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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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I. CHAPTER OVERVIEW Subsidized Child Care Assistance (SCCA) is provided to families with a demonstrated need for care and who meet the current income eligibility criteria based on the income unit. Within this chapter, policy and requirements for the SCCA program include income eligibility, the household income unit, self-employment, sources of income, assessing monthly income, calculation of income, base periods, child support, deductions & disregards. Additionally, this chapter provides policy as it pertains to the types of countable and non-countable income used to determine eligibility. The SCCA Program requires that all information is accurately entered in North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology (NC FAST). II. INCOME ELIGIBILITY Individuals who need child care assistance must qualify based on income. The gross monthly income must not exceed the state’s maximum income eligibility limit for the number and age of persons in the income unit. The following income limits apply: A. With Regard to Income At the time of initial application, income eligibility for children served in the SCCA program must be compared to: i. 200% of the federal poverty level for children ages 0-5 and for all children with special needs. ii. 133% of the federal poverty level for all children ages 6-12 who do not have special needs. At the time of the redetermination, the family income must be compared to: i. 200% of the federal poverty level for children ages 0-5 and for all children with special needs.