Child care subsidy work requirements in the states

Work requirements


• Work requirements by state • Index of articles • Major arguments • Reform proposals •Medicaid work requirements • Public housing work requirements • SNAP work requirements • Child care subsidy work requirements • Laws • Court cases • Scholarly work

See also: Child care subsidy work requirements

This page features information about child care susbsidy work requirements in the states.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is the primary source of federal child care subsidies in the United States.^[1] States design child care assistance programs within federal guidelines and award CCDF funds for child care to low-income families so they can seek employment or job training. States determine the work requirements for their CCDF programs.^[2]

Background

See also: Child care subsidy work requirements

History of child care subsidies

The Social Security Act of 1935 established the Aid to Dependent Children Program (ADC), which created subsidies to help families in which fathers were "deceased, absent, or unable to work," according to the text. ADC was changed to Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) in 1962.^[3]^[4]

AFDC was replaced with two child care grants in the 1990s: the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). CCDF provides funds to assist low-income families in obtaining child care so they can work or attend education and training programs. TANF provides cash payments to help families pay for food, clothing, housing, and other essentials. States can transfer up to 30 percent of TANF funds to supplement CCDF child care initiatives. Families who receive cash assistance from TANF may receive child care funded by CCDF or TANF.^[5]^[6]^[7]

Administration of child care subsidies

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Child Care oversees the distribution of federal CCDF grants and TANF funding to the states. CCDF programs are then administered by states, territories, and tribal governments.^[8]^[9]

Work requirements for child care subsidies

See also: Areas of inquiry and disagreement related to work requirements for public assistance programs

Under TANF, the federal government determines work participation rates for states. The state work participation rates require at least half of families with one work-eligible individual and 90% of families with two work-eligible individuals to meet work requirements. Families with one work-eligible individual must complete 30 hours of work activity per week; families with two work-eligible individuals must complete 35 hours of work activity per week; and families with two work-eligible individuals who receive TANF child care subsidies must complete 55 hours of work activity per week. States are charged with administering programs that meet federal work requirements and have the flexibility to determine certain exemptions, activities that satisfy work requirements, and sanctions for individuals in non-compliance.^[10]^[11] Ballotpedia doesn't currently cover state-level variations in TANF policy.

Federal law requires that parents receiving CCDF child care subsidies work or complete work-related activities. States are responsible for defining the activities that qualify a family for assistance through CCDF, including work requirements, education participation, and community service. Employment is an approved activity for CCDF funding in every state and some states also approve subsidies for parents participating in education and training activities. Working, periods of job search, self-employment, attending job training or education-related activities, foster care, and subsidized guardianship are activities that meet eligibility standards for CCDF subsidies in different states. State agencies have flexibility in determining eligibility for CCDF subsidies, according to HHS regulations.^[12]^[13]^[14]

State child care subsidy work requirements

Work requirements for CCDF child care subsidy recipients vary by state. The following table features information about each state entity tasked with administering CCDF child care subsidies, the minimum work requirement for benefit eligibility, and the link to the statute or regulation.

State CCDF work requirements
State	Entity	Minimum work required (week)	Statute or regulation
Alabama	Department of Human Resources, Child Care Services Division	15 hours	Alabama Administrative Code r. 660-4-1-.03 (2023)
Alaska	Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance, Child Care Program Office	None	7 Alaska Administrative Code § 41.310 (2023)
Arizona	Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care	20 hours	Arizona Administrative Code § 6-5-4912 (2023)
Arkansas	Department of Human Services, Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)	30 hours	016-22-04 Arkansas Code Regulation § 1 (2023)
California	Department of Social Services	None	California Welfare and Institutions Code § 10271 (2023)
Colorado	Department of Human Services	None	Code of Colorado Regulation 9 CCR 2503-9 3.905.1 (2022)
Connecticut	Office of Early Childhood	None	Connecticut Agencies Regulation § 17b-749-05 (2023)
Delaware	Department of Health and Social Services	None	16 Delaware Administrative Code § 11000-11003 (2023)
Florida	Department of Education/Division of Early Learning (DEL)	20 hours	Florida Administrative Code Rule 65A-4.218 (2023)
Georgia	Department of Early Care and Learning, Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS)	24 hours	Georgia Compiled Rules and Regulation 591-2-1-.06 (2023)
Hawaii	Department of Human Services, Child Care Program	None	Hawaii Code Regulation § 17-798.2-9 (2023)
Idaho	Department of Health and Welfare	None	Idaho Administrative Code Regulation 16.06.12.200 (2022)
Illinois	Department of Human Services	None	Illinois Administrative Code title 89 § 50.210 (2023)
Indiana	Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)	None	Indiana Code § 12-17.2-7.2-7.2 (2022)
Iowa	Department of Human Services	28 hours	Iowa Administrative Code Regulation 441-170.2 (2023)
Kansas	Department for Children and Families	20 hours	Kansas Statute § 39-709 (2023)
Kentucky	Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)/Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)	20 hours	922 Kentucky Administrative Regulation 2:160 (2023)
Louisiana	Department of Education	20 hours	Louisiana Administrative Code title 28 § CLXV-509 (2023)
Maine	Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)	None	10-148-6 Maine Code Regulation § 3 (2023)
Maryland	Department of Education	None	Maryland Code Regulation 13A.14.06.03 (2023)
Massachusetts	Department of Early Education and Care	20 hours	606 Massachusetts Regulation 10.04 (2023)
Michigan	Department of Education	None	Michigan Department of Education, Bridges Eligibility Manual 703, Child Development and Care (2023)
Minnesota	Department of Human Services	20 hours	Minnesota Regulation 3400.0040 (2023)
Mississippi	Department of Human Services	25 hours	18 Mississippi Code Regulation § 5-1-2.3 (2023)
Missouri	Department of Elementary and Secondary Education	30 hours	Missouri Code Regulation title 5 § 25-200.060 (2023)
Montana	Department of Public Health and Human Services	15 hours	Montana Administrative Regulation 37.80.201 (2023)
Nebraska	Department of Health and Human Services	None	392 Nebraska Administrative Code, ch. 2, § 013 (2023)
Nevada	Division of Welfare and Supportive Services	None	Nevada Revised Statute § 422A.630 (2023)
New Hampshire	Department of Health and Human Services	None	New Hampshire Code Administrative Regulation He-C 6910.07 (2023)
New Jersey	Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Family Development (DFD)	30 hours	New Jersey Administrative Code § 10:15-2.4 (2023)
New Mexico	Department of Early Childhood Education and Care	5 hours	New Mexico Code Regulation § 8.15.2.11 (2023)
New York	Office of Children and Family Services	20 hours	New York Compiled Codes, Rules, and Regulations title 18 § 415.2 (2023)
North Carolina	Division of Child Development and Early Education	None	10A North Carolina Administrative Code 10.0905 (2023)
North Dakota	Department of Health and Human Services	None	North Dakota Administrative Code 75-02-01.3-01 (2023)
Ohio	Department of Job and Family Services	None	Ohio Administrative Code 5101:2-16-02, appendix A (2022)
Oklahoma	Human Services	None	Oklahoma Administrative Code § 340:40-7-8 (2023)
Oregon	Department of Education	None	Oregon Administrative Rules 414-175-0023 (2023)
Pennsylvania	Department of Human Services	20 hours	55 Pennsylvania Code § 3041.43 (2023)
Rhode Island	Department of Human Services	20 hours	218-20-00 Rhode Island Code of Regulations § 4.3 (2023)
South Carolina	Department of Social Services	15 hours	South Carolina Code of Regulations § 114-1160 (2023)
South Dakota	Department of Social Services	20 hours	South Dakota Administrative Regulations 67:47:01:03.01 (2023)
Tennessee	Department of Human Services	30 hours	Tennessee Code § 71-3-104 (2023)
Texas	Texas Workforce Commission	25 hours	40 Texas Administrative Code §809.41 (2023)
Utah	Department of Workforce Services	15 hours	Utah Administrative Code 986-700-709 (2023)
Vermont	Department for Children and Families	None	13-001 Code of Vermont Rules 13-171-001-X (2023)
Virginia	Department of Education	None	/ 8 Virginia Administrative Code § 20-790-20 (2023)
Washington	Department of Children, Youth, and Families	None	/ Washington Administrative Code § 110-15-0005 (2023)
West Virginia	Department of Health and Human Resources	20 hours	West Virginia Code § 9-9-7 (2023)
Wisconsin	Department of Children and Families	None	Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF § 201.036 (2023)
Wyoming	Department of Family Services	None	049-1 Wyoming Code Rule § 1-8 (2019)

State statutes governing CCDF work requirements

The sections below feature the statutory or regulatory text governing state CCDF work requirements.

Alabama

Alabama Administrative Code r. 660-4-1-.03 (2023):

“

Personal Responsibility And Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act Of 1996.

(3) WORK REQUIREMENTS:

(a) Individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 who are physically and mentally fit shall be ineligible if they (1) refuse without good cause to provide sufficient information to allow a determination of their employment status or job availability; (2) voluntarily and without good cause quit a job or (3) voluntarily and without good cause reduce their work effort (and, after their reduction, are working less than 30 hours a week)

Option:

Mandatory minimum disqualification periods have been established for individuals who fail to comply with work or workfare requirements

First violation-the later of the date they comply or one month.

Second violation- the later of the date they comply with work rules or 3 months.

Third violation-The later of the date they comply with work rules or 6 months.

(b) Unless exempt, able bodied individuals without dependents are ineligible to continue to receive food assistance for more than three (3) months (consecutive or otherwise) out of 36 months during which the household member did not either (a) work at least 20 hours per week (averaged monthly); or (b) for 20 hours or more per week participate in and comply with a Job Training and Partnership Act program, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program (other than a job search or job search training program); or participate in and comply with a workfare program under Section 20 of the Food Assistance Act or a comparable State or local program.

Provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 allow state agencies to exempt from the three-month/36-month time limit up to 15 percent of the state's caseload subject to the Abie-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDS) provisions.

The first month during which an individual receives benefits while not exempt, working at least 20 hours or participating in an allowable work or training program for 20 hours shall be considered the first month of the 36-month period.^[15]

”

Alaska

7 Alaska Administrative Code § 41.310 (2023):

“

Child Care Assistance Program; Provisions for families; Eligible activities.

(a) At the time of application, the time of care eligible for a program benefit, as specified in the child care authorization issued under 7 AAC 41.340, is based on the schedule of eligible activities of each parent, the care need of the child, and the child care provider's hours of operation.

(b) Eligible activities are

(1) working;

(2) attending school;

(3) doing library or laboratory activities, attending workshops or tutoring sessions, or participating in a similar activity required for satisfactory completion of a school course or class; time eligible for a program benefit under this paragraph is limited to one hour for each credit hour per week;

(4) sleeping up to eight hours before or after the parent works a night shift; and

(5) traveling between an eligible activity and the participating provider, up to a maximum travel time of

(A) one hour before and one hour after the eligible activity, in increments of not less than one-half hour; or

(B) one and one-half hours before and one and one-half hours after the eligible activity, in increments of not less than one-half hour, if the parent travels more than 30 miles from the provider or uses public transportation.^[15]

”

Arizona

Arizona Administrative Code § 6-5-4912 (2023):

“

Child care assistance; Eligible activity or need.

