07/02/15
Information Memo
Summary:
- Due to significant projected FY16 funding shortfalls, the Department is reducing Child Care Assistance Program benefits to ensure the continued sustainability of CCAP despite the limited available financial resources projected for FY16.
- Effective July 1, 2015, the Department is imposing priority eligibility guidelines to all new Applications.
- Cases being redetermined will continue to be eligible as long as they are within the income levels set for redeterminations (see "Redetermination" monthly income levels below) and all other eligibility factors are met.
- Within six months of initial child care assistance eligibility, an eligible family with an absent parent must have an active collection case with the Division of Child Support Services at the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
- As a condition of eligibility to receive a State subsidy for providing child care services to eligible families, all license exempt child care providers shall comply with all required background checks.
Due to significant projected FY16 funding shortfalls, the Department is reducing Child Care Assistance Program benefits to ensure the continued sustainability of CCAP despite the limited available financial resources projected for FY16.
Priority Eligibility and Income Guidelines
Effective July 1, 2015, the Department is imposing priority eligibility guidelines to all new Applications. A new Application is defined as a request for child care assistance for a family that has not had eligibility within the last 30 days. To initially qualify for the program after July 1 an applicant must be a:
1) recipient of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF);
2) Teen Parent enrolled full-time in elementary or high school or GED classes to obtain a high school
degree or its equivalent;
3) family with a Special Needs child(ren); or
4) working family whose monthly income does not exceed 50% of the most current Federal Poverty
Level for their family size (See "New Case" monthly income levels below).
New applicants that do not fall into one of the above groups will be issued a Notice of Denial. IDHS will notify all families denied for this reason once the program returns to its regular policies so new applications can be submitted.
Cases being redetermined will continue to be eligible as long as they are within the income levels set for redeterminations (see "Redetermination" monthly income levels below) and all other eligibility factors are met. If inactive for 30 days or more, all new guidelines apply.
Family Size
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
New Case
$ 664
$ 838
$1, 011
$1,184
$1,358
$1,531
$1,704
$1,878
$2,051
Redetermination
$2,456
$3,098
$3,739
$4,380
$5,022
$5,663
$6,304
$6,946
$7,587
Parent Rights and Responsibilities
Within six months of initial child care assistance eligibility, an eligible family with an absent parent must have an active collection case with the Division of Child Support Services at the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. A case must be opened against the absent parent of every child within the family's household. If a family does not comply with this requirement within the given time frame, the child care case will be cancelled.
Provider Background Checks
As a condition of eligibility to receive a State subsidy for providing child care services to eligible families, all license exempt child care providers shall comply with all required background checks. Providers will be sent a form and information, as needed, once the application is submitted. The background checks that apply are below.
| Type of Provider |
Criminal Background
Check
|
Illinois Sex
Offender
Registry Check
|
Child Abuse and
Neglect Check
|
| License-Exempt Center |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Non-Relative Provider in Provider's
Home
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
- Household Members Age 18+
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
- Household Members Age 13-17
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Relative in Provider's Home |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
- Household Members Age 18+
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
- Household Members Age 13-17
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Non-Relative in Child's Home |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Relative in Child's Home |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Parent Co-Payment Amounts Are Increasing
Monthly co-payments are increasing as of July 1st. Please see Manual Release # 15.16.
Questions
Contact Michael Garner-Jones, IDHS Child Care and Development, @ Michael.garner-jones@illinois.gov.
[signed copy on file]
James T. Dimas
Secretary-designate, Illinois Department of Human Services
