What is Subsidized Child Care?
Subsidized Child Care provides help with day care costs to working parents who qualify. The program is available to parents of children from birth through 12 years of age who live in Pennsylvania. Parents who qualify pay a weekly co pay based on their income and household size, and some parents pay as little as $5.00 per week for child care they use at a day care center, group day care home, family day care home, or with a private individual such as a relative, friend, or neighbor.
Parents select the child care provider of their choice, and child care subsidy may be used at any child care provider who chooses to participate in the subsidy program,. Parents can also choose a provider not currently participating in the program or a provider outside of their county, as long as that provider is willing to sign an agreement with CCIS.
How Does A Parent Qualify?
 Parents who reside in Pennsylvania may qualify for a child care subsidy if they meet financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. Each parent, and if applicable each spouse in the household or live-in companion, must meet guidelines that include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Each adult in the household must work at least 25 hours per week for at least minimum wage
- Child support from an absent parent must be pursued formally through the Domestic Relations office, with the exception of cases involving domestic violence issues (Good Cause)
- Income must not exceed guidelines set for the household size
Income Guidelines Effective April 2002: (guidelines change yearly)
Family Size |
Yearly Gross Income |
2 |
$23,880 |
3 |
$30,040 |
4 |
$36,200 |
5 |
$42,360 |
6 |
$48,520 |
How Does A Parent Apply For The Program?
Parents must contact the CCIS in the county in which they reside. A parent living in either Wayne or Susquehanna Counties can access this service by calling 1-800-559-6020, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. CCIS staff will explain what documentation will need to be provided, and will answer any questions the parent may have during this initial call. An eligibility screening will be done during the call, and the application packet will be mailed to the home address. The following information may be requested for the application:
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a form signed by the employer, listing hire date, hours of work each week, hourly rate of pay, frequency of pay, and specific work schedule
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4 consecutive weeks of pay stubs within the most recent 6 week period
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verification of child support pursued through the Domestic Relations office, or Good Cause in cases of domestic violence
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verification of unearned income, such as SSI, or public assistance
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verification of enrollment in school (if a teen parent)
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verification of any support paid out for children not living in the household
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records of ongoing medical expenses exceeding 10 % of the family's income
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date of birth and Social Security numbers for all family members
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photo ID for adult family member
The completed application is returned to the CCIS for processing and final determination of eligibility, and an interview with the parent is scheduled to discuss parent rights and responsibilities.
Once a parent completes the process, is determined eligible, and selects a child care provider, which can include a day care center, group day care home, family day care home, or event a private individual such as a friend, relative, or neighbor, a start date for funding can be determined. This start date is based on availability of subsidy funds.
 As a subsidized client a parent is required to report any changes in their circumstances within 10 days. All changes may affect eligibility for subsidy or the parent co pay. These changes include a difference in employment status and hours worked, family income, marital status, household size, maternity leave, temporary disability status, layoff or strikes, and address or phone number.
Parents are required to complete a redetermination of eligibility at least every 6 months, or as may be required by circumstance changes and program requirements.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT CHILD CARE INFORMATION SERVICES
OF WAYNE AND SUSQUEHANNA COUNTIES AT 1-800-559-6020
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