying to access AL Arise Login, along with solutions for each.

Forgot Username or Password

This is by far the most common login issue. If you’ve forgotten your username or password, don’t try to guess repeatedly—most systems lock accounts after multiple failed login attempts to protect against unauthorized access.

Instead, look for the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. Click this link and follow the prompts to reset your password. You’ll typically need to provide your username or the email address associated with your account. The system will send password reset instructions to that email address. Check your inbox and spam folder for this email, and follow the link provided to create a new password.

If you’ve forgotten your username as well, you may need to contact Arise Care support directly. Have your identifying information ready, such as your name, date of birth, address, or facility license number (for providers). The support team can verify your identity and help you recover your account access.

Account Locked or Disabled

If you see a message saying your account has been locked or disabled, this usually happens for one of three reasons: too many failed login attempts (security lockout), account inactivity for an extended period, or administrative action due to eligibility issues or compliance problems (more common for providers).

Security lockouts typically automatically expire after a certain period, often 15 to 30 minutes. Wait and then try again. For longer-term locks or administrative disables, you’ll need to contact Arise Care support or your local DHR office to have the account reactivated. Be prepared to verify your identity and address the reason for the lock if it’s related to eligibility or compliance.

Wrong Portal Error

Remember that Arise Care has separate portals for families and providers. If you’re trying to log in to the Family Portal with provider credentials (or vice versa), you’ll get an error message saying your login is invalid. Make absolutely sure you’re using the correct portal for your account type.

If you’re both a provider and a parent receiving subsidies, you should have two separate accounts with different login credentials for each role. Log in to the appropriate portal depending on what task you need to complete.

Browser or Device Compatibility Issues

Arise Care works best with modern, updated web browsers. If you’re having trouble logging in or the site isn’t displaying correctly, try the following: make sure your browser is up to date (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge recommended), clear your browser’s cache and cookies, disable browser extensions that might interfere with the site (ad blockers, privacy tools), and try a different browser or device to see if the problem persists.

Some older or heavily restricted browsers (especially in workplace or library settings) may have trouble with certain features of the portal. If you consistently have problems on a particular device, try accessing the portal from a different device or contact IT support for that location.

Mobile App Login Issues

If you can log in to the web portal but not the mobile app (or vice versa), ensure you’re using the exact same credentials for both. Check that you’ve downloaded the official Arise Care app (not a similar-sounding app), verify your app is updated to the latest version, and try uninstalling and reinstalling the app if login problems persist.

Sometimes the mobile app and web portal temporarily fall out of sync. If you recently changed your password on the web portal, you may need to log out of the app completely and log back in with the new password.

When to Contact Support

If you’ve tried the above solutions and still can’t log in, it’s time to contact Arise Care support. You can reach support through the “Help” or “Contact Us” links on the Arise Care website, by calling your local Alabama DHR Child Care Services office, or through the Alabama DHR main support line.

When contacting support, have this information ready: your full name as it appears in the system, your username (if you remember it), the email address associated with your account, your address and phone number, for providers: your facility name and license number, and a clear description of the problem you’re experiencing and any error messages you’re seeing.

8. Who Qualifies for Childcare Subsidies?

While the AL Arise Login portal is the tool for managing childcare assistance, understanding who actually qualifies for subsidies is essential before you invest time in the application process. Alabama’s subsidized childcare program has specific eligibility requirements based on federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) guidelines and state policies.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for childcare subsidies in Alabama, families generally must meet all of the following criteria:

Residency: You must be a resident of Alabama. The program is funded by federal dollars allocated to Alabama and state matching funds, so it’s only available to Alabama residents.

Income Limits: Your household income must fall below the program’s income limits, which are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and adjusted for family size. Income limits are updated periodically, so check with Alabama DHR for current thresholds. Generally, families earning up to 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) may be eligible, though priority is given to families with lower incomes.

Work, Education, or Training: Parents or guardians must be working, attending school, or participating in an approved job training program. The childcare subsidy is designed to support parents who need care so they can work or prepare for work. Parents who are home full-time typically don’t qualify (though exceptions exist for families with protective services involvement).

Child Age: Children must be under age 13 (or under 19 if the child has special needs) and require care while parents are working or in school.

Citizenship/Legal Status: At least one parent or guardian must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. The child receiving care must also meet citizenship requirements.

