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Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Chapter 4. Application, Eligibility Determination & Documentation

REVISED 04/27/2026

1 I. CHAPTER OVERVIEW

Individuals have the right to apply for and, if eligible, receive assistance in the State of North Carolina. Individuals wanting to apply for Subsidized Child Care Assistance (SCCA) must apply at their local Department of Social Services (DSS) or Local Purchasing Agency (LPA). This chapter provides an overview of the application process as well as guidelines for implementing a Plan of Care.

II. INITIAL GUIDED INTERVIEW

Subsidized Child Care Assistance may be provided to individuals demonstrating a need for child care and who have been determined eligible for assistance. The eligibility requirements below must be discussed with the applicant/recipient during the initial interview and all requirements must be met to authorize child care assistance. The guided interview recommendations include asking the applicant the following information:

• Household Composition • Address confirmed • Residency/Living Arrangement • Is an authorized representative needed • Need for Care • Verification needed to support need for care for example: Employment details/Education details • Income – Earned and Unearned • Resources • Expenses • Child care worker should ask questions about developmental delays and special needs; this includes whether referral information is needed. • Child care worker should discuss with applicant if joint custody is in place if both parents are not in the home. • Child care worker should review the 30-day processing time for application • Child care worker should review the applicant’s rights and responsibilities and have the document signed by the applicant at that time.