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Child Care Subsidies
Helping Make Work Possible
Child care subsidies are provided by Local Department of Social Services to enable a parent or caretaker to work or engage in other work-related activities; to enable a teen parent to attend high school or equivalent training; because a parent or caretaker is physically or mentally incapacitated; or because family duties away from home necessitate a parent or caretaker relative’s absence. In some districts, child care is available for those attending post-secondary school and working 17.5 hours per week.
Financial Eligibility: The general rule is that to be eligible for subsidized child care, a family must have income at or below the income eligibility ceilings listed below.
| Family Size | Maximum Income Ceiling 1, 2 |
|---|---|
| 2 | $27,380 |
| 3 | $34,340 |
| 4 | $41,300 |
| 5 | $48,260 |
| 6 | $55,220 |
| Each additional member | Add $6,960 |
1 2007-8 figures - the eligibility levels are adjusted in June each year
2 Except for situations where child care is guaranteed, districts are allowed to serve families with lower incomes before serving those with higher incomes. If districts run out of funding, those with higher incomes who do not fall into the guaranteed categories may be denied a subsidy.
In some districts including New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, Oneida and Monroe, special funding sets the eligibility levels at a higher rate.
Benefits:
Payment for child care is guaranteed to those eligible for cash public assistance (including those who are eligible and working even though they are not receiving it,) who have children under the age of 13 when child care is necessary for them to work or participate in required work activities. Transitional child care is guaranteed for 12 months to those with incomes below 200% of poverty (see chart) who leave cash assistance because of earnings or increased child support, and to those who received child care because they were eligible for public assistance (but chose not to receive it), but who lost their eligibility for cash assistance because of increased earnings or child support. To qualify for transitional child care, a family must have been on family assistance for at least 3 out of the previous 6 months. For all others, eligibility is set at 200% of poverty as set forth above. However, because funds are limited, counties have the right to set priorities about who they will serve, leaving some eligible families without access to subsidized child care. All special eligibility rules for child care programs, are set forth in a county plan which you can obtain by visiting the Empire Justice Center’s website.
The amount to be paid for child care is the actual cost of care up to a market rate set by the State. Local Department of Social Services provide subsidy assistance through purchase of service contracts or through cash, vouchers or reimbursement. The child care subsidy is provided on a sliding scale with the family’s contribution (co-payment) based on a formula chosen by the county. Parents have the absolute right to choose their own child care provider. If the provider has a county contract, parents do not have to pay any more than their co-pay, regardless of the rate charged to non-subsidized parents. But, if the provider they choose does not have a country contract, parents must absorb any additional cost. The District must utilize a payment arrangement that allows parents a choice of care.
How to Apply:
Information on eligibility and child care availability generally can be obtained through the Local Department of Social Services or through the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency in your county. If you have any problems gaining access to subsidized child care, contact the local CCR&R. To find the CCR&R agency in your county visit the New York State Child Care Coordinating Council website.
Thanks to the New York State Community Action Association and their Helping Hands Tool-Kit and the Empire Justice Center for this information.