2.2 Eligible Children and Families

At eligibility determination or redetermination, children must (1) be younger than age 13; (2) reside with a family whose income does not exceed 85 percent of the State's median income (SMI) for a family of the same size and whose family assets do not exceed $1,000,000; and (3)(a) reside with a parent or parents who are working or attending a job training or educational program (which can include job search) or (b) receive, or need to receive, protective services as defined by the Lead Agency. 2.2.1 Eligibility criteria: age of children served Lead Agencies may provide child care assistance for children less than 13 years of age, including continuing to provide assistance to children if they turn 13 during the eligibility period. In addition, Lead Agencies can choose to serve children up to age 19 if those children are unable to care for themselves. a. Does your Lead Agency serve the full federally allowable age range of children through age 12? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe the age range of children served and the reason why you made that decision to serve less than the full range of allowable children. Note: Do not include children incapable of self-care or under court supervision, who are reported below in 2.2.1b and 2.2.1c. b. Does the Lead Agency extend eligibility for CCDF-funded child care to children ages 13 and older but below age 19 who are physically and/or mentally incapable of self-care? [ ] No. [x] Yes. i. If yes, the upper age is (may not equal or exceed age 19): 18.00 ii. If yes, provide the Lead Agency definition of physical and/or mental incapacity: The OEC's definition of physically and/or mentally incapable of self-care is: (a) a physical handicap or health impairment that causes chronic or acute health problems such as a heart condition, orthopedic impairment, tuberculosis, asthma, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, leukemia, or congenital abnormality that has been diagnosed by the physician; (b) an intellectual incapacity or spectrum disorder as diagnosed by a physician, pediatrician, or psychologist; and (c) a behavioral or emotional disturbance, maladjustment or developmental delay that causes the child to exhibit marked and inappropriate behaviors or characteristics over extended periods that has been diagnosed by a professional acting c. Does the Lead Agency extend eligibility for CCDF-funded child care to children ages 13 and older but below age 19 who are under court supervision? [x] No. [ ] Yes. If yes, and the upper age is (may not equal or exceed age 19): d. How does the Lead Agency define the following eligibility terms? i. “residing with”: Means living with on a regular basis, including taking meals together and sleeping in the same home. ii. “in loco parentis”: Means a person with whom the child lives who is responsible for the day-to-day care and custody of the child when the child's parent by blood, marriage, adoption or court order is not performing such duties. 2.2.2 Eligibility criteria: reason for care Lead Agencies have broad flexibility on the work, training, and educational activities required to qualify for child care assistance. Lead Agencies do not have to set a minimum number of hours for families to qualify for work, training, or educational activities, and there is no requirement to limit authorized child care services strictly based on the work, training, or educational schedule/hours of the parent(s). For example, the Lead Agency can include travel or study time in calculating the amount of needed services. How does the Lead Agency define the following terms for the purposes of determining CCDF eligibility? a. Identify which of the following activities are included in your definition of “working” by checking the boxes below: i. [x] An activity for which a wage or salary is paid. ii. [x] Being self-employed. iii. [ ] During a time of emergency or disaster, partnering in essential services. iv. [ ] Participating in unpaid activities like student teaching, internships, or practicums. v. [ ] Time for meals or breaks. vi. [x] Time for travel. vii. [ ] Seeking employment or job search. viii. [ ] Other. Describe: b. Identify which of the following activities are included in your definition of “attending job training” by checking the boxes below: i. [x] Vocational/technical job skills training. ii. [x] Apprenticeship or internship program or other on-the-job training. iii. [x] English as a Second Language training. iv. [x] Adult Basic Education preparation. v. [x] Participation in employment service activities. vi. [ ] Time for meals and breaks. vii. [ ] Time for travel. viii. [ ] Hours required for associated activities such as study groups, lab experiences. ix. [ ] Time for outside class study or completion of homework. x. [x] Other. Describe: Enrollment in and regularly attending classes or compliance with the mandatory employment service requirements of the TANF program, including being available for work, reporting for interviews, attending group or individual orientation sessions and satisfactory participation in employment