Page 64

Child Care Scholarship Policy Manual 64

If the client has previously applied and is permanently disabled, previous verification may be obtained from child care imaging (On-Base) and used as verification. For temporary disability, new documentation will be required.

Military disability will be handled the same way. The DSS 1247 form must be completed and must indicate that the parent cannot work. Military statements that indicate percentages of disability are not accepted as verification.

If the applicant is disabled and determined by the physician that they cannot work, full time care will be given.

If the client has disability income, they may submit proof of that income or may self-attest the amount they receive each month. If the client has an open CHIP case and had not indicated disability income on the application, the amount in CHIP may be used. Otherwise, self-attestation of the disability income is accepted, and child care staff should use the amount of disability income indicated on the application and calculate the amount based on the frequency listed by the client. Disability income reported will be calculated using the same formulas of income multiplied by 4.33 if received weekly, 2.16 if bi-weekly, 2 if semi-monthly or if a monthly amount is given, the monthly amount will be used.

NOTE: DSS Form 1247, Medical Release/Physician’s Statement, should be used to verify the client’s disability.

2.3 CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS Children determined eligible for a child care scholarship will receive 12 months of child care regardless of temporary changes in a parent’s work, school or training activities or family income, as long as the income does not exceed 85 percent of state median income (SMI), or other income thresholds if established for certain funding sources. Child care assistance may not be terminated prior to the end of the 12-month period if a family experiences a temporary job loss or temporary change in participation in a training or school activity. Parents will have continuous eligibility throughout the 12-month period as long as the income does not exceed 85% SMI or experience a non-temporary change. If a parent experiences a non-temporary loss of work, school or training, child care assistance can be terminated however, child care assistance must be provided at the same level for a period of three months to allow parents to engage in job search, resume work, or to attend an education or training program as soon as possible.