A. Eligible activities and needs for Child Care Assistance are described in this subsection:

1. Employment. Full or part-time employment for monetary compensation;

2. Self Employment. Full or part time self employment for monetary compensation.

3. Education and Training Activities with Minimum Work Requirement. A client who is employed shall be eligible to receive Child Care Assistance for education and training activities as prescribed in subsections (A)(3)(a), (b), and (c).^[15]

”

Arkansas

016-22-04 Arkansas Code Regulation § 1 (2023):

“

Child care assistance; Eligibility factors.

3.1.6 Employment

Each adult in a household on whose behalf an application has been made must be working a minimum average of thirty-two (32) hours per week. The only exception to this requirement is an applicant who is attending school full-time or enrolled in a training program full-time. (See Section 3.2 for student requirements.) In addition, applicants/recipients who are employed or self-employed must show earnings equivalent to minimum wage. (See Section 3.3 for exact income requirements.)^[15]

”

California

California Welfare and Institutions Code § 10271 (2023):

“

Child Care and Development Services Act; Administration; Adoption of rules and regulations on eligibility, enrollment, and priority of services.

(a)

(1) The department shall adopt rules and regulations on eligibility, enrollment, and priority of services needed to implement this chapter. In order to be eligible for federal and state subsidized child development services, families shall meet at least one requirement in each of the following areas:

(A) A family is (i) a current aid recipient, (ii) income eligible, (iii) homeless, (iv) one whose children are recipients of protective services, or whose children have been identified as being abused, neglected, or exploited, or at risk of being abused, neglected, or exploited, or (v) one who has a member of its household who is certified to receive benefits from Medi-Cal, CalFresh, the California Food Assistance Program, the California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, the federal Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Head Start, Early Head Start, or any other designated means-tested government program, as determined by the department. If a family is deemed eligible pursuant to clause (v), the family shall be prioritized by the income declared on the application for the means-tested government program.

(B) A family needs the childcare services (i) because the child is identified by a legal, medical, or social services agency, a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youths designated pursuant to Section 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii) of Title 42 of the United States Code, a Head Start program, or an emergency or transitional shelter as (I) a recipient of protective services, (II) being neglected, abused, or exploited, or at risk of neglect, abuse, or exploitation, or (III) being homeless or (ii) because the parents are (I) engaged in vocational training leading directly to a recognized trade, paraprofession, or profession, (II) engaged in an educational program for English language learners or to attain a high school diploma or general educational development certificate, (III) employed or seeking employment, (IV) seeking permanent housing for family stability, or (V) incapacitated.^[15]

”

Colorado

Code of Colorado Regulation 9 CCR 2503-9 3.905.1 (2022):

“

Low-income child care eligibility

G. Eligible Activities Adult caretakers or teen parents shall meet the criteria of at least one of the following low-income eligible activities:

1. Employment Criteria

a. Adult caretakers or teen parents may be employed full or part time.

b. Adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall verify that his/her gross income divided by the number of hours worked equals at least the current federal minimum wage.

c. Owners of LLC’s and S-Corporations are considered employees of the corporation.

2. Self-Employed Criteria

a. The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall submit documentation listing his/her income and work-related expenses. All expenses shall be verified or they will not be allowed.

b. The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall submit an expected weekly employment schedule that includes approximate employment hours. This is required upon beginning self-employment, at application, and at redetermination.

c. The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall show that he/she has maintained an average income that exceeds their business expenses from self-employment.

d. The adult caretaker(s) or teen parent(s) shall show that his/her taxable gross income divided by the number of hours worked equals at least the current federal minimum wage.

e. Adult caretakers or teen parent(s) whose self-employment endeavor is less than twelve (12) months old, may be granted child care for six (6) months or until their next re-determination, whichever is longer, to establish their business. At the end of the launch period, adult caretakers shall provide documentation of income, verification of expenses and proof that they are making at least federal minimum wage for the number of hours worked. Projected income for the launch period shall be determined based upon the federal minimum wage times the number of declared number of hours worked. ^[15]

”

Conneticut

Connecticut Agencies Regulation § 17b-749-05 (2023):

“

Child Care Assistance Program; Non-financial eligibility requirements.

(e)Need for Care

(1) The parent shall have at least one eligible child residing in the home who needs child care assistance. Families with no eligible children shall be ineligible for CCAP. The approved hours of care shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of subsection (b) of section 17b-749-13 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(2) To be eligible for assistance, child care shall be needed to allow parents to participate in the following approved activities:

(A) employment for which the individual receives wages as opposed to goods or services for compensation;

(B) a self-employment activity as defined in subsection (f) of this section;

(C) for individuals receiving cash assistance, an employment services activity approved by the Department of Social Services, the Department of Labor or the designee of either agency in accordance with the State Plan requirements for the TFA cash assistance program; or

(D) for teenage parents under the age of twenty whom do not receive cash assistance, attending high school as defined in subsection (6) of section 17b-749-01 of Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.^[15]

”

Delaware

16 Delaware Administrative Code § 11000-11003 (2023):

“

Determining technical eligibility for child care assistance.

1. Parents/Caretakers Must Meet Certain Eligibility Criteria To be technically eligible parents/caretakers must have a need that requires them to be out of the home or reasonably unavailable to provide supervision (e.g., a medical condition, needing rest because of working a third shift, etc.).

A. Parents/Caretakers must be a Delaware resident.

B. Parents/Caretakers who need services must meet one of the following:

1. Accept or keep a job;

2. Participate in a DSS Employment and Training (E & T) program;

3. Participate in the Transitional Work Program (TWP);

4. Participate in job search;

5. Have a break in education/training;

6. Prevent child abuse or neglect as referred by Division of Family Services (DFS);

7. Provide care for the children) when the parents/caretakers have a special need;

8. Enrolled and attending middle school or high school;

9. Enrolled and participating in a General Education Diploma (GED) program or similar secondary credential assessment approved by the Delaware Department of Education.^[15]

”

Florida

Florida Administrative Code Rule 65A-4.218 (2023):

“

Child care.

(2) Conditions of Eligibility.

(a) Temporary cash assistance recipients may receive subsidized child care assistance when it is necessary for them to participate in TCA work or training activities allowed by federal regulation and approved by the LWDB designees. Child care to maintain employment will be provided for the hours of employment and reasonable time for travel to and from the child care facility and place of employment and return. The need for child care and condition of need will be verified by LWDB designee.

(b) In order for a child care subsidy to be provided, the participant must need care for the child and have an obligation to pay for child care.

(c) The child for whom care is provided must be within the specified degree of relationship for receipt of temporary cash assistance and included in the TCA assistance group. This, however, includes a child who would be in the TCA assistance group except for the receipt of Supplemental Security Income.

(d) Child care disregards will not be allowed in the determination of eligibility for temporary cash assistance.^[15]

”

Georgia

Georgia Compiled Rules and Regulation 591-2-1-.06 (2023):

“

Child Care Development Fund Grant (CCDF).

(1)General Scope and Purpose: Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is designated by legislation and by the Governor, as the lead agency for administrating the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) at the state level. The funds are used to increase the accessibility, affordability and quality of early childhood education and school-age child care for Georgia's children and families. The focus is on providing child care assistance to low income families and increasing and sustaining quality early childhood education programs for all families.

(2)General Terms and Conditions: All grantees and/or contractees are required to operate in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the following documents: The Child Care Resource and Referral Handbook the Department of Early Care and Learning contract and/or grant requirements, all federal regulations covering CCDF funding, and any other state and/or federal state statutes and regulations.

(3)Funding: Grant and/or contract funds must be spent within one year. A cost-reimbursement grant and/or contract must be based on an agreed upon budget that is in effect. All grantees and/or contractees are monitored based upon meeting the goals and objectives in their grant and/or contract and must spend the allocated funds to meet the specified goals and objectives. Grantees and/or contractees must submit monthly expenditure and programmatic reports to the Department..

(4)Eligible Recipients: Child care learning centers, school-age programs, family day care homes, group day care homes, child care resource & referral agencies, and organizations and/or individuals with a quality initiative that will improve the quality, affordability, and/or accessibility of child care in Georgia are eligible. These programs and agencies may be non-profit, for-profit, faith-based, public or government.

(5)Application Process: Request for Proposals (RFPs) are distributed statewide identifying areas of targeted need in regards to improving quality, affordability and or accessibility. Proposals received are reviewed and rated through a competitive selection process put in place by the Department. Grantees and/or contractees are required to attend an orientation to review the requirements of the grants and/or contracts.

(6)Approximate Time to Apply: When funding is available, RFPs are posted on the departments' web site at www.decal.ga.gov or posted on the Department of Administrative Services Team Georgia Marketplace web site at www.doas.ga.gov.

(7)Criteria for Grant Award: Grantees and/or contractees are selected based on criteria put in place by the Department that address population, need, sustainability, indicators, outcomes, and cost effectiveness.

(8)Calculation of Payments: Cost reimbursement payments.

(9)Length of Award: Grants and/or contracts are awarded for a one-year period. The RFP will stipulate if there is a potential renewal option for an additional one-year period. Renewal options may be exercised at the sole discretion of the State and are contingent on performance in meeting the grant and/or contract deliverables.

(10) Authority: O.C.G.A. Chapter 20-1A, and Public Law 104-193, Title VI. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 591-2-1-.06^[15]

”

Hawaii

Hawaii Code Regulation § 17-798.2-9 (2023):

“

Child care services; Genearl provisions; Eligibility requirements.

(2) Meets one of the following conditions:

(A) Is engaged in employment in exchange for wages or salary;

(B) Has a written offer of employment that is scheduled to start within two weeks;

(C) Needs child care for up to thirty calendar days during a break in employment, if employment is scheduled to resume within thirty calendar days;

(D) Needs up to thirty consecutive days in a twelve-month period for the caretaker with or without a work history to job search, when there is no one to care for the child, not to exceed the maximum child care rates as provided under section 17-798.2-12;

(E) Is enrolled in and attends an educational program or job training, vocational or employment training. This includes the break time between classes for the day;

(F) Is participating in the FTW program or a treatment program as required by section 17-656.1-10, except for a participant in the Food Stamp Employment and Training program, and the FTW participant is involved in the required activities written in the FTW employment or individualized service plan;

(G) Is receiving child protective services, and the need for child care is specified in the family unit's case plan as ordered by the court;

(H) Is in a two-parent family unit where one of the caretakers is in an approved activity and the other caretaker is determined to have a disability which prevents the caretakers from providing care for their own child. Proof of disability and inability to provide care of the caretaker's own eligible child shall be verified by the written report of a State-licensed physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. In the case of a temporary disability, the written report shall be submitted every two months, and in the case of a permanent disability, the written report shall be submitted every six months;

(I) Is a caretaker participating in an approved activity and has a temporary disability that prevents him or her from engaging in that activity and providing care for his or her own child until the activity can be resumed. Proof of the temporary disability condition and duration, and inability to care for the caretaker's own child, shall be verified by the written report of a State-licensed physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The written report shall be reviewed every thirty days;

(J) Is a caretaker whose child is approved for participation in the Preschool Open Doors program; or

(K) Is a caretaker under age eighteen years who meets any eligibility condition cited in section 17-798.2-9(b)(2)(A) through (J), retains custody of his or her own child, and does not reside in the same household with his or her adult caretaker.^[15]

”

Idaho

Idaho Administrative Code Regulation 16.06.12.200 (2022):

“

Qualifying activities for child care benefits.