service. c. Identify which of the following diplomas, certificates, degrees, or activities are included in your definition of “attending an educational program” by checking the boxes below: i. [x] Adult High School Diploma or GED. ii. [x] Certificate programs (12-18 credit hours). iii. [x] One-year diploma (36 credit hours). iv. [x] Two-year degree. v. [x] Four-year degree. vi. [ ] Travel to and from classrooms, labs, or study groups. vii. [ ] Study time. viii. [ ] Hours required for associated activities such as study groups, lab experiences. ix. [ ] Time for outside class study or completion of homework. x. [ ] Applicable meal and break times. xi. [ ] Other. Describe: d. Does the Lead Agency impose a Lead Agency-defined minimum number of hours of activity for eligibility? [x] No. [ ] Yes. If yes, describe any Lead Agency-imposed minimum requirement for the following: [ ] Work. Describe: [ ] Job training. Describe: [ ] Education. Describe: [ ] Combination of allowable activities. Describe: [ ] Other. Describe: e. Does the Lead Agency allow parents to qualify for CCDF assistance based on education and training without additional work requirements? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe the additional work requirements: f. Does the Lead Agency extend eligibility to specific populations of children otherwise not eligible by including them in its definition of “children who receive or need to receive protective services?” Note: A Lead Agency may elect to provide CCDF-funded child care to children in foster care when foster care parents are not working or are not in education/training activities, but this provision should be included in the Lead Agency’s protective services definition. [ ] No. If no, skip to question 2.2.3. [x] Yes. If yes, answer the questions below: Provide the Lead Agency’s definition of “protective services” by checking below the sub-populations of children that are included: [x] Children in foster care. [ ] Children in kinship care. [ ] Children who are in families under court supervision. [x] Children who are in families receiving supports or otherwise engaged with a child welfare agency. [ ] Children participating in a Lead Agency’s Early Head Start - Child Care Partnerships program. [ ] Children whose family members are deemed essential workers under a governor-declared state of emergency. [x] Children experiencing homelessness. [ ] Children whose family has been affected by a natural disaster. [x] Other. Describe: ￿Protective Services￿ means at-risk populations including children (A) placed in a foster home by the Department of Children and Families and for whom the parent or legal guardian receives foster care payments, (B) adopted through the Department of Children and Families for a period not to exceed one year from the date of adoption, (C) who are homeless children and youths, as defined in 42 USC 11434a, as amended from time to time, and (D) under the care of a caregiver who is a recipient of subsidies under the subsidized guardianship program pursuant to section 17a126 for a period not to exceed one year from the date that such child is approved. g. Does the Lead Agency waive the income eligibility requirements for cases in which children receive, or need to receive, protective services on a case-by-case basis? [ ] No. [x] Yes. h. Does the Lead Agency waive the eligible activity (e.g., work, job training, education, etc.) requirements for cases in which children receive, or need to receive, protective services on a case-by-case basis? [ ] No. [x] Yes. i. Does the Lead Agency use CCDF funds to provide respite care to custodial parents of children in protective services? [x] No. [ ] Yes. 2.2.3 Eligibility criteria: deciding entity on family income limits How are income eligibility limits established? [x] There is a statewide limit with no local variation. [ ] There is a statewide limit with local variation. Provide the number of income eligibility tables and describe who sets the limits: [ ] Eligibility limits are established locally only. Provide the number of income eligibility tables and describe who sets the limits: [ ] Other. Describe: 2.2.4 Initial eligibility: income limits a. Complete the appropriate table to describe family income limits. i. Complete the table below to provide the statewide maximum income eligibility percent and dollar limit or threshold: Family Size 100% of SMI ($/Month) Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) % Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) $ 1 6320.25 60.00 3792.15 2 8265.00 60.00 4959.00 3 10209.67 60.00 6125.80 4 12154.42 60.00 7292.65 5 14099.08 60.00 8459.45 ii. Does the Lead Agency certify that they use other funds if the income eligibility limit percent exceeds 85% SMI? [x] Not applicable. The Lead Agency does not allow income eligibility limits above 85% SMI. [ ] Yes, the Lead Agency certifies that they use other funds (non-CCDF funds) for families with income that exceeds 85% SMI. [ ] No. The Lead Agency establishes income eligibility limits above SMI and includes CCDF funds to pay for families with income that exceeds 85% SMI. If