01.03.07 - Active Military Duty

Effective Date: 04/01/03

Revised 01/01/13, 01/24/17

Policy Statement:

The Department shall (a) determine the extent to which military families are accessing the Child Care Assistance Program. Therefore, applicants must identify whether they are currently serving as active duty (i.e., serving full-time) in the U.S. Military or a member of either a National Guard unit or a Military Reserve unit; and (b) waive co-payment during the time biological parent(s) are in active duty in the U. S. Military.

Procedure:

1. The military status of each applicant must be identified and appropriately coded in the Child Care Management System (CCMS). Review the Application (IL444-3455), Redetermination (IL444-3455E), or Change of Information (IL444-3527), forms to determine if the applicant has indicated "Yes" in response to questions regarding U. S. Military Service, namely:
   1. Active Duty in the U. S. Military
      The most time-intensive service commitment, Active Duty is similar to working at a full-time civilian job. Active-duty service members are full-time members of the military, living on base or in military housing and immersed in military culture. After attending boot camp, they are stationed at a base either domestically or overseas. Active-duty terms typically last two to six years. The length of deployment varies depending on a unit's specific mission.
   2. National Guard Unit, or Military Reserve Unit
      1. The National Guard consists of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. In addition to training drills one weekend a month and two full weeks per year, National Guard units assist communities in their state during emergencies like storms, floods, fires and other natural disasters.
      2. Reservists are part-time service members, allowing them time to pursue a civilian career or college education while simultaneously serving their country. Members of the Reserve attend boot camp and are required to participate in training drills one weekend a month as well as a two-week program each year. Each active-duty branch of the Military has a Reserve component under their command, which is available for active-duty deployment in times of war or national emergency.

If the applicant has indicated "Yes" for either military service type, information must also be completed regarding status during the time of Application, Redetermination, or Change of Information. If the applicant does not specify the length of deployment (Begin Date and End Date) for active duty, or dates of service (Begin Date and End Date) for National Guard or Reserve units, follow the procedure found in Policy 02.02.02 Request for Additional Information.

2. Two-parent Households
   1. One parent called to active duty (serving full-time in the U.S. Military)
      If only one parent in a two-parent household is called to active military duty, follow the procedures in 01.03.01.
   2. Both parents called to active duty
      If both parents are called to active duty and the child(ren) are placed in relative care, eligibility may be extended to the  relative caretaker if he or she is employed or in an approved education and training activity. To verify that the relative caretaker is responsible for the child(ren) request documentation from the applicant or relative caretaker. Acceptable documentation can include the following:
      1. • Military power of attorney appointing the caretaker as the guardian of the child(ren); or
         • Notarized power of attorney or a sworn affidavit of temporary custody/guardianship of the child(ren)
      1. Income eligibility shall be determined on the biological parents' income before they leave for active duty.
      2. The copayment waiver shall be implemented at the time of Application, or Redetermination for biological parents documenting current active duty in the U. S. Military status. For a call to active duty accompanied by a Change of Information during a current eligibility period, the copayment waiver shall be implemented on the first of the month following the month in which the biological parent's documented call to active duty occurs.
3. Single-parent Households
   1. If a parent is called to active duty and the child(ren) are placed in relative care, eligibility may be extended if the relative caretaker is employed or in an approved education and training activity. To verify that the relative caretaker is responsible for the child(ren) request documentation from the applicant or relative caretaker. Acceptable documentation can include the following:
   2. • Military power of attorney appointing the caretaker as the guardian of the child(ren); or
      • Notarized power of attorney or a sworn affidavit of temporary custody/guardianship of the child(ren)
      1. Income eligibility shall be determined on the biological parents' income before they leave for active duty.
      2. The copayment waiver shall be implemented at the time of Application, or Redetermination for a biological parent documenting current active duty in the U. S. Military status. For a call to active duty accompanied by a Change of Information during a current eligibility period, the copayment waiver shall be implemented on the first of the month following the month in which the biological parent's documented call to active duty occurs.