This chapter contains policy for the County Assistance Office (CAO) to determine and process child care eligibility for a TANF recipient. A SNAP participant in an approved unpaid Employment and Training Program (ETP) activity may receive child care.
The Department has delegated the responsibilities for administering payment for subsidized child care to the Child Care Information Services (CCIS). 55 Pa. Code § 168.3
Payment for child care is made when the CAO determined that a Cash recipient has a need for and is eligible for child care, to enable the parent/caretaker to participate in an approved work-related activity. To qualify for a child care allowance, the cash budget group must: 55 Pa. Code § 168.1 55 Pa. Code § 168.18(a)
Be eligible for TANF cash assistance, including a budget group that does not receive the monthly minimum check requirement or a budget group that is eligible for an NCE only. 55 Pa. Code § 168.1(a)
Include the eligible TANF dependent child or a child who would qualify as an eligible TANF dependent child except for receipt of SSI or Foster Care benefits. See Chapter 105, Category. 55 Pa. Code § 168.17(1)
Have a need for child care. See Section 183.26. 55 Pa. Code § 168.18
The CAO will inform applicants and recipients of the availability of child care allowances at application, renewal and whenever the Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR) is developed or revised and reflects a need for child care. For TANF applicants and recipients, provide brochure PUB 571. 55 Pa. Code § 168.1(c)
Budget group – A group of persons receiving Cash. See Chapter 110, Budget Groups. 55 Pa. Code § 168.2
NOTE: A child receiving SSI benefits and for whom child care payments are requested is included in the budget group for child care purposes.
Child Care Information Services (CCIS) Agency – A public or private agency with which the Department has a contract to manage the subsidized child care program in part of a county or several counties. The subsidized child care program is for families not receiving TANF This agency is also known as a Local Management Agency.
Copayment – The weekly amount the family pays for subsidized child care.
Relative/neighbor care – Care provided by a relative or neighbor and limited to care for no more than three children, unrelated to the caregiver.
Satisfactory arrangement – The plan made by the budget group and accepted by the child care provider to pay an overdue copayment.
Vendor payment – A child care payment made by CCIS directly to a child care provider who has signed a provider agreement.
Reissued September 28, 2012 replacing January 31, 2012