The rising cost of child care can be a significant burden for working families. Fortunately, South Carolina offers assistance through the Abc Child Care Program, officially known as the SC Working Families Child Care Scholarship. This program is designed to make quality child care more accessible and affordable, ensuring parents can work, attend school, or participate in job training.
What is the ABC Child Care Program?
The ABC Child Care Program, or Child Care Scholarship Program, acts as a bridge connecting families and child care providers. It achieves this by directly paying child care providers, covering a significant portion or even the full cost of care. This direct payment system ensures providers are compensated promptly, typically within 3-4 days of online submission. Participation in the program also opens doors to additional resources and grants through ABC Quality, further supporting child care providers in enhancing their services. Across South Carolina, over 1,900 child care providers are enrolled and ready to accept these scholarships, offering a wide network of options for families.
Who Qualifies for the ABC Child Care Program?
To be eligible for the SC Working Families Child Care Scholarship under the ABC Child Care Program, families in South Carolina must meet specific criteria. These requirements are in place to ensure that the assistance reaches those who need it most:
- Child’s Age: The program supports families with children from birth up to 12 years of age.
- Work or Education Requirement: Parents or guardians must be actively working at least 15 hours per week, or be enrolled in a school or job training program. This requirement underscores the program’s goal of supporting working families and those striving for self-sufficiency.
- Income Limits: Household gross income must be at or below 85% of the state median income level. For a family of four, this translates to an annual income of up to $83,446. This income threshold ensures that the program benefits families with genuine financial need.
Other Eligibility Pathways for the ABC Child Care Program
While the primary focus of the ABC Child Care Program is on working families with younger children, scholarships are also available in specific circumstances for older children:
- Children Aged 13-18: Scholarships can be accessed for children in this age group who have documented disabilities, developmental delays, or are currently in foster care. This provision recognizes the unique needs of these vulnerable children and ensures they receive the necessary support.
Ready to Apply for the ABC Child Care Program?
Taking the first step towards affordable child care is straightforward. The eligibility requirements in detail and the online application for the ABC Child Care Program are conveniently available through the DSS Benefits Portal.
Child Care Scholarship Applications
Have Questions About the ABC Child Care Program?
For any inquiries regarding the ABC Child Care Program, scholarship details, or eligibility questions, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) provides dedicated support. You can reach out via email for assistance: [email protected].
For direct communication and further assistance, you can also contact the Child Care Operations Center.
Child Care Operations Center
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed on State Holidays
Client Number: (800) 476-0199
Provider Number: (800) 262-4416
Complaint Line: (800) 763-2223
Mailing Address:
Child Care Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 100160
Columbia, SC 29202-3160
The ABC Child Care Program is a valuable resource for South Carolina families, helping to ease the financial strain of child care and enabling parents to pursue work or education opportunities with peace of mind.