To be eligible for child care benefits, each parent included in the household must need child care because they are engaged in one (1) of the qualifying activities listed in Subsections 200.01 through 200.05 of this rule. (3-17-22)

01. Employment. The parent is currently employed. (3-17-22)

02.Self-Employment. The parent is currently self-employed in a business that is a sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one (1) person. Restrictions apply for self-employment as follows: (3-17-22)

a. For the first twelve (12) months of self-employment benefits, actual activity hours are used. (3-17-22)

b. At month thirteen (13), the number of activity hours will be limited. To calculate the activity hours, the net monthly self-employment income is divided by the current federal minimum wage. The qualifying activity hours are the lesser of the calculated activity hours or actual activity hours. (3-17-22)

03.Training or Education. The parent is attending an accredited education or training program. The following restrictions apply to training or education activities: (3-17-22)

a. On-line classes cannot be counted as a qualifying activity for child care. (3-17-22)

b. Persons who are attending post-baccalaureate classes with no other qualifying activity, do not qualify for child care benefits. (3-17-22)

c. More than forty-eight (48) months of post-secondary education has been used as a qualifying activity. (3-17-22)

04.Preventive Services. The parent is receiving preventive services as defined in Section 011 of these rules. The Department will verify the continued need for preventive services at least every three (3) months. (3-17-22)

05.Personal Responsibility Contract (PRC) or Other Negotiated Agreement. The parent is completing Personal Responsibility Contract (PRC) or other self-sufficiency activities negotiated between the Department and the parent. (3-17-22)^[15]

”

Illinois

Illinois Administrative Code title 89 § 50.210 (2023):

“

Child care.

a) To the extent resources permit, the Department shall provide child care services:

1) to parents or other relatives who are working and are unable to supervise their children;

2) to parents or other relatives who are participating in employment, training or education programs that are approved by the Department;

3) to teen parents to enable them to obtain a high school degree or its equivalent, to provide time to find employment after graduation, and to provide a stable learning environment for their children; and

4) to parents or other relatives who request a 3-month period to establish an eligible employment or education activity (allowed once every 12 months through 6/30/2023).

b) In a two-parent household, both parents must be working, in an approved education and training activity, or taking steps to establish an eligible activity (see subsection (a)(4)) and unavailable to care for the children unless one of the parents is unable to care for the children for one of the following reasons:

1) A physical or mental disability that limits the ability of the parent to provide adequate child care;

2) Participation in an alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;

3) Military service away from home; or

4) Participation in a Department approved program such as a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Employment and Work Activity (see 89 Ill. Adm. Code 112.78) or Teen Parent Services (TPS).^[15]

”

Indiana

Indiana Code § 12-17.2-7.2-7.2 (2022):

“

Qualifications; Parent or guardian requirements and agreement.

(a) For an eligible child to qualify for a grant under this chapter, the eligible child must reside with a parent or guardian who is:

(1) working or attending a job training or an educational program; or

(2) actively seeking employment, subject to the approval by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as provided in 45 CFR 98.21.

(b) For a limited eligibility child to qualify for a grant under this chapter, the limited eligibility child must reside with a parent or guardian who:

(1) is working or attending a job training or an educational program;

(2) is actively seeking employment, subject to the approval by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as provided in 45 CFR 98.21; or

(3) receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits.^[15]

”

Iowa

Iowa Administrative Code Regulation 441-170.2 (2023):

“

Child care services; Eligibility requirements.

(2)General eligibility requirements. In addition to meeting financial requirements, the child needing services must meet age, citizenship, and residency requirements. Each parent in the household must have at least one need for service and shall cooperate with the department's quality control review and with investigations conducted by the department of inspections and appeals.

a.Age. Child care shall be provided only to children up to age 13, unless they are children with special needs, in which case child care shall be provided up to age 19. When a child reaches the age of 13, or, as applicable, the age of 19, during the certification period, eligibility shall continue until the end of the approved certification period.

b. Need for service. Except for assistance provided under subparagraph 170.2(2)"b"(3), assistance shall be provided to a two-parent family only during the parents' coinciding hours of participation in training, employment, or job search unless one parent is permanently disabled as described in subparagraph 170.2(2)"b"(4). Each parent in the household shall meet one or more of the following requirements:

(1) The parent is in academic or vocational training. Training shall be on a full-time basis. The training facility shall define what is considered as full-time. Part-time training may be approved only if the number of credit hours to complete training is less than that required for full-time status, the required prerequisite credits or remedial course work is less than that required for full-time status, or training is not offered on a full-time basis. Child care services may be provided for the parent's hours of participation in the academic or vocational training and for actual travel time between the child care location and the training facility.

1. Child care provided while the parent participates in postsecondary education leading up to and including a baccalaureate degree program or vocational training shall be limited to a 24-month lifetime limit. A month is defined as a fiscal month or part thereof and shall generally have starting and ending dates that fall within two adjacent calendar months but shall only count as one month. Time spent in high school completion, adult basic education, high school equivalency, or English as a second language does not count toward the 24-month limit. PROMISE JOBS child care allowances provided while the parent is a recipient of the family investment program and participating in PROMISE JOBS components in postsecondary education or training shall count toward the 24-month lifetime limit.^[15]

”

Kansas

Kansas Statute § 39-709 (2023):

“

Eligibility requirements for temporary assistance for needy families, food assistance, child care subsidies, and medical assistance; prohibition of medicaid expansion; automatic assignment of support rights for children in custody of the secretary; non-cooperation and reporting failure; penalties; lien procedures and enforcement; fraud investigations and eligibility; rules and regulations.

(4)

(A) TANF mandatory work program applicants and recipients shall participate in work components that lead to competitive, integrated employment. Components are defined by the federal government as being either primary or secondary.

(B) In order to meet federal work participation requirements, households shall meet at least 30 hours of participation per week, at least 20 hours of which shall be primary and at least 10 hours may be secondary components in one parent households where the youngest child is six years of age or older. Participation hours shall be 55 hours in two parent households, 35 hours per week if child care is not used. The maximum assignment is 40 hours per week per individual. For two parent families to meet the federal work participation rate, both parents shall participate in a combined total of 55 hours per week, 50 hours of which shall be in primary components, or one or both parents could be assigned a combined total of 35 hours per week, 30 hours of which must be primary components, if the Kansas department for children and families paid child care is not received by the family. Single parent families with a child under age six meet the federal participation requirement if the parent is engaged in work or work activities for at least 20 hours per week in a primary work component.

(C) The following components meet federal definitions of primary hours of participation: Full or part-time employment, apprenticeship, work study, self-employment, job corps, subsidized employment, work experience sites, on-the-job training, supervised community service, vocational education, job search and job readiness. Secondary components include: Job skills training, education directly related to employment such as adult basic education and English as a second language, and completion of a high school diploma or GED.^[15]

”

Kentucky

922 Kentucky Administrative Regulation 2:160 (2023):

“

Child Care Assistance Program.

Section 4. Requirements for Low Income Working Family Eligibility Determination.

(1) A child shall be eligible to receive CCAP if the child meets the requirements specified in Section 3 of this administrative regulation and resides with:

(a) An applicant who has employment an average twenty (20) hours per week;

(b) An applicant and a responsible adult who have employment an average of forty (40) hours per week combined, if the individual with the least employment has an average of at least five (5) hours of employment per week;

(c) An applicant and a responsible adult if either the applicant or the responsible adult has employment an average of twenty (20) hours per week, and the other is physically or mentally unable to provide adequate care or supervision as documented by a written statement from a health professional;

(d) A relative or fictive kin caregiver pursuant to 922 KAR 1:565 who meets:

1. All requirements in this section; and

2. Income eligibility standards established in Section 8 of this administrative regulation;

(e) A teen parent attending high school or pursuing a general equivalency degree (GED), including a period of recess or temporary break up to three (3) months; or

(f) An applicant who meets the eligibility requirements specified in Section 7 of this administrative regulation.^[15]

”

Louisiana

Louisiana Administrative Code title 28 § CLXV-509 (2023):

“

CCAP household eligibility; Certification requirements for non-categorically eligible households.

5. training or employment activities.

a. Unless disabled as established by receipt of Social Security Administration disability benefits, supplemental security income, Veterans' Administration disability benefits for a disability of at least 70 percent, or unless disabled and unable to care for his or her child(ren), as verified by a doctor's statement or by worker determination, the head of household must meet the training or employment activity requirements of:

i. being employed for a minimum average of 20 hours per week and all countable employment hours must be paid at least at the federal minimum hourly wage;

ii. attending a job training or educational program for a minimum average of 20 hours per week (attendance at a job training or educational program must be verified, including the expected date of completion); or

iii. being enrolled as a full-time student in an education or training program resulting in a degree or certificate designed to promote job skills and employability. Full-time status is determined by the institution, which must be accredited by the state of Louisiana or a national organization:

(a) the LDE shall review documentation provided by the institution and verify that it is an education or training program providing degrees or certificates designed to promote job skills and employability. Full-time status at an institution that does not promote job skills and employability may not meet the activity requirements of this Paragraph;

iv. being engaged in some combination of employment which is paid at least at the federal minimum hourly wage, or job training, or education as defined in Subparagraph b of this Paragraph that averages at least 20 hours per week.^[15]

”

Maine

10-148-6 Maine Code Regulation § 3 (2023):

“

Child care subsidy policy manual; Eligibility.

D. Program Eligibility

The Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) is responsible for approving Child Care Subsidy eligibility through review of the completed program application.

1. The Parent must be determined financially eligible for Child Care Subsidy no more than sixty (60) calendar days prior to the date of the OCFS' receipt of the completed program application or the program application will be denied.

2. Parents enrolled in a Job Training, Educational Program, or apprenticeship must verify enrollment upon initial application and re-determination and are required to attend classes either in-person or online.

3. If a Parent is income eligible and provides documentation from the SSA or MaineCare's Medical Review Team (MRT) indicating he/she has a disability and supplies a doctor's note which renders him/her unable to care for the Child(ren) and unable to work and the other Parent is working, attending an Educational, Job Training Program, or apprenticeship the Family may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy.

4. If a Child is home-schooled, the Parent is not eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy during regular school hours, as defined within their school district.

5. To the extent funding is available, the Department may waive Employment, Job Training, Educational Program, or apprenticeship requirements and authorize Child Care Subsidy for the following:

a. A Child in Care and Custody; and a Child placed under the legal guardianship of an individual who has reached Retirement Age as defined by Social Security.^[15]

”

Maryland

Maryland Code Regulation 13A.14.06.03 (2023):

“

Child Care Subsidy Program; Eligibility.

E. Need. The need requirement is met:

(1) When the child's parent, caretaker, or legal guardian is not available or capable to care for the child, no other acceptable child care plan can be arranged, and one or more of the priority situations exist according to Regulation .08A of this chapter;

(2) By a customer who meets the requirements specified in Regulation .08A(1) of this chapter:

(a) During approved activity periods;

(b) Before beginning an approved activity for a period not to exceed 1 month;

(c) During gaps in approved activities for a period not to exceed 1 month; or

(d) As necessary to accept employment or to remain employed and if the child care would otherwise be lost; or

(3) By a customer who meets the requirements specified in Regulation .08A(2) and (3) of this chapter:

(a) While employed; and

(b) During gaps in employment for a period not to exceed 1 month and if the child care would otherwise be lost, to:

(i) Seek employment;

(ii) Accept employment; or

(iii) Remain employed.^[15]

”

Massachusetts

606 Massachusetts Regulation 10.04 (2023):

“

Subsidized Child Care; Income Eligible Child Care Subsidy.

(2)Eligibility Criteria. To be eligible for an Income Eligible Child Care Subsidy, Parents must meet both income eligibility and service need requirements established by the EEC.

(a)Financial Requirements. Income eligibility is based on the income and the size of the Family. Families headed by Caregivers are exempt from financial eligibility guidelines, except for 606 CMR 10.04(2)(a)4.

1.General Rule. Families seeking child care financial assistance meet the financial requirements for the Income Eligible Child Care Program provided that the total gross monthly income for the household is at or below 50% of the State Median Income at the time of the Family's initial enrollment. Families, whose gross monthly income is at or below 50% of the State Median Income at the initial Authorization, will continue to meet the financial requirements provided that the total gross monthly income for the household remains at or below 85% of the State Median Income.

2.Families with a Child with Special Needs. Families with a child with special needs will meet the financial requirements for the Income Eligible Child Care Program provided that the total gross monthly income for the household is at or below 85% of the State Median Income at the time of the Family's initial enrollment. Families, whose gross monthly income is at or below 85% of the State Median Income at the initial Authorization, will continue to meet the financial requirements provided that the total gross monthly income for the household remains at or below 85% of the State Median Income. The special need of the child must be verified and documented on a case by case basis, as required by federal and state law and policies.

3.Relevant Income. When determining financial eligibility, relevant income includes, but is not limited to, wages or salary (including overtime), social security benefits, alimony, child support, and public assistance.

4.Assets. Families seeking child care financial assistance shall not have Assets that exceed $1,000,000.

(b)Service Need Requirements. Both Parents living in the household must document either a Part Time or Full Time Service Need.

1.Approved Activities. Activities acceptable for establishing a service need are: employment; participating in an approved education or training program; or receiving or at risk of receiving Protective Services. Each activity is outlined as follows:

a.Employment. The following activities meet the service need requirement of employment: paid employment; self-employment, including paid in cash; active deployment in the military; and retirement, if the head of household is a Parent and 65 years of age or older.

i.Paid Employment. Eligible paid employment is considered a position that pays no less than the minimum wage in the state wherein the employment takes place for no less than an average of 20 hours per week.

ii.Self-employment, Including Paid in Cash. All self-employed Parents must participate in self-employment activities for no less than an average of 20 hours per week and show income equivalent to the minimum wage of the state wherein the employment takes place. Minimum wage shall be verified by dividing the gross income reported, minus allowable deductions, by the minimum wage of the state wherein the employment takes place to determine the number of eligible hours the Parent(s) may use towards establishing a service need for Child Care Subsidy.

iii.Limitations on Self-employment. For Parents engaged in home-based self-employment activities, the self-employment activity shall not qualify as an approved activity, unless:

(i) The type of work performed entails a clear and present danger to children; or

(i) The primary type of work performed consists of face-to-face meetings/appointments with clients, which prevents direct supervision of children.^[15]

”

Michigan

Michigan Department of Education, Bridges Eligibility Manual 703, Child Development and Care (2023):

“

CDC program requirements; Need reasons.

4. Employment

Child care may be approved for P/SPs who are employed or self-employed and receive money, wages, self-employment profits or sales commissions.

Note: A P/SP is not eligible for CDC if his/her only need reason isemployment as a license exempt-related or license exemptunrelated child care provider, regardless of enrollment in the CDC program.

P/SPs participating in the following activities are considered to meet the need criteria based on employment including:

• Jury duty.

• Residency/internship for which wages are received.

Note: If wages are not received, the need should be categorized as approved activity.

• Required to be on call.

• Required strike duty.

• Sleep periods (up to eight hours) for the employed P/SP when:

••This person is the only P/SP available to provide care during the time period for which CDC is being requested.^[15]

”

Minnesota

Minnesota Regulation 3400.0040 (2023):

“

Eligibility requirements and standards.

Subpart 8. Child care assistance during employment.

A. In addition to meeting other eligibility requirements, an employed person who is eligible for child care assistance under part 3400.0060, 3400.0080, or 3400.0090 must work at least an average of 20 hours per week and receive at least minimum wage for all hours that the employed person works. An employed person who is eligible for child care assistance under part 3400.0080 is exempt from this requirement if the person's work is an authorized activity in an approved employment plan that allows fewer work hours or a lower wage.

B. A CCAP agency and an applicant or participant must determine a length of time, not to exceed the most recent six months, over which the number of hours that an employed person works weekly is averaged and counted toward the applicant or participant meeting the average of 20 hours per week requirement.

C. When a participant does not receive an hourly wage, the participant's earned income over a given period must be divided by the minimum wage to determine whether the participant has met the requirement to average at least 20 hours of work per week at minimum wage.

D. A CCAP agency must authorize child care assistance during a parentally responsible individual's employment for the number of hours that the individual is scheduled to work, including break and meal time during the individual's employment, and up to two hours per day for the individual's travel time.

E. An employed person must meet minimum work requirements under item A at application, redetermination, or upon completing a job search. If a parentally responsible individual's work hours decrease below 20 hours per week or if the parentally responsible individual's wage drops below minimum wage during the 12-month eligibility period, the parentally responsible individual's eligibility for child care assistance continues until redetermination.^[15]

”

Mississippi

18 Mississippi Code Regulation § 5-1-2.3 (2023):

“

Eligibility Criteria for Child Care.

2.3.3. Eligibility Criteria Based Upon Work, Job Training or Educational Program

a) How does the Lead Agency define "working" for the purposes of eligibility? Provide a narrative description below, including allowable activities and if a minimum number of hours is required.

Reminder - Lead Agencies have the flexibility to include any work-related activities in its definition of working including periods of job search and travel time. (§§ 98.16(f)(3), 98.20(b))

working-Performing duties to earn a wage (for a minimum of 25 hours per week) or complete educational/job training such as practicums or internships (must be enrolled full time). Out of work parents, or parents who lose their job are allowed 60 days of job search time during which they are eligible for services.

b) Does the Lead Agency provide CCDF child care assistance to parents who are attending job training or an educational program? (§§ 98.16(g)(5), 98.20(b) )

Yes. If yes, how does the Lead Agency define "attending job training or educational program" for the purposes of eligibility? Provide a narrative description below.

Reminder - Lead Agencies have the flexibility to include any training or education-related activities in its definition of job training or education, including study time and travel time.

attending job training or educational program -Full time enrollment of any applicant in an education and/or training program resulting in any degree, diploma, or certificate designed to promote job skills and employability. Full time status is determined by the educational institution.

No.^[15]

”

Missouri

Missouri Code Regulation title 5 § 25-200.060 (2023):

“

Eligibility and Authorization for Child Care Subsidy.

(4) Maintaining Eligibility.

(A) Reporting Changes.

1. A participant shall report changes to the department or designee within ten (10) calendar days from the date of occurrence in accordance with the Manual.

2. Failure to timely report the changes subject to reporting may result in a participant overpayment pursuant to 5 CSR 25-200.100.

3. Upon receipt of a reported change, the department or designee shall assess the participant's continued eligibility.

4. Participants shall remain eligible for child care subsidy for not less than after ninety (90) days a participant's employment, job training, or educational program ends.^[15]

”

Montana

Missouri Code Regulation title 5 § 25-200.060 (2023):

“

Child care subsidy; Nonfinancial requirements for eligibility and priority for assistance.

(1) In addition to the income requirements of ARM 37.80.202, parents must work or attend school or vocational training to receive child care payments.

(a) With the exceptions in (2), a two parent household must work a total of 120 hours per month, but there is no minimum number of hours that each parent must work each month.

(b) A single parent must work a minimum of 60 hours each month or attend school or vocational training full-time. A single parent must be working a minimum of 40 hours each month if attending school or vocational training part-time.^[15]

”

Nebraska

392 Nebraska Administrative Code, ch. 2, § 013 (2023):

“

Child Care Subsidy Program; Elements of eligibility; Need for service.

Child care services for eligible individuals are approved only if each parent or usual caretaker:

(A) Is employed;

(B) Is actively seeking employment. Each time the recipient loses employment, the recipient is entitled to three months of child care to seek employment.

(i) Child care for job search activities cannot be authorized at initial application except when job search is required by a federally funded workforce program;

(C) Is participating in an Employment First activity;

(D) Requires child care to obtain medical services including physicians' services, mental health services, and drug and alcoholism treatment;

(E) Is enrolled in and regularly attending vocational or educational training to attain a high school or equivalent diploma, an undergraduate degree or certificate, or English as second language classes;

(F) Is participating in on the job training;

(G) Is incapacitated with a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which prevents the individual from caring for the child(ren) in the home. The incapacity must be evaluated and approved by the Department; or

(H) Meets the definition of homeless. Child care may be authorized up to forty hours per week for three months to provide stability to the individual's child(ren) and to allow the parent(s) or usual caretaker the opportunity to seek out community resources. If the individual is not meeting another need for service by the end of the three months period, the authorization will end.^[15]

”

Nevada

Nevada Revised Statute § 422A.630 (2023):

“

Program for child care and development; Requirements of program.

1. To the extent authorized by federal law, the Director shall include in the state plan established for the Program for Child Care and Development pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 9858c:

(a) Measures to increase the availability of child care for children with a disability, which may include, without limitation:

(1) An enhanced rate of reimbursement for child care provided to a child with a disability by a provider that receives any training or technical assistance deemed appropriate by the Director for the care of that child;

(2) Other economic incentives for such child care; or

(3) The provision of supplemental services to child care facilities or persons who provide child care for the purpose of increasing access to child care for children with disabilities.

(b) A requirement that, to the extent of money available, the Program provide reimbursement for a portion of the cost of child care provided to the child of a parent who is:

(1) Enrolled in an educational or vocational program that awards a degree or certificate at a postsecondary educational institution or eligible institution; and

(2) Otherwise eligible to participate in the Program.^[15]

”

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Code Administrative Regulation He-C 6910.07 (2023):

“

Employment related child care scholarship eligibility; Non-financial eligibility requirements.

(f) Each applicant requesting child care scholarship shall be engaged in one or more of the following:

(1) Employment where an applicant shall be receiving any form of earned income or in-kind compensation for his or her work

(2) Job search where an applicant is:

a. In compliance with NHEP pursuant to He-W 637.05;

b. Registered with the New Hampshire department of employment security job match system; or

c. In compliance with New Hampshire's requirements for receipt of unemployment compensation benefits;

(3) Participating in a training or education program which is preparatory to employment, including any internet training or education, subject to the limitations found in He-C 6910.13(c);

(4) Participating in a basic educational activity as described in He-C 6910.13(e);

(5) Participating in one or more approved NHEP activities indicated on an employability plan as described in He-W 637; or

(6) A recipient of NHEP or FAP and be participating in:

a. A mental health treatment program;

b. A substance misuse treatment program; or

c. Both a. and b.^[15]

”

New Jersey

New Jersey Administrative Code § 10:15-2.4 (2023):

“

Child Care Services; Administrative responsibilities; Parents/applicants rights and responsibilities.

(a) The parent/applicant in receipt of subsidized child care services shall:

1. Provide for the documentation and verification of eligibility requirements for child care service programs;

2. Take the lead in interviewing providers of care to determine that provider(s) meets his or her family's needs;

3. Sign agreements for the provision of child care services with the CCRR or contracted child care program and the provider, when applicable;

4. Sign provider vouchers or attendance forms as required to verify to the agency that the child(ren) in care attended care on those days for hours indicated;

5. Make payment of the co-payment amount determined by the CCRR or contracted centers to the provider(s) as required by this chapter;

6. Report all changes in circumstances regarding eligibility such as, but not limited to, change of home address, loss of job, changes in income, status change in participation in educational or work/training activities, provider changes, and changes in family size, to the CCRR or contracted center within 10 working days of the change in circumstance;

7. Be responsible for all child care provider costs in excess of the maximum allowable payment for which the parent/applicant is eligible; and

8. Comply at all times with the program eligibility requirements as set forth in this chapter, pertaining to work-related activities, employment, training, education or child protective service status, and income eligibility requirements while in receipt of services.^[15]

”

New Mexico

New Mexico Code Regulation § 8.15.2.11 (2023):

“

Requirements for child care assistance programs for clients and child care providers; Eligibility requirements.

I. Work/education requirement: Child care benefits are paid only for families who are working, attending school or participating in a job training or educational program and who demonstrate a need for care during one or more of these activities. Clients who are receiving TANF are required to participate in a TANF-approved activity unless they are exempt by TANF. Clients and caseworkers shall negotiate a reasonable amount of study and travel time during the application or recertification process. The department may, in its discretion, exempt a client or applicant from the work/education requirement upon submission of a demonstration of incapacity.^[15]

”

New York

New York Compiled Codes, Rules, and Regulations title 18 § 415.2 (2023):

“

Eligibility, guarantees, and priorities for child care services.

(viii) a family with income up to 300 percent of the state income standard, provided the family income does not exceed 85 percent of the state median income, when child care services are needed for the child's caretaker to participate in one of the following activities provided such activity is an allowable activity set forth in the social services district's consolidated services plan or integrated county plan and the district determines that the activity is a necessary part of a plan for the family's self-support:

(a) actively seeking employment as defined in section 415.1(p) of this Part for a period of up to six months as established by the social services district in its consolidated services plan or integrated county plan, if the caretaker documents that he or she is currently registered with a New York State Department of Labor's Division of Employment Services Office, provided that child care services will be available only for the portion of the day the family is able to document is directly related to the parent or caretaker engaging in such activities;

(b) educational or vocational activities including attendance in one of the following secondary or post-secondary programs:

(1) a public or private educational facility providing a standard high school curriculum offered by or approved by the local school district;

(2) an education program that prepares an individual to obtain a New York State high school equivalency diploma;

(3) a program providing basic remedial education in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics and oral communications for individuals functioning below the ninth month of the eighth grade level in those areas;

(4) a program providing literacy training designed to help individuals improve their ability to read and write;

(5) an English as a second language (ESL) instructional program designed to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing the English language for individuals whose native or primary language is other than English;

(6) a training program which has a specific occupational goal and is conducted by an institution licensed or approved by the State Education Department other than a college or university;

(7) a prevocational skills training program such as a basic education and literacy training program; or

(8) a demonstration project designed for vocational training or other projects approved by the Department of Labor;

(c) a program to train workers in an employment field that currently is or is likely to be in demand in the near future, if the caretaker documents that he or she is a dislocated worker and is currently registered in such a program, provided that child care services are only used for the portion of the day the caretaker is able to document is directly related to the caretaker engaging in such a program. For the purposes of this provision, a dislocated worker is any person who: has been terminated or laid off from employment; has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment that will occur within six months of such notice; or was self-employed but is unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides or because of natural disasters.^[15]

”

North Carolina

10A North Carolina Administrative Code 10.0905 (2023):

“

General policies for provision of subsidized child care assistance; Support for employment and training for employment.

(a) The Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program shall pay for child care services provided to support:

(1) employment of the recipient; and

(2) training leading to employment of the recipient.

(b) The Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program shall pay for child care services for recipients the Local Purchasing Agency determines are unable to work or to participate in training leading to employment, and who are also incapable of providing care for the child. The Local Purchasing Agency shall document the reasons for this determination in the recipient's record, which may include the following:

(1) illness;

(2) disability;

(3) complications related to pregnancy;

(4) hospitalization;

(5) substance abuse treatment; or

(6) that the recipient is elderly.

(c) If a recipient is already receiving child care services funded through the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program and is absent from employment, training, or an educational program with arrangements to continue the same employment, training, or educational program, child care services shall continue for up to 90 days. If an absence from work, training, or an educational program extends beyond 90 days, the Local Purchasing Agency shall determine on the basis of individual circumstances whether child care services shall continue beyond that time period. The Local Purchasing Agency shall document the reasons for such extension in the recipient's record, which may include the following:

(1) the recipient is on maternity leave and intends to return to work;

(2) the recipient has been temporarily laid off and the employer has indicated that employment will resume within a month; or

(3) the recipient works in a high-demand field and is likely to find new employment within a month.^[15]

”

North Dakota

North Dakota Administrative Code 75-02-01.3-01 (2023):

“

Child Care Assistance; Definitions.

The terms used in this chapter have the same meaning as in North Dakota Century Code chapter 50-33. In addition, as used in this chapter unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:

1. "Applicant" means an individual who is seeking assistance under this program.

2. "Eligible child" means a child member of a child care assistance unit eligible for payment under the child care and development state plan.

3. "Intentional program violation" means an individual's intentional action or failure to act which consists of:

a. Making a false or misleading statement or misrepresenting, concealing, or withholding facts; or

b. Being convicted in federal or state court of having made a fraudulent statement or representation with respect to child care assistance.^[15]

”

Ohio

Ohio Administrative Code 5101:2-16-02, appendix A (2022):

“

Qualifying activities for the publicly funded child care program .

Eligibility for the publicly funded child care program requires all caretakers in the household to verify participation in one or more of the following qualifying activities:

1. Paid employment on a full-time or part-time basis.

2. Basic education activities.

a. Basic education activities include the following:

i. High school or equivalent education.

ii. Remedial high school education.

iii. Adult basic literacy education.

iv. Education for individuals with limited English proficiency.

b. Basic education activities shall be verified by the following documentation:

i. Proof of enrollment.

ii. The days and hours the caretaker is attending.

iii. The length of the class.

iv. Proof of initial testing, within the first month of class participation, showing the caretaker's education and/or literacy level.

v. When the class has open enrollment and no established end date, the caretaker shall provide proof of how often progress is measured and provide verification of their progress at least once every twelve months.

3. Post-secondary education activities.

a. Post-secondary education activities must be part of a course of study leading to a degree, certificate, or license. They include the following:

i. College classes.

ii. Federal work study assignments.

iii. Technical classes.

iv. Vocational classes.

b. The caretaker must have a record of satisfactory participation as defined by the school or institution.

c. When education activities are accessed via electronic media, the number of hours approved for child care shall not exceed the number of credit hours per week for the course, as defined by the educational institution.

d. Post-secondary education activities shall be approved by one of the following:

i. An accredited institution of higher education.

ii. An institution that has a certificate or has an authorization from the Ohio board of regents.

iii. An institution that has a registration from the state board of school and college registration.

4. Vocational and occupational job skills training that is directly related to the caretaker's employment goal.

a. Job skills training may include but are not limited to:

i. Classroom job skills training.

ii. Supervised on-the-job skills training.

iii. Refresher job skills training.

b. Job skills training activities shall be approved by one of the following:

i. An accredited institution of higher education.

ii. An institution that has a certificate issued or has authorization from the Ohio board of regents.

iii. An institution that has a registration from the state board of school and college registration.

iv. A workforce inventory of education and training (WIET) provider who has been approved by the Ohio department of job and family services (ODJFS).

v. An apprenticeship program approved by the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council and registered with ApprenticeOhio. ^[15]

”

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Administrative Code § 340:40-7-8 (2023):

“

Child Care Subsidy Program; Eligibility; Defining the need factor for child care benefits.

(a)Employment. Employment means the parent or caretaker earns wages for work performed or meets criteria, per (5) or (6) of this subsection.

(1) The client must provide proof of his or her work hours. When the client has the flexibility to set his or her own work hours, the client and worker jointly determine if the client can reduce the number of hours the child needs care by rearranging the client's work schedule. This is especially important in two-parent or two-caretaker families.

(2) The worker limits child care approval to the number of days and hours the client is working plus reasonable travel time. In two-parent or two-caretaker working families, the worker limits child care approval to the days and hours they work the same hours plus reasonable travel time.

(3) To meet the employment need factor, the client must make at least minimum wage for the hours he or she works unless the client qualifies for an exception, per (D) or (E) of this paragraph.

(A) through (C) of this paragraph specifies the criteria for determining minimum wage.

(A) The federal government determines minimum wage.

(B) The worker reviews the pay information provided by the client to determine whether the client makes at least minimum wage.

(i) When the paycheck or employer statement shows the hourly pay rate, the worker compares it to the federal minimum wage.

(ii) When the pay information provided does not show the client's hourly pay rate, the worker divides the number of hours the client works by the gross pay per pay period to determine the client's hourly pay rate.

(iii) When the client is considered self-employed, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:40-7-11(b)(2)(A), the worker divides the number of hours the client works by the net pay, after applicable business expenses, to determine the client's hourly pay rate. When the client and spouse are self-employed in the same business, the worker combines their work hours and divides the work hours by the net pay to determine their hourly pay rate.

