DHHS to Implement Pilot Program for Increasing Child Care Subsidy Income Limits

Contact
Garret Swanson, Office of Communications, (402) 480-0883;
garret.swanson@nebraska.gov

Lincoln – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) will be launching a pilot program on August 28, 2021, to increase the child care subsidy initial eligibility from 130% of the FPL (Federal Poverty Level) to 185% of the FPL and to increase the redetermination eligibility rate from 185% of the FPL to 200% of the FPL. This pilot program will conclude September 30, 2023, and is a part of the implementation of Legislative Bill (LB) 485, which was signed into law by Governor Pete Ricketts on May 24, 2021. FPL levels will change on October 1, 2021, both sets of FPL numbers will be provided in the charts below.

Child care subsidy is a program that utilizes state and federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds to assist families with the cost of child care. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in Child Care Subsidy regulations including, but not limited to, income eligibility and an allowable need for care. Once a household is initially approved for the child care subsidy the household will then be eligible at each subsequent 12-18 month redetermination period as long as household income does not surpass 200% of the FPL and all other eligibility requirements are met.

When the pilot program ends, all federal poverty levels will revert to 130% of the FPL for initial households and 185% of the FPL for each redetermination. After October 1, 2023, all households that were approved during the pilot program period will remain on the subsidy program at each subsequent redetermination unless their income surpasses 185% of the FPL.

In order to receive child care subsidy, a family must be eligible and the child care provider must be enrolled with DHHS. A child care provider may become enrolled with DHHS through a referral by an eligible family. Families interested in Child Care Subsidy can apply over the phone through ACCESSNebraska at 1-800-383-4278, Omaha: (402) 595-1258, Lincoln: (402) 323-3900. Families may also apply online at www.AccessNebraska.ne.gov. A paper application can be requested by contacting your local office or requesting one be sent by mail when contacting ACCESSNebraska via phone.

FPL income qualifications before October 1, 2021

FPL income qualifications after October 1, 2021

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