Child care expenses can be a significant hurdle for working families. In South Carolina, the Department of Social Services (DSS) offers vital assistance through the Child Care Scholarship Program, designed to make quality child care accessible and affordable. This program ensures that parents can pursue employment, education, or job training while knowing their children are in safe and nurturing environments.
Understanding the SC Child Care Scholarship Program
The Child Care Scholarship Program operates by directly assisting families with child care costs. Payments are made straight to licensed child care providers, streamlining the process and easing the financial burden on parents. Enrolled providers benefit from prompt payments, typically within 3-4 days of online submission, and gain access to additional resources and support through ABC Quality, South Carolina’s voluntary quality rating and improvement system for child care programs. This system helps providers enhance their services and ensures higher standards of care for children across the state.
The core mission of the Child Care Scholarship Program is to support working families in South Carolina by ensuring that affordable child care is not a barrier to employment or further education. With over 1,900 child care providers participating statewide, the program offers a wide network of options for families seeking quality care.
Who Qualifies for Child Care Assistance in South Carolina?
To determine eligibility for the SC Working Families Child Care Scholarship, DSS has specific criteria that families must meet. These requirements are designed to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most to maintain or achieve self-sufficiency.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Child’s Age: The child or children must be between birth and 12 years of age.
- Work or Education Requirement: The parent(s) or guardian(s) must be employed for a minimum of 15 hours per week, or be enrolled in school or a job training program. This requirement underscores the program’s focus on supporting working families and those striving to improve their employment prospects.
- Income Limits: Gross family 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 is updated to reflect current economic conditions and ensure the program serves families within a specific income range.
Additional Eligibility Pathways:
Beyond the primary SC Working Families Child Care Scholarship, there are provisions to support children in specific circumstances. Scholarships are also available for children aged 13 to 18 who have documented disabilities, developmental delays, or are in foster care. These expanded criteria recognize the diverse needs of families and ensure that vulnerable older children also have access to necessary child care support.
Applying for a South Carolina Child Care Scholarship
Taking the first step towards accessing child care assistance is straightforward. The DSS Benefits Portal provides a centralized platform for families to check their eligibility and submit their online applications.
Child Care Scholarship Applications
The online application process is designed to be user-friendly, guiding applicants through each step and outlining the necessary documentation. This accessibility ensures that families can easily apply for the support they need.
Need More Information? Contact the Child Care Operations Center
For any questions regarding child care scholarships or eligibility requirements, the South Carolina Child Care Operations Center is available to provide assistance. You can reach out via email or phone for prompt and helpful support.
Contact Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Client Phone: (800) 476-0199
- Provider Phone: (800) 262-4416
- Complaint Line: (800) 763-2223
Mailing Address:
Child Care Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 100160
Columbia, SC 29202-3160
The Child Care Scholarship Program in South Carolina, supported by initiatives like ABC Quality, stands as a crucial resource for working families. By providing financial assistance and promoting quality child care, the program empowers parents to pursue their career and educational goals while ensuring their children thrive in nurturing environments. If you believe you may be eligible, exploring the DSS Benefits Portal is the recommended next step to secure the support your family needs.
