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Financial assistance for child care

family
Did you know that you might qualify for financial assistance to offset the cost of child care? Qualified families can receive funding that can be applied to the parent's choice of child care.
 
To qualify, parents/guardians must demonstrate a need for services (such as employment or seeking employment, going to school, etc.) and meet eligibility criteria. Whether you need child care weekdays or weekends, day or night, financial assistance is available for the child care of your choice, including:
  • Child care centers;
  • Family child care homes;
  • Family, friend, or neighbor.
Unsure of what type of care you would best fit your family? We can help you determine the best type of care to fit your family's needs, and we can provide free child care referrals*.
 
The chart to the right provides guidelines for income eligibility, but we encourage you to complete the online inquiry form so a staff member can assist with determining your eligibility.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW TO APPLY

The process to start your application can be completed in less than 10 minutes. All we need to get started is your basic family information. 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Though funding is available, we are processing application inquiries and prioritizing each response in accordance with each family’s specific admission priority criteria. Your family’s admission priority is determined by your family’s monthly gross income, family size, and/or status of public cash assistance.  
You will need to keep us updated with your most current contact information, family size, and gross monthly countable* income.
 
*Total countable income means all income of the individuals counted in the family size adjusted for non-countable income, such as self-employment expenses, per regulations.  
You will receive a letter and/or email asking you to respond to confirm your need, eligibility, and admission priority for enrollment. 
You will need to provide documentation to verify your need and eligibility for services. Documentation includes income verification, birth records for all children included in the family size, proof of residence, and information about your child care provider selection.   
After you provide all the information required, you will receive a response for approval or denial of services within 30 calendar days. 

IMPORTANT QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

income chart
Eligibility based on income is determined when a family’s countable monthly gross income is at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) for their family size income or if the family is experiencing homelessness, has a child who is receiving Child Protective Services, or has a child who has been identified as being at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Families remain eligible as long as their income does not exceed 85% of the SMI. You may reference the current income limits listed in the chart to the right. 
To qualify, parents/guardians must demonstrate a need for services, such as being employed or seeking employment, attending educational or vocational training, being incapacitated, seeking permanent housing, experiencing homelessness, receiving services from child protective services, and/or being deemed at risk.   
Children must be between the ages of 0-12. Children with documented exceptional needs may receive services up to the age of 21. 
Once certified for services, you will receive a child care voucher to obtain the type of care for your child of your choice. Parental choice of care may include center-based child care, a family child care home, or a licensed-exempt family member, friend, or neighbor. The voucher has a set dollar amount that allows the family to choose and pay for licensed or exempt child care that meets the needs of the child and the family. 
 
Licensed-exempt providers may be required to complete a background check. You can learn more about the steps to pass this background check on our TrustLine webpage. 
Our Resource and Referral Department is available to assist you with licensed child care provider referrals.  

No. All child care providers must complete documentation, including a W-9, and will be issued a 1099 NEC (non-employee IRS form) for child care reimbursements issued on your behalf.  

Child care payments follow the Regional Market Rate (RMR) ceilings and limitations set by the California Department of Social Services, Child Care and Development Division, and are based on provider type, child’s age, and the certified need for services.  
Family fees may be applicable depending on your family’s monthly gross income and family size. As applicable, family fees are determined based on the child who has been in care the longest. However, family fees are currently waived through Sept. 30, 2023.
 
Also, child care providers may charge co-payments when their child care rates are above the RMR ceiling.  
Once your family is certified for services, you will receive services for no less than 12 months and will have the right to access child care for the days and hours certified during your certification period, regardless of changes in need.  
*Free child care referrals:
  • Up to 15 referrals (average is three to 10) will be given based on the child care information entered.
  • Referrals are generated randomly by the database.
  • Please be advised that our program provides referrals, not recommendations.
  • Child care referrals within our service area will be provided: Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Duarte, El Monte, La Canada, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Monrovia, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South El Monte, South Pasadena, Temple City, and Whittier.
Call us at 626-699-8070 for more information to or to apply.