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: Conditions or characteristics that reflect a need for particular care, services, or treatment, most commonly physical and/or mental disabilities and/or delays and is evidenced by an active Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), 504 Accommodation Plan, Individualized Education Program (IEP), or a diagnosed medical condition as certified by a certified/licensed therapist or health practitioner. 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? [ ] No. [x] Yes. If yes, and the upper age is (may not equal or exceed age 19): 18.00 d. How does the Lead Agency define the following eligibility terms? i. “residing with”: For purposes of provision of the Child Care Subsidy Program, a child must live with a parent(s) or guardian(s). ii. “in loco parentis”: Adult(s) that has assumed the responsibility for the day-to-day care and supervision of the child under age 18. 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. [ ] Time for travel. vii. [x] Seeking employment or job search. viii. [x] Other. Describe: A parent(s) or guardian(s) may attest to the amount of care needed, which may include travel time, studying time, or other relevant factors not included in the definition of ￿working￿. 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: A parent(s) or guardian(s) may attest to the amount of care needed, which may include travel time, studying time, and other relevant factors not included in the definition of ￿job training￿. 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. [x] Other. Describe: A parent(s) or guardian(s) may attest to the amount of care needed, which may include travel time, studying time, and other relevant factors. Attending a post-graduate education program is also included in the definition. 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. [x] Children in kinship care. [x] Children who are in families under court supervision. [x] Children who are in families receiving supports or otherwise engaged with a child welfare agency. [x] 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: Children with special needs, children of adults with disabilities, children of teen parents, children of elder caregivers, children whose parent(s) are in foster care, children enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start or the Quality Improvement Network (QIN), children in families experiencing domestic/family violence, and children with parents participating in addiction recovery programs. 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 6919.00 54.00 3765.00 2 9047.00 56.00 5110.00 3 11176.00 58.00 6455.00 4 13305.00 59.00 7800.00 Family Size 100% of SMI ($/Month) Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) % Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) $ 5 15434.00 59.00 9145.00 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 Family Size 100% of SMI ($/Month) Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) % Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) $ 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 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. [ ] Disability or unemployment compensation. iii. [ ] Workers’ compensation. iv. [ ] Spousal support, child support. v. [ ] Survivor and retirement benefits. vi. [x] Rent for room within the family’s residence. vii. [x] Pensions or annuities. viii. [ ] Inheritance. ix. [ ] Public assistance. x. [x] Other. Describe: The District counts retirement benefits and alimony but does not count survivor benefits or child support. d. What is the effective date for these income eligibility limits? Oct. 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: 2023 [ ] Other. Describe: f. Provide the direct URL/website link, if available, for the income eligibility limits. https://osse.dc.gov/subsidy 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 When documenting income, applicants may choose to provide more than one pay statement, from a time period of up to 6 months, if the most recent pay statement is not representative of the family’s income (i.e., the most recent pay statement includes overtime or is not representative of the typical number of hours worked). Income from past pay periods is averaged to reflect temporary changes in income more accurately and ensure that temporary increases (such as due to overtime or holiday pay) do not impact eligibility or family co-payments. ii. [x] Request earning statements that are most representative of the family’s monthly income. iii. [x] 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: Seasonal employment: For applicants employed by a school system, income is typically calculated based on a 10-month work period, unless evidence of year-round employment is provided. 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? [x] No. [ ] Yes. If yes, describe the policy or procedure: 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: The applicant requesting child care is required to submit proof of identity. Acceptable documents include one of the following: • Government-issued ID. • Documentation, such as public benefits award letters, medical records, school records, or other documents that reasonably verify identity issued within the last 12 months. • When documentation cannot be provided, the applicant can sign a written statement to self-verify their identity. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [ ] Applicant’s relationship to the child. Describe how you verify: The applicant must have a valid legal relationship with the child(ren) (such as parent, guardian, or adult(s) standing in loco parentis). Acceptable documents include one of the following: • A birth certificate, which must include the name of the parent(s) or guardian(s) requesting services, including those in a language other than English; or • A current and valid adoption, custody order, or other court-issued documents establishing guardianship; • Documentation from a federal or DC Government agency proving the applicant’s relationship to the child, including receiving benefits on behalf of the child (such as an admission form from DHS, documentation of payment from TANF including the child’s name on the statement, a letter verifying Social Security, Veterans’ Benefits, child support, or any other benefit received by the applicant on behalf of a child) issued within the last 12 months; • An attestation on business letterhead completed and signed by a legal, medical or social service professional within the last 12 months identifying the applicant as the parent, legal guardian, or an adult who has assumed responsibility for the day-to-day care and supervision of a child; or • A signed sworn statement by the applicant that the individual has assumed responsibility for the day-to-day care and supervision of the child. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [ ] Child’s information for determining eligibility (e.g., identity, age, citizen/immigration status). Describe how you verify: Age: A child for whom care is sought is under 13 years old, or under 19 years old if a child has special needs and shall present proof of such during both eligibility determination and redetermination. Acceptable documents include one of the following: • The child’s birth certificate, including those in a language other than English; • The child’s passport; or • For an infant under 6 months old, a hospital record of birth signed by a licensed physician or licensed health care practitioner. Citizenship and immigration status: The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) requires that only the citizenship and immigration status of the child is to be considered and proof of such shall be presented during both eligibility determination and redetermination. A child's eligibility for subsidized child care shall not be based upon the citizenship or immigration status of their parent or the provision of any information about the citizenship or immigration status of their parent. Acceptable documents for verification of a child’s citizenship or qualified immigration status include one of the following: • Child’s birth certificate showing that the child was born in the United States (including Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands, unless the child was born to foreign diplomats residing in the US); • Child’s United States passport; • FS-240 issued by the Department of State to US citizens to verify the birth abroad of a US citizen; • FS-545 Certificate of Birth issued by a Foreign Service post; • DS-1350 Certification of Report of Birth; • N-560 or N-561, Certificate of Citizenship; • N-550 or N-570, Certificate of Naturalization; • United States Citizen Identification Card (I-197); • Statement provided by a US consular official certifying that the individual is a US citizen; • I-551 ￿ Permanent Resident Card (commonly known as a ￿green card￿); Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description • An unexpired Temporary I-551 Stamp (on passport or on 1-94/1-94A); • Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document) annotated ￿A3,￿ ￿A5￿ or ￿A10￿; • I-327 Reentry Permit; • I-571 Refugee Travel Document; • I-94 to show entry as a refugee; • I-94 showing grant of asylum; • I-94 showing admission under conditional entry; • I-94 with stamp showing admission for at least one year under § 212(d) (5) of the INA; • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documentation or other official identification verifying the child’s citizenship or immigration status as an asylee, refugee, alien whose deportation or removal has been withheld; or alien granted conditional entry; • Order from an immigration judge showing deportation withheld or granting asylum; • American Indian Card with a classification code ￿￿KIC’’ and a statement on the back (identifying US citizen members of the Texas Band of Kickapoos living near the US/Mexican border); • An approved or pending petition of a battered child; or • Documentation of receipt of TANF, SNAP, Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits for the child dated within the last 12 months. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Work. Describe how you verify: Acceptable documentation for verification of employment includes one of the following: • Pay statement issued within 45 calendar days of the application verifying employment including the applicant’s name, address, and wages or salary. • A signed letter verifying employment from the employer on official business letterhead that includes the applicant’s name, address, start date of employment, and wages or salary, dated within 45 calendar days of the application. • To verify self-employment, independent contracts, gig work, or other non-traditional work arrangements, applicants can provide one of the following documents, which must be current and/or within 45 calendar days of the application: o Current and valid business license; o Most recent tax returns, 1099s, or other wage statements; o Contracts that demonstrate income earned within 45 days; o Payment receipts for services rendered within 45 days; o Bank statements that demonstrate income earned within 45 calendar days; o Recent profit/loss statements; o Self-employment ledgers demonstrating income within 45 calendar days; or o Any other documentation that reasonably establishes self-employment income earned within 45 calendar days. • Documentation of paid leave benefits issued within 45 calendar days of the application. • When documentation cannot be provided to prove self-employment income, applicants can self-certify by providing a signed and dated statement that includes a description of their work, and the amount of income earned in the past 45 calendar days. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Job training or educational program. Describe how you verify: Acceptable documentation for verification of attending a job training or educational program includes one of the following: • A letter from the job training program confirming the student’s current enrollment dated within 45 calendar days of the application. • Receipt of payment for the job training program that includes the student’s name and address dated within 45 calendar days of the application. • School-issued documentation proving current enrollment in an educational program. • A valid student ID. • A student’s current class schedule on school letterhead or from the registrar. • A school-issued receipt of payment for the educational program for the current semester. • A current financial aid letter. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Family income. Describe how you verify: Family income is the combined gross countable income of all family members living in the same household who are included for purposes of determining family size. Acceptable documentation to verify income includes one of the following: • Pay statement issued within 45 days of the application verifying employment including the applicant’s name, address, and wages or salary. Applicants may choose to provide more than one pay statement, from a time period of up to six months, if the most recent pay statement is not representative of the family’s income (i.e., the most recent pay statement includes overtime or is not representative of the typical number of hours worked). • Signed letter verifying employment from the employer on official business letterhead that includes the applicant’s name, address, start date of employment, and wages or salary, dated within 45 calendar days of the application. • Current payment receipts within 45 calendar days for services rendered where the type of employment may not generate an earnings statement or pay statement, such as but not limited to: a restaurant server, cosmetologist, or operator of a vehicle-for-hire. • To verify income from self-employment, independent contracts, gig work, or other non-traditional work arrangements applicants can provide the following: o Recent tax returns, 1099s, or other wage statements; o Contracts that demonstrate income earned within 45 calendar days; o Payment receipts for services rendered within 45 calendar days; o Bank statements that demonstrate income earned within 45 calendar days; o Recent profit/loss statements o Self-employment ledgers demonstrating income within 45 calendar days; o Any other documentation that reasonably establishes self-employment income earned within 45 calendar days. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Household composition. Describe how you verify: Applicants self-report individuals residing in the household. The following individuals are included in the determination of family size: • Applicants requesting child care services, including: o Biological parents; o Adoptive parents; o Stepparents, even if the stepparent has not legally adopted the children; o Legal guardian(s); or o Adult(s) standing in loco parentis or responsible for children under age 18. • The applicants’ dependent children under age 18 or up to 21 years of age, if still attending school, including: o An adult’s natural children and children for whom that adult is a guardian (e.g., the applicant is a grandparent); and o Foster children. • Adults in the household who are dependents of the applicant. Only required for redetermination if the information has changed. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Applicant residence. Describe how you verify: Acceptable documents for verification of DC residency include one of the following: • Applicant’s valid and unexpired DC driver’s license or non-driver ID card. • Applicant’s DC voter registration card. • A pay statement issued within 45 calendar days of the application showing the applicant’s name, District address, and evidence of withholding of District income tax. • A current lease, rental agreement, rental receipt, or mortgage statement for a DC residence that includes the applicant’s name and address. • A current homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy for a District residence that includes the applicant’s name and address. • Deed or settlement papers for a District residence that includes the applicant’s name and address. • Proof of residency form issued within 45 calendar days of the application signed by the landlord, homeowner, or person with whom the applicant resides stating the applicant’s and children’s names. • Property tax bill for a District residence issued within 12 months of the application that includes the applicant’s name and address. • Utility bill (gas, electric, or water), which may be electronic, displaying the applicant’s name and service address at a District residence for a period within 45 calendar days of the application. • Referrals no more than 45 calendar days old from an authorized District agency such as Child and Family Services (CFSA) (Foster Care or Child Protective Services) or DC Superior Court. • A current and valid court order or formal correspondence from CFSA indicating that the child is a ward of the District. • Certified copy of form D-40 with proof of payment of District personal income tax and the applicant’s name and address, dated for the tax period closest in time to the completion of the application. • Unexpired documentation of financial assistance to the applicant from the District Government, including but not limited to TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing assistance, DC energy assistance programs, or unemployment insurance benefits. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description • Current official military housing orders or statement on military letterhead showing residency of the applicant in the District. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Other. Describe how you verify: Children under protective services: Acceptable documentation for verification of the receipt of protective services includes one of the following: • Protective supervision court order; • Documentation from CFSA, including placement letter. • Referral form CFSA. • Custody order. • Other court documents. Children with special needs: Acceptable documentation for verification of the classification of a child with special needs includes one of the following: • A copy of the child’s current Individualized Education Plan (IEP); • A copy of the child’s current Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP); • A copy of the child’s current 504 Accommodation Plan. • Documentation from Strong Start, DC’s early intervention program, identifying eligibility for early intervention services; or • Documentation of a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay or disability by a qualified medical/clinical professional. Children of Adults with Disabilities: Acceptable documentation for verification of classification as an adult with disabilities includes one of the following: • A written statement from a licensed physician on official letterhead that recommends the need for child care services. • Documentation from the DC Department on Disability Services (DDS) substantiating the effects of the adult’s condition on daily functioning in connection to the child. • Documentation of participation in vocational rehabilitation services from DDS, including a referral from DDS. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description Children of Elder Caregivers • Government-issued ID or birth certificate showing the applicant is 62 years or age or older. • Documentation of receipt of Social Security disability benefits. • Documentation of receipt of Supplemental Security Income payments. Children Enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start or the QIN • Letter or other documentation from the program verifying enrollment. Children Experiencing Homelessness: • OSSE’s Child Care Referral Form completed by an eligibility worker at the Virginia Williams Resource Center. Children with parents participating in addiction recovery programs: Acceptable documentation for verification of the classification as an adult participating in an addiction recovery program includes one of the following: • Court-mandated treatment records. • Attendance records within 45 calendar days of the application from substance use disorder/addiction treatment or rehabilitation program. • Letter from a CFSA case worker confirming compliance with the recovery program within 45 days of the application. • Written verification of attendance dated within 45 days of the application from a licensed physician, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), a licensed behavioral health professional, a licensed physician assistant, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC), a certified recovery support worker (CRSW), or a board- certified psychologist. Families experiencing domestic/family violence: Acceptable documentation for verification of the classification as a family experiencing domestic/family violence includes one of the following: • A police or incident report. • A court document, including a current civil protection order. • A signed statement from a social worker, counselor, Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description or doctor. • When documentation cannot be provided a signed written statement to self-verify that the family is affected by family or domestic violence. 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: Department of Human Services (DHS) b. Provide the following definitions established by the TANF agency: i. “Appropriate child care”: Child care must meet parents' needs in terms of hours and location. The child development center or family child care provider must be licensed. An in-home care provider is exempt from licensing; however, s/he must meet the minimum requirements incorporated in the Provider Agreement for Subsidized Child Care Services. The basic needs of the children must be met. These needs include safety, developmental, social, cultural, and health. ii. “Reasonable distance”: Reasonable distance is defined as the travel time it takes for a resident of the District to drop off his/her child at a child care facility and arrive on time at work. This travel time should not exceed one and one-half hours from home to work. For District residents who work outside the city in Maryland or Virginia, the travel time is defined as the time it takes to drop off the children at the child care facility and arrive on time to work. This travel time should not exceed two hours from home to work. iii. “Unsuitability of informal child care”: Unsuitable informal child care is care that is not licensed or is licensed-exempt under the Provider Agreement for Subsidized Child Care Services or does not meet the programmatic criteria as included in the executed Provider Agreement for Subsidized Child Care Services with OSSE. iv. “Affordable child care arrangements”: Affordable child care arrangements are terms of agreement between the parent(s) or guardian(s) and the provider that meet the needs of the parent(s) or guardian(s) and the children by using the child care subsidy with the providers in the District of Columbia. Families can obtain care for their children using the available subsidy, as long as they are participating in the District Child Care Subsidy Program, which includes all categories of care (homes, expanded homes, and centers), for all age groups (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school- age) in all wards. 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: