6.1 Minimum 12-Month Eligibility Period

Once a child is determined eligible to receive child care subsidies, the child will be considered to meet all eligibility requirements for such assistance and will receive assistance for a minimum of 12 months before eligibility is redetermined. A child will remain eligible for the Child Care Subsidy Program throughout the eligibility period regardless of: • Any change in gross family income, provided the gross family income does not exceed 85 percent of the SMI for a family of the same size for more than 90 calendar days; • A temporary change, as defined herein, in the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) participation in work, training, or education; • Any change in the status of a child under protective services or considered to be a vulnerable child; • A child turning 13 during the eligibility period, or 19 if the child has a disability; or • Any change in residency within DC. A family may add children to their case by providing proof of the relationship (i.e., birth or adoption of a new child). In such cases, the redetermination date for the child(ren) already receiving subsidies will be extended so that all children in the family have the same redetermination date and all children receive assistance for no less than 12 months before redetermining eligibility. A child participating in the QIN may be determined eligible for a period of up to 36 months or until Sept. 30 of the year when the child turns 3 years old, if later.