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Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Chapter 7. Family Definition and Determining Income Eligibility Revised 08/01/2024

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fee is assessed on the child(ren)’s income alone Refer to Chapter 4 and 5 for information regarding CPS, CWS & FC. D. Joint Custody Income Unit

Joint custody is when an applicant/recipient shares physical custody of a child. When an applicant/recipient shares physical custody of a child and both applicants/recipients need child care assistance, each applicant/recipient applies separately for SCCA, and each applicant/recipient has their own child care case and service plan based on their individual need for SCCA.

At initial application, child care workers must inquire if the family has joint custody. Child care workers are encouraged to ask joint or split custody questions when completing a thorough interview.

Each parent can complete an application for the period of time the child resides in his/her home. Each application is reviewed separately as each parent must meet eligibility. Each parent shall pay the corresponding parental fee even if the child is with the same child care provider. The joint custody application is largely similar to a traditional application with the exception of changes to the plan of care evidence.

If the parents reside in separate counties, each parent will apply in the county where the parent resides. For example. One parent is in County A and the other parent is in County B.

Refer to Chapters 4 and Chapter 5 regarding Income Unit and Plan of Care and the NC FAST Joint Custody Job Aid.