checked, describe: b. Complete the table below if the Lead Agency has local variation in the maximum income eligibility limit. Complete the table for the region/locality with the highest eligibility limit, region/locality with the lowest eligibility limit, and the region/locality that is most populous: i. Region/locality with the highest eligibility limit: Family Size 100% of SMI ($/Month) Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) % Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) $ 1 2 3 4 5 ii. Region/locality with the lowest eligibility limit: Family Size 100% of SMI ($/Month) Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) % Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) $ 1 2 3 4 5 iii. Region/locality that is most populous: Family Size 100% of SMI ($/Month) Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) % Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) $ 1 2 3 Family Size 100% of SMI ($/Month) Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) % Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) $ 4 5 iv. Does the Lead Agency certify that they use other funds if the income eligibility limit percent exceeds 85% SMI? [ ] Not applicable. The Lead Agency does not allow income eligibility limits above 85% SMI. [ ] Yes, the Lead Agency certifies that they use other funds (not CCDF funds) for families with income that exceeds 85% SMI. [ ] No. The Lead Agency establishes income eligibility limits above 85% SMI and includes CCDF funds to pay for families with income that exceeds 85% SMI. If checked, describe: c. How does the Lead Agency define “income” for the purposes of eligibility at the point of initial determination? Check all that apply: i. [x] Gross wages or salary. ii. [x] Disability or unemployment compensation. iii. [x] Workers’ compensation. iv. [ ] Spousal support, child support. v. [x] Survivor and retirement benefits. vi. [ ] Rent for room within the family’s residence. vii. [x] Pensions or annuities. viii. [x] Inheritance. ix. [ ] Public assistance. x. [ ] Other. Describe: d. What is the effective date for these income eligibility limits? 10/1/2024 e. Income limits must be established and reported in terms of current SMI based on the most recent data published by the Bureau of the Census, even if the federal poverty level is used in implementing the program. What federal data does the Lead Agency use when reporting the income eligibility limits? [x] LIHEAP. If checked, provide the publication year of the LIHEAP guideline estimates used by the Lead Agency: 2024 [ ] Other. Describe: f. Provide the direct URL/website link, if available, for the income eligibility limits. https://www.ctcare4kids.com/care-4-kids-program/income-guidelines/ 2.2.5 Income eligibility: irregular fluctuations in earnings Lead Agencies must take into account irregular fluctuations in earnings in initial eligibility determination and redetermination processes. The Lead Agency must ensure that temporary increases in income, including temporary increases that can result in a monthly income exceeding 85 percent of SMI from seasonal employment or other temporary work schedules, do not affect eligibility or family co-payments. Check the processes that the Lead Agency uses to take into account irregular fluctuations in earnings. i. [x] Average the family’s earnings over a period of time (e.g., 12 months). Identify the period of time Gross income shall be calculated based on the best estimate of the income the family is expected to receive over the course of the year. Income received monthly, or over a more frequent period, shall be annualized based on the amount received in the four week period immediately prior to the date of the income calculation. ii. [x] Request earning statements that are most representative of the family’s monthly income. iii. [ ] Deduct temporary or irregular increases in wages from the family’s standard income level. iv. [x] Other. Describe the other ways the Lead Agency takes into account irregular fluctuations in earnings: If the income fluctuates in an unpredictable manner, the income shall be averaged over a longer, more representative period. If income is received regularly according to a schedule, the income shall be annualized based on such schedule. 2.2.6 Family asset limit a. When calculating income eligibility, does the Lead Agency ensure each eligible family does not have assets that exceed $1,000,000? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe: b. Does the Lead Agency waive the asset limit on a case-by-case basis for families defined as receiving, or in need of, protective services? [ ] No. [x] Yes. If yes, describe the policy or procedure: The family fee and asset limit shall be waived on a case by case basis regardless of the parent(s) participation in an approved activity. 