(C) When the client works for an employer who pays a set wage that is less than minimum wage, and the employer refuses to begin paying at least minimum wage, the worker denies child care benefits or, when at renewal, does not approve further care.

(D) When the client is self-employed or works for an employer who pays wages based on commission or other performance measures instead of a set wage, does not make at least minimum wage, and the client has performed this work:

(i) less than one year, the worker counsels with the client to develop a plan to increase his or her income to at least minimum wage before the renewal is due. When the client is not making at least minimum wage at renewal, further care is not approved.

(ii) at least one year without any substantial change, the worker denies the child care subsidy benefit.

(E) When the client is an adoptive parent who meets criteria, per OAC 340:40-7-12(6), or is a caretaker who is not legally and financially responsible for the child, per OAC 340:40-7-6(a)(5), he or she is not required to make at least minimum wage for the number of hours worked.

(4) A client employed and working from his or her own home may be approved for subsidized child care benefits in an out-of-home child care home or center when he or she is unable to work while the child is in the home. When the client has flexible work hours and can work while the child is in school, care is not approved. When the client operates a licensed child care home, care is only approved in another licensed child care home or center when the client's own child places him or her over maximum licensed capacity;

(5) Subsidized child care benefits may be approved for sleep time during the day when a parent or caretaker works night hours and a feasible alternative is used during the night working hours at no cost to Oklahoma Human Services. Night working hours are defined as the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

(A) The maximum amount of time the worker may approve child care allows the client eight hours of sleep plus travel time to and from the provider.

(B) In two-parent or two-caretaker families, care may only be approved for this reason when both parents or caretakers have night time jobs or when one parent or caretaker has a night-time job and the other parent or caretaker works during the day while the other parent or caretaker is sleeping.

(6) Subsidized child care benefits may be approved for the parent(s) or caretaker(s) to job search for one three-month period every 12 months. when needed.^[15]

”

Oregon

Oregon Administrative Rules 414-175-0023 (2023):

“

Employment Related Day Care Program; Requirement to establish a child care need and hours authorizations.

(1) The following is required to establish a child care need:

(a) Except for as described in (2) below, every caretaker in the filing group must meet one of the following requirements:

(A) Receive income from employment. This includes self-employment and employment through a work study program.

(B) Participate in education hours, either through:

(i) Coursework that leads to a certificate, degree, or job-related knowledge or skills attainment at an institution of higher education approved to receive federal financial aid; or

(ii) Participation in a high school education or general equivalency diploma (GED) program. To be eligible under this subparagraph the caretaker must be twenty (20) years of age or younger.

(C) Be on medical leave from current employment or education.^[15]

”

Pennsylvania

55 Pennsylvania Code § 3041.43 (2023):

“

Subsidized child care eligiblilty; Eligibility requirements; Work, education and training.

(a) The parent or caretaker shall work at least 20 hours per week. The eligibility agency shall average a parent's or caretaker's work hours in cases where hours of work vary from week to week.

(b) The work-hour requirement specified in subsection (a) is met under the following circumstances:

(1) A parent or caretaker under 22 years of age and attending high school.

(2) A parent or caretaker under 18 years of age, does not have a high school or general educational development diploma, but is enrolled in and attending education on a full-time basis.

(3) A parent or caretaker attends training and works at least 10 hours per week. The time spent in training counts toward the 20 hour per week work requirement.^[15]

”

Rhode Island

218-20-00 Rhode Island Code of Regulations § 4.3 (2023):

“

Child Care Assistance Program rules and regulations; Eligibility and authorization of services.

5. Need for Services

a. RI Works participants or teen parents involved in the Teen and Family Development Program, must be in an approved education and training activity or work plan activity as established in § 4.5 of this Part.

b. Income Eligible/Low-income Child Care: the parents of the applicant child(ren) shall be employed, or participating in an approved education and training program, and unavailable to provide routine care for the child(ren) in accordance with the provisions established § 4.6 of this Part.

c. Child Care for Training: Beginning October 1, 2013, the Department shall provide child care to Income Eligible/Low-income families with income below two hundred percent (200%) of the Federal poverty level who are involved in training, apprenticeship, internship, on-the-job training, work experience, work immersion, or other job readiness/job attachment programs sponsored or funded by the Human Resource Investment Council (Governor's Workforce Board) or State agencies that are part of the coordinated program system pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-102-11.^[15]

”

South Carolina

South Carolina Code of Regulation § 114-1160 (2023):

“

Family Independence Program; Work Requirements.

A. Individualized Self-Sufficiency Plan.

(1) Each adult and minor parent recipient of FI must sign an Individualized Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISSP) with the Department that states the actions the recipient must take to become employed and the time frames for completing these actions. The agreement must also state the services the Department will provide and coordinate to assist the recipient to become employed. Refusal to sign the ISSP will cause the FI case to be subject to sanction.

(2) An FI recipient who fails, without good cause, to comply with the employment and training requirements of the ISSP shall be granted a thirty-day conciliation period to reconsider the decision not to comply with the terms of the agreement.

(a) The notice of conciliation serves to advise the recipient that a conciliation conference is necessary and that his case may be terminated at the end of the thirty-day conciliation period if conciliation has not been accomplished.

(b) A conciliation conference must be conducted within ten calendar days of the date of the notice, unless the recipient can establish good cause for failure to keep the appointment.

(c) If the recipient agrees to comply, within the thirty-day conciliation period, FI benefits will be continued without interruption, although they may be delayed.

(d) A timely and adequate notice must be sent to terminate benefits to the entire family if the client fails to keep the conciliation appointment or if the client fails to comply with the conciliation requirement.

(e) If the conciliation decision is adverse to the recipient, the recipient has ten days in which to request a fair hearing.

(f) If the recipient agrees to comply after the thirty-day conciliation period has expired, compliance must be demonstrated by participating in the employment and training program for thirty days prior to the reinstatement of FI benefits.

(g) If the recipient's FI case is closed a new written FI application is not required if the recipient agrees to comply with the requirement that caused the case closure and reapplies within sixty days of the closure. The existing application on file must be resigned and dated. The requirement of section A(2)(e) above applies to this reapplication.

(3) A recipient may be exempted from complying with the employment and training requirements for the following reasons:

(a) The parent or caretaker relative has a child under one year of age; however, custodial parents under age twenty-five who have not completed their high school education shall comply with these provisions regardless of the age of the child;

(b) Is at least six months pregnant and the pregnancy is verified by a qualified licensed health care provider;

(c) Is incapacitated and the incapacity is verified by a physician, and if the Department considers it necessary, confirmed by an assessment performed by the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, as a physical or mental impairment that prevents the recipient from engaging in gainful employment or participating in education or training;

(d) Is caring for an incapacitated person whose incapacity has been verified by a physician, and if the Department considers it necessary, confirmed by an assessment performed by the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation;

(e) Is unable to participate because child care and reasonable transportation were not provided when needed for participation in employment and training programs.

(4) All FI benefits will be terminated if a recipient completes the training requirements contained in the ISSP and then refuses an offer of employment.

B. Initial Job Search.

(1) All adult applicants (includes adults added to open FI cases) who do not meet the exemption criteria of Section 114.1130A(3) above and those who meet exemption criteria but volunteer must conduct an initial job search and shall provide evidence of this search by returning to the Department a listing of the employers contacted, date of contact, and the name and telephone number of the person with whom the applicant spoke. The number of employers to be contacted shall be determined by the Department. An applicant must provide this information before case approval; an applicant who does not provide this information by the thirtieth day must have the application denied.

(2) An employment assessment must be conducted on an approved applicant/recipient who has not found a job to determine if the individual is job ready.

(3) A recipient who has been employed twelve out of the previous twenty-four months or who has graduated from high school or has obtained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) must be considered job ready and must be enrolled in a job club.

(4) Following participation in a job club, the recipient must conduct a job search for a period not to exceed sixty days or until the recipient obtains a job, whichever comes first.

(5) A recipient who is not job ready or a job ready recipient who is unsuccessful in the sixty day job search must be evaluated for barriers to employment. From the evaluation, the agreement set forth in Section 114.1130A(3) above must be modified to set forth specific training and employment requirements for the recipient.

C. Training Programs.

(1) The Department shall provide information to applicants and recipients regarding the advantages of participation in the employment and training programs.

(2) The Department shall market its training and employment program to education and training program providers and to employers.

(3) The Department shall provide special educational and related services for teen parents under age twenty to assist them in becoming economically independent and to provide health information. The Department shall coordinate the provision of these services with other state and local agencies. Staff for this program should be familiar with school dropout programs, family planning programs which comply with existing law, and parent effectiveness training programs.

(4) Each adult FI recipient and minor mother must participate in the life Skills Training Program (LSTP) as a condition of eligibility even if exempt from the employment and training requirement. Participation in the LSTP must be a part of the ISSP.

(a) The life skills training program must include, but is not limited to, training in parenting skills, financial planning and health information.

(b) The program must include an alcohol and drug assessment for any FI recipient for whom it is deemed appropriate by the Department. The Department shall coordinate the assessment with the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) and shall include the individually determined terms and conditions of the treatment plan in the recipient's agreement with the Department.

(c) The Department shall provide through its training programs information about the value of family planning services to reproductive age recipients. The program must include a family planning assessment for any FI recipient for whom it is deemed appropriate by the Department. The Department shall coordinate the assessment and family planning education with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Training program placement staff shall actively seek the cooperation of employers or potential employers in an agreement which permits an FI recipient time off from work, not to exceed four hours, at least once a year to voluntarily seek family planning services, from a provider of the FI recipient's choice, without fear of losing employment or other reprisals. State funds may not be used to pay for an abortion.

D. Provision of Child Care and Transportation.

(1) The Department guarantees child care for a dependent child who is: under age 13; physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself, as verified by a physician or certified psychologist; or under court supervision; or a child who would be a dependent child except for the receipt of Supplemental Security Income, to the extent such child care is necessary to permit an FI eligible family member to:

(a) Accept employment or remain employed; or

(b) Participate in an approved education or training activity under the Family Independence Program; or

(c) Participate in initial job search.

(2) The Department may provide for child care for an individual who is waiting to enter an approved education, training, or FI component or employment:

(a) For a period not to exceed two weeks; or

(b) For a period not to exceed one month, on an exception basis, when child care arrangements would otherwise be lost and participation in a FI Program activity or employment is scheduled to begin within that period; or

(c) For a thirty-day trial period required for an individual to overcome a sanction.

(d) Assistance with child care payments may be denied or terminated if a client fails to successfully complete the good cause/conciliation process for correcting a non-compliance with FI employment and training program requirements. The recipient shall be informed that he is responsible for all child care payments after the termination date and that an overpayment for child care is subject to recoupment.

(3) Child care assistance shall be provided to a recipient participating in structured FI activities as follows:

(a) Full-time child care is provided for participation of twenty or more hours per week or attendance at a post secondary institution of at least twelve hours per week; or

(b) Half-time child care is provided for participation of ten or more hours but less than twenty per week; or

(c) Hourly rate child care is provided for participation of less than ten hours per week.

(4) In arranging child care, the Department will consider the following:

(a) The individual needs of the child, including reasonable accessibility of the care to the child's home and school or to the parent's place of employment or training;

(b) The appropriateness of the care to the age and special needs of the child; and

(c) Encouraging the recipient to arrange his own child care at no cost to the State when possible.

(d) The local Department will make available for a parent's review the available county listings of regulated child care providers.^[15]

”

South Dakota

South Dakota Administrative Regulation 67:47:01:03.01 (2023):

“

Assistance with child care costs;Time requirements for work and education - Exceptions.

If employed, the recipient must be employed a minimum of 80 hours a month and must receive a salary which is equivalent to the federal minimum wage per hour. If in school, the recipient must be attending 80 school hours a month. If the recipient is working and attending school, the combination of actual work and school hours must be a minimum of 80 hours a month and the recipient must receive a salary that is equivalent to the hourly federal minimum wage. In determining whether a student has met the school hour requirement, the department shall count the actual hours spent in class, work study, unpaid internships, practice teaching, and clinical work experience.

The recipient has met the requirements of this section if attending a college, university, or technical institute a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. If the household contains both parents, each parent must meet the requirements of this section.

A recipient who is enrolled in and physically attending a program of study or training leading to a GED or a high school diploma is exempt from the requirements of this section.^[15]

”

Tennessee

Tennessee Code § 71-3-104 (2023):

“

Programs and services for children;Temporary assistance; Eligibility for temporary assistance.

(a)

(1) A family shall be eligible for temporary assistance pursuant to this part if:

(A) A dependent child resides in this state with a caretaker relative in that family, or an individual who applies for temporary assistance is pregnant, or as otherwise defined by the department;

(B) The family meets income standards based upon the standard of need for a family based upon its size and income and based upon resource limits as determined by the department in its rules;

(C) The family members are engaged in work activities as set forth in subsection (g), except as exempted by this part or by rule of the department;

(D) The caretaker relative has agreed to and complies with a personal responsibility plan as developed by the department in accordance with subsection (h); and

(E) The family or individual of the family is otherwise eligible pursuant to federal or state laws or regulations.^[15]

”

Texas

40 Texas Administrative Code §809.41 (2023):

“

A child's general eligibility for child care services.

(a) Except for a child receiving or needing protective services as described in § 809.49 of this chapter, for a child to be eligible to receive child care services, at the time of eligibility determination or redetermination, a Board shall ensure that the child:

(1) meets one of the following age requirements:

(A) be under 13 years of age; or

(B) be a child with disabilities under 19 years of age;

(2) is a United States citizen or legal immigrant as determined under applicable federal laws, regulations, and guidelines; and

(3) resides with:

(A) a family within the Board's workforce area:

(i) whose income does not exceed 85 percent of the state median income (SMI) for a family of the same size; and

(ii) whose assets do not exceed $1,000,000 as certified by a family member; or

(iii) that meets the definition of experiencing homelessness as defined in § 809.2 of this chapter.

(B) parents who require child care in order to work, including job search, or attend a job training or educational program; or

(C) a person standing in loco parentis for the child while the child's parent is on military deployment and the deployed military parent's income does not exceed the limits set forth in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.^[15]

”

Utah

Utah Administrative Code 986-700-709 (2023):

“

Employment support child care assistance.

(1) Parents who are not eligible for FEP CC may be eligible for Employment Support (ES) CC.

(2) Employment Support CC is available in the following circumstances:

(a) In a single-parent household, the single parent must be the custodial parent of the eligible child and must be:

(i) employed an average of at least 15 hours per week;

(ii) employed to the single parent's full capacity if the single parent has a disability that has been verified and confirmed by the Department;

(iii) enrolled and participating in either an in-person, formal course of study or online courses with a set class schedule to obtain a high school diploma or GED;

(iv) employed an average of at least 15 hours per week and participating in education and training activities as defined in Section R986-700-711; or

(v) enrolled in a WIOA or TANF non-FEP funded training or educational program approved by the Department.

(b) Two-parent households.

(i) In a two-parent household, the parents must be:

(A) employed, with one parent employed an average of at least 30 hours per week and the second parent employed an average of at least 15 hours per week;

(B) employed to both parents' full capacities if one or both parents has a disability that has been verified and confirmed by the Department;

(C) employed, with one parent employed an average of at least 30 hours per week and the second parent employed an average of at least 15 hours per week and participating in education and training activities as defined in Section R986-700-711;

(D) enrolled and participating in an in-person, formal course of study or online courses with a set class schedule to obtain a high school diploma or GED; or

(E) enrolled in a WIOA or TANF non-FEP funded training or educational program approved by the Department.

(ii)

(A) The Department shall authorize ES CC to two-parent households only when neither the parents' work schedules nor course schedules can be changed to provide care for the parents' child.

(B) The Department may authorize ES CC when both parents are enrolled and participating in a formal course of study to obtain a high school diploma or GED.

(C) The Department may authorize ES CC when one parent is working and the second parent is participating in the formal course of study to obtain a high school diploma or GED.

(D) The Department may authorize ES CC when both parents are enrolled and participating in approved WIOA or TANF non-FEP funded training or education.

(E) The Department may authorize ES CC when one parent is working and the second parent is participating in approved WIOA or TANF non-FEP funded training or education.

(c) Self-employed parents.

(i) Self-employed parents may receive ES CC if they meet the minimum work requirements and earn wages or profit from self-employment at a rate equal to at least minimum wage, calculated by dividing the wage or profit earned through self-employment by the number of hours worked in the timeframe used to determine eligibility.

(ii) A self-employed parent shall submit business records for the most recent three-month period of self-employment to establish that the self-employed parent is earning at least minimum wage.

(iii) An exception to the requirement that a self-employed parent earn at least minimum wage may apply if the self-employed parent has a barrier to other types of employment.

(3) Employment Support CC shall be provided to cover the hours the parent needs child care for employment or approved educational or training activities.^[15]

”

Vermont

13-001 Code of Vermont Rules 13-171-001-X (2023):

“

Child care financial assistance program regulations.

Section II B 1 Service Need To receive child care financial assistance, a family must have an established service need for each Primary Caretaker residing in the child's home.

Established Service Needs are:

II B 1 a Employment. The primary caretaker(s) must demonstrate involvement in an activity, either in or out of the home, through which they receive hourly compensation of at least minimum wage. Authorization of child care financial assistance for eligible families shall be limited to the number of days and hours per week reasonably related to employment, including hours of rest or sleep, as needed for 2 [nd ]or 3 [rd ] shift employment or training, as determined by the Child Development Division, which may include not more than two hours a day travel time between the child care facility and the place of employment.

II B 1 b Self Employment. Business activity by a primary caregiver, either in or out of the home, through which they earn an average monthly net income equivalent to the number of hours worked times the Vermont minimum wage. Authorization of child care financial assistance is limited to the number of days and hours per week reasonably related to self employment, as determined by the Child Development Division, which may include not more than two hours a day travel time between the child care facility and the place of employment including the home if the business is run from the family's primary residence.

II B 1 c Start Up Self Employment. An activity determined by the Commissioner likely to lead to self-employment within one year. Authorization of child care financial assistance is limited to the number of days and hours per week reasonably related to self-employment, as determined by CDD, and may include not more than two hours a day travel time between the child care facility and place of employment including the home if the business is run from the family's primary residence.

II B 1 d Seeking Employment. The primary caretaker(s) must demonstrate involvement in activities generally recognized as necessary to obtain employment or training leading to employment. Families seeking employment may receive child care financial assistance for a period of one month unless the period is extended by the Commissioner. This service need is limited to once in a 12 month period.

II B 1 e Training or Education. The primary caretaker(s) must demonstrate participation in a program which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is likely to lead to employment within one year after completion of the program. This need can also be established if the training or education program is required to maintain employment.

Approved training programs include, without limitation, the following:

1. Work programs, training programs, and other activities approved by DCF's Economic Services Division as part of the caretaker's family development plan;

2. Work or training programs approved by the Department of Labor;

3. Work study programs or training programs related to employment;

4. High school, public or private, and high school equivalency programs such as Adult Basic Education (ABE) or General Equivalency Diploma (GED);

5. Post-secondary courses at an accredited or recognized institution of higher education offering certification or associate and bachelor degree course work;

6. Non-traditional and/or on line training approved on an individual basis; and

7. Community service time/training.

Authorization of child care financial assistance is limited to the number of days and hours related to training or education as determined by CDD. Travel time up to two hours per day between the child care facility and place of the training program may be included in the determination.

Volunteer work and post-bachelor education are not eligible activities.^[15]

”

Virginia

8 Virginia Administrative Code § 20-790-20 (2023):

“

Child Care Program; General Provisions; Families and children to be served.

9. Resides with a family in which there is a need for child care services, arising from one of the following situations:

a. In a two-parent household, there must be a documented reason why one of the parents cannot provide the needed child care.

b. Parents who need child care to support the following approved activities:

(1) Employment or employment search;

(2) Education or training leading to employment;

(3) Child protective services; or

(4) Assigned VIEW or SNAPET activity.^[15]

”

Washington

Washington Administrative Code § 110-15-0005 (2023):

“

Working Connections Child Care; Eligibility requirements; Eligibility.

(1) Consumers. At application and reapplication, to be eligible for WCCC, consumers must:

(a) Have parental control of one or more eligible children;

(b) Live in the state of Washington;

(c) Participate in an approved activity or meet the eligibility special circumstances requirements under WAC 110-15-0020, 110-15-0023, or 110-15-0024;

(d) Have countable income at or below 60 percent of the SMI at initial application or at or below 65 percent of the SMI at reapplication;

(e) Not have assets that exceed $1,000,000; and

(f) Have an agreed payment arrangement with any provider to whom any outstanding WCCC copayment is owed.

(2) Parents currently attending high school or who are age 21 or younger and completing a high school equivalency certificate are eligible for WCCC if their income does not exceed 85 percent of the SMI at the time of application.^[15]

”

West Virginia

West Virginia Code § 9-9-7 (2023):

“

WV Works Act. Work requirements.

(a) Unless otherwise exempted by the provisions of section eight of this article, the West Virginia Works Program shall require that anyone who possesses a high school diploma, or its equivalent, or anyone who is of the age of twenty years or more, to work or attend an educational or training program for at least the minimum number of hours per week required by federal law under the work participation rate requirements for all families in order to receive any form of cash assistance. Participation in any education or training activity, as defined in section three of this article, shall be counted toward satisfaction of the work requirement imposed by this section to the extent permissible under federal law and regulation: Provided, That the participant demonstrates adequate progress toward completion of the program. In accordance with federal law or regulation, the work, education and training requirements of this section are waived for any qualifying participant with a child under six years of age if the participant is unable to obtain appropriate and available child care services.

(b) The department and representatives of the Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education shall develop and implement a plan to use and expand the programs available at the state's community and technical colleges, colleges and universities to assist beneficiaries or participants who are enrolled or wish to become enrolled in vocational-educational training not to exceed twelve months with respect to any individual to meet the work requirements of this section. Vocational-educational training shall be supervised daily and on an ongoing basis.^[15]

”

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF § 201.036 (2023):

“

Child Care Subsidy Program. Eligibility.

(1) REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. Notwithstanding s. DCF 101.06(2), a parent shall sign a request for assistance under the child care subsidy program. Note: Section DCF 101.06 applies to applications for the Wisconsin Works program. Section 49.141(1) (p), Stats., defines "Wisconsin Works" as "the assistance program for families with dependent children, administered under ss. 49.141 to 49.161, Stats." This rule clarifies that s. DCF 101.06 applies only to the time-limited program that provides temporary cash assistance and case management services to low-income parents and pregnant women and not to the child care subsidy program.

(2) AGENCY DETERMINATION. A child care administrative agency shall determine a parent's eligibility for the child care subsidy program under s. 49.155(1m), Stats., and this section. (2e) EXCLUSIONS FROM LIMIT ON LIQUID ASSETS. Financial resources that are not cash on hand or funds in checking, savings, money market, or credit union share accounts that can be withdrawn without incurring penalties are excluded from the definition of liquid assets for the purpose of the liquid asset limit under s. 49.155(1m) (cm), Stats. (2m) LIMITS ON THE VALUE OF AN ASSISTANCE GROUP'S HOME AND VEHICLES.

(a)Hardship exemptions. A parent who first applies for the child care subsidy program on or after January 1, 2019, is subject to the asset limits under s. 49.155(1m) (cr), Stats., unless any of the following conditions are met:

1. The parent is the child's foster parent.

2. The parent is a kinship care relative receiving payments under s. 48.57(3m) or (3n), Stats., and the child was placed in the kinship care relative's home under a court order.

3. The parent is the child's guardian or interim caretaker under s. 48.623, Stats.

4. Ownership of an applicable asset is unclear to the child care administrative agency due to a recent death or change in the composition of the assistance group.

5. The assistance group is homeless.

(b)Agricultural land and buildings excluded from value of home.

1. In this paragraph, " agricultural land" includes buildings and improvements that are devoted primarily to agricultural use and the land necessary for their location and convenience.

2. In calculating the value of a home owned by the assistance group under s. 49.155(1m) (cr) 1, Stats., the child care administrative agency shall exclude the value of any agricultural land owned by a member of the assistance group.

(2s) ADDRESS VERIFICATION. Except when the parent is homeless or is registered with the address confidentiality program under s. 165.68, Stats., a parent shall submit verification of the parent's place of residence to the child care administrative agency at the parent's eligibility determination and redetermination.

(3m) SELF-EMPLOYMENT.

(a)Requirement to file taxes. Regardless of the amount of a parent's net income, a parent whose approved activity is self-employment shall file personal and business tax returns with the internal revenue service if the parent's gross income from the previous year included income from self-employment.

(b)Income information to agency. Except as provided in par. (c) 1., a parent is eligible for the child care subsidy program when the parent's approved activity is self-employment only if the parent submits copies of the parent's most recent personal and business tax returns to the child care administrative agency with the parent's initial request for assistance and at each annual eligibility redetermination.

(c)Self-employment income reports.

1. Prior to a parent filing a business tax return with the internal revenue service, the parent shall submit documentation of the parent's actual or anticipated business income and expenses to the child care administrative agency on a form prescribed by the department at the times specified in par. (b). This subdivision only applies prior to the parent's first deadline for filing a business tax return under par. (a), including any extension granted by the internal revenue service.

2. If a parent alleges that the business tax return required under par. (b) is not representative of the parent's business income and expenses in the current tax year, the parent may submit documentation of business income and expenses subsequent to the information in the tax return on a form prescribed by the department, in addition to the tax returns required under par. (b). The child care administrative agency shall review the documentation and use the more recent information for eligibility and authorizations if it determines there has been a significant change in the parent's business income and expenses.

Note: Form F-001007, Self-Employment Income Report, is available on the Department of Health Services website at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/f0/f00107.pdf.

(d)Additional verification.

1. A child care administrative agency may require a parent to provide additional verification of the parent's business income and expenses within 7 days if the agency believes the documentation provided under par. (b) or (c) is questionable or may be falsified.

2. The child care administrative agency shall determine that the parent's self-employment is not an approved activity if the parent does not submit the additional verification requested by the agency within 7 days or the information provided by the parent does not resolve the agency's questions.

(e)Income threshold for ongoing business. A child care administrative agency shall determine that a parent's self-employment is a hobby and not an approved activity if the parent does not have an annual net business income of at least $400 when the maximum numbers of hours in the parent's authorization is determined under s. DCF 201.039(8m) (b).

(4) ANNUAL REDETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY. A child care administrative agency shall redetermine a parent's eligibility in the 11th or 12th month following the initial determination of the parent's eligibility or the most recent annual redetermination of the parent's eligibility.

(5) ELIGIBILITY TERMINATION. During a parent's 12-month eligibility period, the child care administrative agency shall terminate a parent's eligibility if any of the following conditions are met:

(a) The gross income of the assistance group exceeds 85 percent of the state median income for a household of the same size.

(b) All of the following conditions are met:

1. The parent is not participating in an approved activity.

2. The parent is not taking a temporary break from an approved activity.

3. The parent is not in an approved activity search period.

(c) The child care administrative agency or the department determines that the parent committed an intentional program violation that invalidates a prior determination of the parent's eligibility.

(d) The parent is required to cooperate with efforts directed at establishing paternity and obtaining support payments or any other payments or property to which that parent and any minor child of that parent may have rights or for which that parent may be responsible under s. 49.145(2) (f), Stats., and has failed to cooperate with these requirements without good cause under ch. DCF 102.

(e) The child or the parent identified in the automation system used in determining eligibility for the child care subsidy program moves out of the state.^[15]

”

Wyoming

049-1 Wyoming Code Rule § 1-8 (2019):

“

Eligibility Factors.

(a) Each factor of eligibility shall be verified.

(b) Approved cases shall include documentation in the case file as to how each eligibility factor was met and the amount of payment.

(c) The application shall be denied or assistance terminated when eligibility cannot be determined because the applicant/recipient refuses to provide the requested documentation or the written consent to obtain the documentation.

(d) Denied cases shall include documentation in the case file of the reason(s) for the denial.

(e) The following eligibility factors shall be met:

(i) Eligible persons.

(A) Child care assistance shall be available for a child who is under age 12 years, a child over 12 who has special needs, is developmentally delayed, is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself as verified by a physician or licensed or certified psychologist, or under court supervision.

(B) Child care assistance is available only to children who live with their parent(s)/caretaker(s) when the parent(s)/caretaker(s) is participating in an approved activity outside the home.

(C) Child care assistance shall be available only when the child(ren)'s parent(s)/caretaker(s) participates in at least one (1) of the following approved activities outside the home:

(I) Employment;

(II) Employment Training program;

(III) Educational program, including high school or high school equivalency;

(IV) POWER work requirement;

(V) SNAP E & T activity; or

(VI) Temporary Job Search.^[15]

”

External links

Footnotes

↑ acf.gov, "OCC Fact Sheet," accessed August 21, 2025
↑ "Administration for Children & Families," "Office of Child Care," accessed November 25, 2023
↑ Social Welfare Library, Aid to Dependent Children, accessed May 30, 2023
↑ Social Welfare, Mothers Aid, accessed May 30, 2023
↑ Urban Institute, Child care subsidies, accessed May 31, 2023
↑ CLASP, Implications for CCDBG Reauthorization, accessed June 2, 2023
↑ HHS, TANF cash help, accessed June 2, 2023
↑ ‘’HHS,’’ ‘’Child Care and Development Fund,’’ accessed May 31, 2023
↑ First Five Years Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, accessed June 1, 2023
↑ Urban Institute, "Welfare Rules Databook: State TANF Policies as of July 2020," accessed December 23, 2023
↑ Urban Institute, "TANF Work requirements and State Strategies to fulfill Them," March 2012
↑ Urban Institute, Child care subsidies, accessed May 31, 2023
↑ HHS Child care, parental activities and reason for care, accessed May 31, 2023
↑ Child care aware, child care and development block grant, accessed May 31, 2023
↑ ^15.00 ^15.01 ^15.02 ^15.03 ^15.04 ^15.05 ^15.06 ^15.07 ^15.08 ^15.09 ^15.10 ^15.11 ^15.12 ^15.13 ^15.14 ^15.15 ^15.16 ^15.17 ^15.18 ^15.19 ^15.20 ^15.21 ^15.22 ^15.23 ^15.24 ^15.25 ^15.26 ^15.27 ^15.28 ^15.29 ^15.30 ^15.31 ^15.32 ^15.33 ^15.34 ^15.35 ^15.36 ^15.37 ^15.38 ^15.39 ^15.40 ^15.41 ^15.42 ^15.43 ^15.44 ^15.45 ^15.46 ^15.47 ^15.48 ^15.49 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[1] acf.gov, "OCC Fact Sheet," accessed August 21, 2025

[2] "Administration for Children & Families," "Office of Child Care," accessed November 25, 2023

[adc-3] Social Welfare Library, Aid to Dependent Children, accessed May 30, 2023

[4] Social Welfare, Mothers Aid, accessed May 30, 2023

[5] Urban Institute, Child care subsidies, accessed May 31, 2023

[6] CLASP, Implications for CCDBG Reauthorization, accessed June 2, 2023

[7] HHS, TANF cash help, accessed June 2, 2023

[8] ‘’HHS,’’ ‘’Child Care and Development Fund,’’ accessed May 31, 2023

[ffyf-9] First Five Years Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, accessed June 1, 2023

[10] Urban Institute, "Welfare Rules Databook: State TANF Policies as of July 2020," accessed December 23, 2023

[ACF-11] Urban Institute, "TANF Work requirements and State Strategies to fulfill Them," March 2012

[12] Urban Institute, Child care subsidies, accessed May 31, 2023

[13] HHS Child care, parental activities and reason for care, accessed May 31, 2023

[14] Child care aware, child care and development block grant, accessed May 31, 2023

[quotedisclaimer-15] 15.00 ^15.01 ^15.02 ^15.03 ^15.04 ^15.05 ^15.06 ^15.07 ^15.08 ^15.09 ^15.10 ^15.11 ^15.12 ^15.13 ^15.14 ^15.15 ^15.16 ^15.17 ^15.18 ^15.19 ^15.20 ^15.21 ^15.22 ^15.23 ^15.24 ^15.25 ^15.26 ^15.27 ^15.28 ^15.29 ^15.30 ^15.31 ^15.32 ^15.33 ^15.34 ^15.35 ^15.36 ^15.37 ^15.38 ^15.39 ^15.40 ^15.41 ^15.42 ^15.43 ^15.44 ^15.45 ^15.46 ^15.47 ^15.48 ^15.49 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]