The Department of Social Services is changing the Child Care Assistance Program.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, providers will receive full authorized payments – even if there are temporary changes in child attendance.
"We recognize the financial burden childcare expenses impose, especially for low-income families," said DSS Secretary Matt Althoff. "We want to ensure that the Child Care Assistance program serves both families and providers in a way that can provide predictable payments that ease budgeting as well as the administrative burdens of program participation. The change is part of an ongoing effort to reduce barriers to Child Care Assistance participation."
Child Care Assistance helps pay for childcare expenses for low-income families while they work or go to school. The program pays childcare providers directly and payments are based on the family’s work or school schedule.
To learn more about the program, visit the DSS's Child Care Assistance Program website.