2.2.7 Additional eligibility criteria Aside from the eligibility conditions or rules which have been described in 2.2.1 – 2.2.6, is any additional eligibility criteria applied during: a. [ ] Eligibility determination? If checked, describe: b. [ ] Eligibility redetermination? If checked, describe: 2.2.8 Documentation of eligibility determination Lead Agencies must document and verify that children receiving CCDF funds meet eligibility criteria at the time of eligibility determination and redetermination. Check the information that the Lead Agency documents and verifies at initial determination and redetermination and describe what information is required and how often. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [ ] Applicant identity. Describe how you verify: Applicant identity. Describe: Applicants apply by mail, fax, or by dropping off materials. Since face-to-face interviews are not required, applicants who are not already known to the agency through the TANF, SNAP, or medical programs must provide a photo ID. [x] [ ] Applicant’s relationship to the child. Describe how you verify: Applicant is not required to be related to the child. The applicant relationship to the child can be verified through any one for these sources, self-attestation of relationship to child on the application, the shared demographic information listed on the Department of Social Services TANF application or through a copy of the birth certificate. [x] [x] Child’s information for determining eligibility (e.g., identity, age, citizen/immigration status). Describe how you verify: Verification is only required if the child is not already known through the TANF, SNAP, or medical programs. Child information can be verified by birth certificate, or school and medical records from other agencies and entities. [x] [x] Work. Describe how you verify: Employment is verified by wage receipts, employment letters, verification forms sent directly to employers, self-declared self-employment forms, IRS tax, and business records. [x] [x] Job training or educational program. Describe how you verify: TANF Job Training or Educational Programs are verified through the Department of Labor's online data system. High school attendance is verified by school letters, student class schedules, and progress reports. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Family income. Describe how you verify: Earnings are verified by wage receipts, employment letters, forms sent directly to employers, self-declared self- employment forms, IRS tax, and business records or Equifax Verification Services. Unearned income is verified by the Department of Social Services online data base, award letters, copies of benefit checks, or the Department of Labor online database. Earnings are verified by wage receipts, employment letters, forms sent directly to employers, self- declared self- employment forms, IRS tax, and business records or Equifax Verification Services. Unearned income is verified by Department of Social Services online data base, award letters, copies of benefit checks, or the Department of Labor online database. [x] [x] Household composition. Describe how you verify: The applicant's statement is accepted unless it presents a conflict. If there is a conflict, acceptable forms of verification include a landlord's statement, a copy of a lease, school records or records of other agencies, a third- party statement, and quality control investigations. [x] [x] Applicant residence. Describe how you verify: The applicant's statement is accepted upon application. [ ] [ ] Other. Describe how you verify: N/A 2.2.9 Exception to TANF work requirements Lead Agencies must ensure that families with young children participating in TANF will be informed of their right not to be sanctioned under the TANF work requirement if the custodial parent has a demonstrated inability to obtain child care for a child under age six, in accordance with Section 407(e)(2) of the Social Security Act. a. Identify the TANF agency that established these criteria or definitions: Connecticut Department of Social Services b. Provide the following definitions established by the TANF agency: i. “Appropriate child care”: Appropriate child care means care that meets the health and safety standards that are required for providers who receive payments under the provisions of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), as mandated by Connecticut General Statutes, Section17b-749 ii. “Reasonable distance”: Reasonable distance means care that can be accessed by public transportation that is available to the client without interfering with the parent's ability to maintain employment. If transportation is not available, child care must be within reasonable walking distance from the person's home. iii. “Unsuitability of informal child care”: Unsuitable informal care means care that is exempt from State's licensing requirements but does not meet the health and safety standards described above or is otherwise shown to be unsafe or inappropriate for the child. iv. “Affordable child care arrangements”: Affordable child care arrangements means the cost of care (after subsidies) is no more than ten percent of family's total income. c. How are parents who receive TANF benefits informed about the exception to the individual penalties associated with the TANF work requirements? i. [x] In writing ii. [x] Verbally iii. [ ] Other. Describe: