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): 19.00 ii. If yes, provide the Lead Agency definition of physical and/or mental incapacity: The definition includes a child under the age of 19 who meets the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) definition of disability by having a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which results in marked and severe functional limitations, and which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. Documentation of SSI benefits is sufficient to determine priority eligibility for child care. In the absence of SSI benefits, the applicant must submit a statement to DECCD from the child's physician indicating that the child's condition renders him or her incapable of age-appropriate self-care activities AND requires additional personnel with specialized training to help them function in their child care environment. Child who has reached age 13 (or age 19 if the child has special needs as defined by the SSI definition of disability). 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”: Living with, including taking meals and sleeping in the same house, for a majority of a seven (7) day period beginning Sunday and ending Saturday. ii. “in loco parentis”: An individual who functions in place of a parent, if the child’s parent is unable to act as the parent or has delegated his or her parental authority. The term describes someone who provides care and supervision like a parent but without going through the formalities of legal adoption or guardianship. 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. [ ] Time for meals or breaks. vi. [ ] 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. [ ] Participation in employment service activities. vi. [ ] Time for meals and breaks. vii. [ ] 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. [ ] 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? [ ] No. [x] Yes. If yes, describe any Lead Agency-imposed minimum requirement for the following: [x] Work. Describe: Performing duties to earn a wage (for a minimum of 25 hours per week) or complete education/job training such as practicums or internships (enrollment for education/training must be full time). [x] Job training. Describe: If the parent is not working at least twenty-five (25) hours per week, he/she must be enrolled in an approved full-time educational or training program resulting in a degree or certificate designed to promote job skills and employability, including but not limited to GED classes. Educational programs must be accredited by the State of Mississippi or a national organization. Full-time enrollment is defined by the institution providing the education and/or job training program. [x] Education. Describe: If the parent is not working at least twenty-five (25) hours per week, he/she must be enrolled in an approved full-time educational or training program resulting in a degree or certificate designed to promote job skills and employability, including but not limited to GED classes [x] Combination of allowable activities. Describe: Educational hours may be a combination of actual classroom hours and designated study hours. Actual classroom hours spent in the classroom setting. An additional one hour of study time given for each class. [ ] 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. [x] Children who are in families under court supervision. [ ] 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. [x] Children whose family members are deemed essential workers under a governor-declared state of emergency. [x] Children experiencing homelessness. [x] 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? [ ] No. [x] 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 3567.00 75.00 2675.00 2 4665.00 75.00 3498.00 3 5763.00 75.00 4322.00 4 6860.00 75.00 5145.00 5 7958.00 75.00 5968.00 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 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. [ ] Workers’ compensation. iv. [ ] Spousal support, child support. v. [ ] Survivor and retirement benefits. vi. [ ] Rent for room within the family’s residence. vii. [ ] Pensions or annuities. viii. [ ] Inheritance. ix. [ ] Public assistance. x. [ ] Other. Describe: d. What is the effective date for these income eligibility limits? October 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.mdhs.ms.gov/eccd/parents/pay/ 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 Averaged over a period of twelve (12) month. ii. [ ] 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? [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] [x] Applicant identity. Describe how you verify: State issued ID, DL, or two forms of additional documentations such as passport, or government ID. [x] [ ] Applicant’s relationship to the child. Describe how you verify: Birth certificate and court documents show the parent or guardians name and the child’s name and date of birth. Exception: Only needed for redetermination if the child’s name has changed or if the child was three months or less during the initial application and the birth certificate would be required. Required at Initial Determination Required at Redetermination Description [x] [x] Child’s information for determining eligibility (e.g., identity, age, citizen/immigration status). Describe how you verify: Birth certificate and court documents show the parent or guardians name and the child’s name and date of birth. Exception: Only needed for redetermination if the child’s name has changed or if the child was three months or less during the initial application and the birth certificate would be required. [x] [x] Work. Describe how you verify: Check stubs, wage forms, Self-employment documents, front and back of cleared personal checks, current tax documents, business licenses. The applicant must meet the minimum 25-hour work requirement a week. [x] [x] Job training or educational program. Describe how you verify: Proof of school enrollment showing full-time status, School schedule with full-time status, we also have a Combination of part-time work and part-time school that equals full-time with both work and school hours. [x] [x] Family income. Describe how you verify: Pay check stubs. [x] [x] Household composition. Describe how you verify: Entered into applications submitted by the parent with the list household members. [x] [x] Applicant residence. Describe how you verify: State issued ID or DL, Bill, transitional living form, bank statement, mortgage lease agreement. [x] [x] Other. Describe how you verify: Disability. Current Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Administration-Retirement (SSA) letter showing the disabled person name and amount income received. Disability verification is separate eligibility element that is reviewed separately from other initial determination or redetermination eligibility elements. For example, if a parent is not working or in an educational program, but is on disability, the parent would be approved provided they meet the SSI/SSA requirements. 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: Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Economic Assistance b. Provide the following definitions established by the TANF agency: i. “Appropriate child care”: Suitable and affordable child care that is available within a reasonable distance from the individual’s home or work site. See Chapter 10, Supportive Services. ii. “Reasonable distance”: 20-mile radius of the individual’s residence or worksite. iii. “Unsuitability of informal child care”: A situation involving child abuse, neglect, or an unsafe environment. iv. “Affordable child care arrangements”: Child care services that are equal to or less than the established rates for the type of care according to the Division of Early Childhood Care & Development program policies. 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: