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Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Issued 12/2019 12-month eligibility period 8 During the 12-month eligibility period, limited factors can negatively impact a family’s case. The purpose of the eligibility period is to provide for stable, consistent child care arrangements for children in the family. Most changes will not impact the family’s eligibility until their next redetermination. See Chapter 8.1 (Changes in circumstances). Policies support continuous eligibility and maintaining consistent child care arrangements for families and children during the 12-month period by: • Aligning approved activities across CCAP subprograms. See Chapter 16.15 (Authorized activities comparison sheet). • Limiting verification requirements. See Chapter 7.4 (Verification – 12-month eligibility period). • Providing a graduated phase out for families when income exceeds the 67 percent exit limit. See 6.3 (Income limits). • Applying some eligibility requirements only at application and redetermination. See Chapter 4.9 (Cooperation with Child Support) and Chapter 4.6 (CCAP Authorized Activities). • Allowing copayment fee reductions when a family verifies an income change. Copayment increases are not allowed. See Chapter 6.21 (Family copayment). • Allowing copayment fee reductions when a family’s household size increases. Copayment increases are not allowed. See Chapter 6.21 (Family copayment). • Allowing child care hours to increase when a family verifies a need for more hours. Authorized hour decreases are not allowed for most families. See Chapter 9.12 (Changes to child care authorizations during the 12-month eligibility period). • Allowing child care hours to continue when a family has a temporary end to their activity. See Chapter 9.15.3 (Care During Temporary Breaks from Authorized Activity). • Allowing child care hours to continue when a family has a permanent end to their activity. See Chapter 9.15.6 (Extended Eligibility). • Limiting reporting requirements during the 12-month eligibility period. See Chapter 8.3 (Reporting requirements). Legal authority Minnesota Statutes 119B.025 Minnesota Statutes 119B.05 Minnesota Statutes 119B.09 Minnesota Statutes 119B.095 Minnesota Statutes 119B.10 Minnesota Statutes 119B.105 Minnesota Statutes 119B.12 Minnesota Statutes 256P.07 Minnesota Statutes 256J Minnesota Rules 3400.0040 and 3400.008