WAG 06-16-05-a: Child Care Approved by CCR&Rs

PM 06-16-05-a

(FCRC) Refer the client to the appropriate CCR&R Agency or Site Administered Provider.  Give the client an application form and a copy of their RSP, if necessary.  See WAG 25-05-01 for a list of CCR&R agencies.

(CCR&R Agency) Makes child care payments directly to the child care provider.

New Employment or a Change in Providers

1. (FCRC) Give each applicant/client Affordable Child Care IL444-3211.  Form IL444-3211 explains legal child care arrangements and lists Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies in Illinois.  Also give each employed applicant/client the Child Care Application IL444-3455.
   1. Give each applicant the form at application.
   2. Give each active case the form when the client:
      • reports employment or employment is discovered;
      • changes child care providers; or
      • requests an application for payment of child care.
2. (Provider & Client)  Completes IL444-3455 Child Care Application and returns it to the CCR&R Agency in order to certify that legal child care is being provided.  No child care payments are made until IL444-3455 Child Care Application is received and approved by the CCR&R Agency or the Site Administered Provider.
3. (CCR&R Agency) Informs both the client and the provider of the decision.

Payment may be verified on the client ledger for benefit postings (PF6 on the IPACS Inquiry Menu).  The 4-digit designator code 0714 designates employment-related child care payments.  The code appears with the appropriate child care code (760-767).

The procedures for child care on canceled TANF cases are as follows:

1. (FCRC) Sends IL444-3455 Child Care Application to a TANF unit canceled with TAR 14 or 58 when they do not already receive employment-related child care through direct pay.
   • NOTE: The central cancellation notice for a case canceled for reasons other than earnings or employment includes a toll-free number for the client to call to apply for Child Care.  Callers are sent an application. 
2. (FCRC)  For TANF cases canceled manually with TAR 14 or 58 (TANF cases) that are not receiving employment-related child care payments through the CCR&R Agency or the Site Administered Provider, sends IL444-3455 Child Care Application and IL444-3211 Affordable Child Care to the client.
3. (FCRC) Gives the client IL444-3455 Child Care Application and IL444-3211 Affordable Child Care if they come to the FCRC to apply for child care benefits.
4. (FCRC) Refers the client to the Bureau of Child Care and Development (BCCD) if they contact the FCRC and claim they completed IL444-3455 Child Care Application but have not been contacted by CCR&R Agency within 30 days.
5. (CCR&R Agency) Responsibilities include:
   • Contacts the client and the child care provider within 30 days of receipt of IL444-3455 Child Care Application sets up procedures for the payment of child care services.
   • Notifies the client and the child care provider of the period of eligibility and of the copayment the parent or guardian is required to pay.
   • Makes payments directly to the child care provider.
   • Responds to any client inquiries about child care.
6. 
7. (FCRC) Refers any client who contacts you with a problem about child care (lost or stolen payments, complaint on the level of benefits, etc.) to the appropriate CCR&R Agency office (see WAG 25-05-01).  If they are not satisfied with the CCR&R Agency's decision, refers them to BCCD and tells them of their appeal rights (see WAG 06-16-01).

If the client files an appeal about any aspect of child care, process the appeal in the normal fashion (see WAG 06-16-01 and WAG 01-07-00). Contact BCCD when a client files an appeal.  They will obtain all information, verifications, etc., needed for the appeal.