Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps families with low incomes pay for child care while they work or meet WorkFirst participation requirements. Additional changes are being made to WCCC to balance the program budget for the current fiscal year and the 2011-2013 biennium.
Beginning March 1, 2011, families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and families of children with specials needs will receive priority access to WCCC. Remaining families with incomes at 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or less will receive child care benefits on a “first come, first served” basis until the program reaches a set limit. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will keep a waiting list of potentially eligible families who apply. Families will be notified by mail when there are openings in the child care program, and they will have 10 days to complete the application process.
Families who currently receive WCCC benefits remain income eligible until their monthly incomes exceed 175 percent of the FPG. The copayment increases previously announced for February 1 and March 1 remain the same.
For more information, including potential questions and answers, visit: www.del.wa.gov/care/help/connections.aspx
We know these are tough messages for families, child care providers and communities. If a family is placed on a waiting list, check with the local child care resource and referral program to see if there any child care providers in the community offer a sliding fee scale or scholarship opportunities. There are also statewide hotlines that can help connect families to local resources, including:
Beginning March 1, 2011, families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and families of children with specials needs will receive priority access to WCCC. Remaining families with incomes at 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or less will receive child care benefits on a “first come, first served” basis until the program reaches a set limit. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will keep a waiting list of potentially eligible families who apply. Families will be notified by mail when there are openings in the child care program, and they will have 10 days to complete the application process.
Families who currently receive WCCC benefits remain income eligible until their monthly incomes exceed 175 percent of the FPG. The copayment increases previously announced for February 1 and March 1 remain the same.
For more information, including potential questions and answers, visit: www.del.wa.gov/care/help/connections.aspx
We know these are tough messages for families, child care providers and communities. If a family is placed on a waiting list, check with the local child care resource and referral program to see if there any child care providers in the community offer a sliding fee scale or scholarship opportunities. There are also statewide hotlines that can help connect families to local resources, including:
- ParentHelp123 helps connect Washington families to food and health resources: 1.800.322.2588
- Washington Information Network 2-1-1 helps residents obtain information on health and human services: 2-1-1 or toll-free 1.877.211.WASH (9274)