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: Mental or physical incapacity is a physical or mental condition that limits activities and will last or continue to last, for at least one year or could result in death, as defined by the Social Security Administration; a child identified by a medical professional as having a disability or mental health condition requiring early intervention, special education services, or other specialized services and supports; a child identified by a medical professional as having any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine causing a significant delay in a child's cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social development in comparison with normal development standards. 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”: The Lead Agency does not define ￿residing with￿ exclusively. Instead ￿residing with￿ is addressed in the eligibility unit criteria as follows: Eligibility Unit means people living in the same household, whose needs and income shall be considered when determining eligibility for Child Care Subsidy, including: (A) The child for whom care is requested; (B) The child’s parents (whether married or unmarried); (C) The child’s parent’s spouse; (D) The child’s biological, step-, half-, or adopted sibling(s) under eighteen (18) years of age; (E) The unmarried parental partner who is the parent of the child’s sibling; (F) The child under eighteen (18) years of age of the unmarried parental partner; (G) The Non-Parent Caretaker Relative (NPCR) if no biological or adoptive parent or legal guardian resides in the household; and (H) A school age child, who is also the parent of a child in the same home, has the option of being a separate family unit for purposes of determining eligibility for Child Care Subsidy. ii. “in loco parentis”: The Lead Agency does not define ￿in loco parentis￿ exclusively. Instead, the term is defined under parent as follows: Parent means a child’s biological parent whose parental rights have not been terminated, a step-parent, an adoptive parent, a legal guardian, a caretaker relative, or other person standing in loco parentis for the child who has applied for Child Care Subsidy. 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. [x] During a time of emergency or disaster, partnering in essential services. iv. [x] Participating in unpaid activities like student teaching, internships, or practicums. v. [x] Time for meals or breaks. vi. [x] Time for travel. vii. [x] 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. [x] Time for meals and breaks. vii. [x] Time for travel. viii. [x] Hours required for associated activities such as study groups, lab experiences. ix. [x] Time for outside class study or completion of homework. x. [ ] Other. Describe: 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. [x] Travel to and from classrooms, labs, or study groups. vii. [x] Study time. viii. [x] Hours required for associated activities such as study groups, lab experiences. ix. [x] Time for outside class study or completion of homework. x. [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. [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. [ ] 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. [ ] Children experiencing homelessness. [ ] Children whose family has been affected by a natural disaster. [ ] Other. Describe: 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 4733.26 41.00 1956.00 2 6189.64 43.00 2644.00 3 7646.03 44.00 3331.00 4 9102.42 44.00 4019.00 5 10558.80 45.00 4706.00 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 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 Family Size 100% of SMI ($/Month) Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) % Maximum Initial Eligibility Limit (or Threshold) $ 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. [x] Spousal support, child support. v. [x] Survivor and retirement benefits. vi. [x] Rent for room within the family’s residence. vii. [x] Pensions or annuities. viii. [x] Inheritance. ix. [x] Public assistance. x. [ ] Other. Describe: d. What is the effective date for these income eligibility limits? 11/1/2025 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://dese.mo.gov/childhood/media/pdf/november-2025-child-care-subsidy-income- limits-and-sliding-fee-chart 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. [ ] Average the family’s earnings over a period of time (e.g., 12 months). Identify the period of time 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. [ ] Other. Describe the other ways the Lead Agency takes into account irregular fluctuations in earnings: 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: For children who meet the definition of protective services, the following categories shall be a qualifying activity or valid need: (1) Children in the legal custody of the Department of Social Services, Children’s Division pursuant to an order of the juvenile court; or (2) Children who are the subject of a current adoption or guardianship subsidy agreement with the Children’s Division; or (3) Children with an active family centered services or intensive in home services case with the Children’s Division. 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. [x] Eligibility determination? If checked, describe: (1) Applicants must be residing with the child and a parent of the child as explained in the definition of an 'eligible unit' in 5 CSR 25-200.050. (2) The child must be between the age of birth and the day up to the child's 13th birthday; or ages 13 through 17 with a special need; or under age 19 and still in school with a special need; or protective service child through the ages of 13 and 18 with a special need. (3) The child must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. (4) Child must be a Missouri resident with the intent to remain in the state at the time of application and re- application. b. [x] Eligibility redetermination? If checked, describe: The conditions for eligibility determination listed above also apply to the redetermination as well. In addition, if the participant exceeds the traditional income limit of 150% FPL, the participant is considered for benefits at the transitional level, up to the 242% FPL. 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] [x] Applicant identity. Describe how you verify: The applicant’s statement of identity is accepted unless the Lead Agency receives contradictory information. All names and signatures are checked to ensure they are consistent on all requested documents. [x] [x] Applicant’s relationship to the child. Describe how you verify: The applicant’s statement of relationship is accepted unless the Lead Agency receives contradictory information. [x] [x] Child’s information for determining eligibility (e.g., identity, age, citizen/immigration status). Describe how you verify: The applicant’s statement of the child’s information is accepted unless the Lead Agency receives contradictory information. [x] [x] Work. Describe how you verify: Employment must be verified by pay check stubs, a letter, on company letterhead from the employer. [x] [x] Job training or educational program. Describe how you verify: Participation in job training or an education program may be verified by letter on training program/ educational program letterhead, training program schedule, school schedule, student income verification form, receipts for fees paid to education programs, or a telephone call to someone with the training program or educational program. [x] [x] Family income. Describe how you verify: Income must be verified by pay check stubs, a letter on company letterhead from an employer with wage information. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Household composition. Describe how you verify: The applicant’s statement of household composition is accepted unless the Lead Agency receives contradictory information. [x] [x] Applicant residence. Describe how you verify: Residency is verified by documentation listing the name of the applicant and physical address (i.e., lease, rental agreement, mortgage statement, utility bill, school, or child records) as long as the documentation is dated within the previous 60 days; or a collateral statement from a community agency verifying the applicant and child’s physical address. [ ] [ ] 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: Department of Social Services, Family Support Division b. Provide the following definitions established by the TANF agency: i. “Appropriate child care”: A child care provider who is: licensed by the Lead Agency and contracted with the Lead Agency; determined to be license-exempt by the Lead Agency and contracted with the Lead Agency; caring for six (6) or fewer children not related to the child care provider within the third degree by blood, marriage, or adoption and registered and contracted with the Lead Agency, in accordance with 5 CSR 25-200.070; or An out-of-state child care provider licensed or exempt from licensure, based on that state’s license requirements, and registered and contracted with the Lead Agency; or is under the jurisdiction of a military base and is contracted with the Lead Agency. ii. “Reasonable distance”: If travel time is required, the authorization can include the time the parent travels from the child care provider to work, job training or other activity and from work, job training or other activity to the child care provider. Authorize travel time a maximum of one hour each way based on reasonable need taking into consideration distance, mode of travel and time of day travel occurs. iii. “Unsuitability of informal child care”: Per 13 CSR 40-2.315(11)(G)6, unsuitability of informal child care means that the participant believes the child is at risk of abuse or neglect while being cared for by the provider. A participant shall not be required to use a provider with whom the participant has reason to believe will abuse or neglect the child. If another adult is residing in the household, but the participant does not believe the other adult is suitable, the participant must provide a reasonable statement as to why the other adult(s) is unsuitable, or why this adult places the child at risk of abuse or neglect. iv. “Affordable child care arrangements”: Child care is considered affordable when the cost of care does not exceed 20% of a family's gross income less medical insurance premiums. The 20% amount includes any sliding fee a family may be required to pay, but does not include any federal, state, or local child care subsidies. 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. [ ] Verbally iii. [ ] Other. Describe: