Child Care Vouchers - Making Quality Childcare Affordable for All

Child care voucher or subsidies is basically a program that assists poor families in giving care and essential needs to their children, especially to those whose parents are working or currently taking their studies.

From babysitting services, and health services, to education, these programs not only help unload the burden of parents with regard to childcare costs, but also help raise children who are healthy, loved, cared for, and provided with a good environment while growing up.

How Child Care Vouchers Work

There are various childcare programs throughout the United States, and each comes with a different rule, qualification, and procedure. Generally, these programs are funded by the federal government, while some are provided by institutions for their employees.

The function of these programs is to help parents with the cost of child care. The amount of subsidy given to the recipients is dependent on the gross income of the parents and the number of children in the household.

In this case, the program pays a portion of child care costs, and the lesser percentage left will be covered by the parents. Some programs may coordinate with the company or institution the recipients are working to directly extract the payment fees for child care from the recipient’s salary.

There are many childcare vouchers available and accessible online. Since most transactions nowadays are online, many agencies and states that manage child care programs developed accessible and customer-friendly websites where you can apply.

However, if you are reluctant online, getting in touch with a managing officer or your health care provider is never a bad choice.

Child Care Voucher Programs You Might Consider

In this article, I am going to list some child care voucher programs that are certified as good and reliable.

Child Care Voucher Program Under the Ohio Department Of Health

The program is more commonly known as the CCVP. This is exclusively given to those families who live in the state of Ohio so long as they meet the following qualifications:

• Children must be no older than 13 years;
• Must be currently working and living in the state of Ohio;
• Must not have an adjusted federal gross income above $35,000 (this is with the spouse’s income combined); and
• Must have a greater or equal amount of child care expenses as against the amount set in the bargaining agreement.

If you plan to apply for this program, you must prepare the following requirements:

• Download and print the enrollment application form or form ADM 4306. You can also get this form from a managing officer of the program;
• Let your childcare providers from last year sign the form along with their basic information and contact;
• Prepare your federal IRS income tax from IRS 1040;
• Let your payroll officer accomplish the form; and
• Submit your application to DAS benefits administration services on or before April 15.

Ensure that the required documents are complete before submitting, otherwise, your application will not be processed.

Child Care Subsidy Or Voucher Program In The District Of Colombia

This program primarily aims to provide child-care services to qualified families. This program has five types of childcare services:

• Level 1 Child Development Center-Based Provider;
• Level 2 Child Development Center-Based Provider;
• Child Development Home-Based Provider;
• Relative Care Provide - Recipient’s choice of relative child care provider; and
• In-Home Care Provider - Recipient’s choice of a healthcare provider.

To be accepted in any of the programs, children must undergo an eligibility determination managed by the Department of Human Services.

The following are the basic requirements that an applicant must meet:

1. Must have an income lower than the limit set by your chosen program;
2. Can be recipients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and comply with the responsibilities required by the program;
3. Teenage parents who desire to continue their studies; and
4. Families who desire to acquire educational attainment and other related training.

Interested? You can inquire for additional details and procedures at the DHS, Economic Security Administration, Child Care Services Division during weekdays from 7:30 am to 4:45 pm.

If you already have the requisites for application, you can directly submit completed documents to their office. Make sure to call and schedule an appointment beforehand so that you will be entertained at the scheduled time.

Child Care Scholarship Program In Maryland

This is also known as the Child Care Subsidy program which focuses on assisting eligible families in Maryland with their child care expenses.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• You must be a Maryland resident to apply.
• Can be a member of the Temporary Cash Assistance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
• Must be in need of child care assistance services;
• Children must be a legal citizen of the United States; and
• Children must be not older than 13 years, but if disabled, should not be older than 19 years.

If you plan to apply you just need to submit a CCS application form along with the basic information of each member of the household, children’s proof of citizenship, any valid ID of the parents, and proof of income and other activities.

CS Voucher Program

This is a federal program that is available for citizens in the state of South Carolina so long as they are working, studying, attending training, or in other cases need child care assistance. One of the purposes of this program is to assist families amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

To be eligible for this program, one must meet the following qualifications:

• Parents who are working more than 15 hours a week, studying, or training for a job; and
• Must have a gross family income not higher than 300% of the federal poverty level.

Child Care Certificate Program

This program is funded by the federal government for the state of Mississippi.

To be eligible for this program, one must meet the following qualifications:

• Working more than 25 hours per week;
• Currently studying for a degree or its equivalent;
• Must be in need of child care services;
• Has an income lower than 50% to 85%;
• A recipient of TANF.

Unfortunately, this program is not currently accepting applicants. However, if you have inquiries about the program and its schedule for applicants, you can contact 601.359.4500 or mail this address: 200 South Lamar St., Jackson, MS 39201.

New Child Care For Eligible Low-Income Families

This program is funded by the federal government to serve eligible families in New York. Basically, this program is available for children from 6 weeks to 13 years old.

If your child has a disability, the age limit should be not higher than 18 years old to be qualified.

Choosing the Right Child Care Vouchers for You

Haven’t found a childcare service for you? To know more about federally funded assistance, check your eligibility and opt for the right one for you.