Priority Groups

When funding is limited, Alabama’s childcare subsidy program gives priority to certain groups. Families with very low incomes (below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level) typically receive highest priority. Families involved with Child Protective Services or at risk of abuse or neglect may receive priority placement. Teen parents who are in school also receive special consideration. Additionally, families already receiving subsidies generally have priority for continued services over new applicants.

This priority system means that even if you meet basic eligibility requirements, you may be placed on a waiting list during periods of high demand or limited funding. The Arise Care portal will show your waitlist status if applicable.

Income Documentation

When applying through the AL Arise Login portal, you’ll need to provide documentation of your household income. Acceptable documentation typically includes recent pay stubs covering at least one month, tax returns from the previous year, award letters for Social Security, SSI, unemployment, or other benefits, self-employment records including business income and expenses, and child support documentation showing regular payments received.

Income is usually calculated on a monthly basis, though some variations of income (like seasonal work or variable self-employment income) may be averaged over a longer period. The portal includes tools for uploading these documents electronically.

Family Co-Payment

It’s important to understand that childcare subsidies rarely cover 100% of childcare costs for families above the poverty line. Most families pay a co-payment based on their income level and family size. The co-payment is typically a weekly amount you pay directly to your childcare provider, and the state subsidy covers the remainder of the provider’s fee (up to the state’s reimbursement rate).

Your co-payment amount will be determined during the eligibility process and shown in your AL Arise portal. If your income changes significantly, your co-payment may be adjusted, which is why it’s important to report income changes promptly through the portal.

Ongoing Eligibility Requirements

Qualifying for childcare assistance isn’t a one-time event. You’ll need to maintain eligibility by continuing to meet work or school requirements (minimum hours per week), reporting changes in household circumstances within required timeframes, recertifying eligibility periodically (typically every 6 or 12 months), ensuring your child’s attendance is accurately tracked, and paying your co-payment consistently and on time.

The AL Arise portal makes ongoing compliance easier by providing reminders about recertification deadlines, offering simple ways to report changes, and showing your current eligibility status at a glance.

9. Additional Resources and Support

Beyond the AL Arise Login portal itself, several resources can help you navigate Alabama’s childcare system and find additional support for your family.

Alabama Department of Human Resources – Child Care Services Division

The Child Care Services Division is the state agency that administers the Arise Care system and the childcare subsidy program. Their official website at dhr.alabama.gov/child-care provides comprehensive information about subsidized childcare, provider licensing requirements, finding licensed childcare providers through interactive maps and directories, family resources including eligibility guidelines and application information, and provider resources including training materials and compliance guidance.

The DHR website also lists contact information for local county DHR offices, which can provide in-person assistance with applications, eligibility questions, and technical support.

Provider Search Tools

Finding the right childcare provider is a critical decision. Both the AL Arise portal and the Alabama DHR website offer searchable directories of licensed childcare providers. These tools allow you to filter by location (city, county, or ZIP code), type of care (center-based or family childcare home), ages of children served, specific programs or features (infant care, preschool, before/after school), quality ratings if available, and subsidy participation status.

The interactive map feature on the DHR website is particularly helpful for visualizing where providers are located relative to your home or workplace. You can also see basic information about each provider’s license status, capacity, and contact information.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agencies

Alabama has regional Child Care Resource and Referral agencies that provide free assistance to families seeking childcare. These agencies can help you understand your childcare options, identify providers that meet your specific needs, understand the subsidy application process, connect you with other family support services, and provide information about childcare quality and how to evaluate providers.

CCR&R agencies serve as a neutral resource—they don’t operate childcare programs themselves, so they can provide objective information about all available options in your area.

Related Housing and Financial Assistance Programs

Families using childcare subsidies often benefit from other support programs. If you’re working to achieve financial stability, you might also be interested in exploring housing assistance through Section 8 vouchers, first-time homebuyer programs that help you transition from renting to homeownership, down payment assistance that makes buying a home more affordable, and other support services available through Alabama’s Department of Human Resources.

For comprehensive information about housing support in Alabama, visit Alabama housing resources.

Technical Support Contacts

For technical issues with the AL Arise Login portal or mobile app, you can access help resources within the portal itself (look for “Help” or “Support” links), contact your local Alabama DHR county office for in-person or phone assistance, call the Alabama DHR main support line during business hours, or email technical support through the contact form on the Arise Care website.

For best results, contact support during regular business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time). Have your account information and a clear description of your issue ready when you call.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)