The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in New York City offers vital support to families through its Child Care Program. This program, often referred to as the Acs Child Care Program, provides financial assistance to eligible families, making quality child care accessible and affordable. If you’re a New York City family seeking help with child care costs, understanding the ACS Child Care Program is your first step towards securing crucial support.
Who is Eligible for the ACS Child Care Program Voucher?
The ACS Child Care Program is designed to support families who need assistance with child care expenses due to work, education, or other specific circumstances. Eligibility for a child care voucher is primarily based on your family income and your “reason for care.”
Generally, your family may qualify for child care assistance under the ACS Child Care Program if your gross family income is below 85% of the State Median Income. You can check the official income table to see the specific income limits based on your family size.
In addition to income, you must also have an approved “reason for care.” This means you need to demonstrate at least one of the following circumstances:
- Employment: You are currently working for 10 or more hours per week.
- Education or Vocational Training: You are enrolled in an educational program or vocational training to enhance your skills and employability.
- Job Seeking: You are actively looking for employment.
- Temporary Housing: You are currently living in temporary housing, which provides priority access to the ACS Child Care Program.
- Domestic Violence Services: You are attending services related to domestic violence.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: You are receiving treatment for substance abuse.
Eligibility verification for the ACS Child Care Program involves reviewing documentation that you submit with your application, confirming your family size, residency in NYC, income, and reason for needing child care.
To quickly determine if you might be eligible for the ACS Child Care Program, you can take a short, helpful survey provided by the city: Check your potential eligibility here.
How to Apply for the ACS Child Care Program Voucher
Applying for the ACS Child Care Program voucher is now easier than ever thanks to the MyCity online portal. ACS is currently accepting applications citywide through MyCity, a user-friendly platform that simplifies the application process and allows you to track your application status online.
Applying Online via MyCity
The most efficient way to apply for the ACS Child Care Program is through the MyCity portal. Here’s how:
- Visit the MyCity NYC website.
- Create an account or log in if you are an existing user.
- Navigate to the section for ACS Child Care assistance.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the online application.
- Upload all required documentation as requested.
- Submit your application electronically.
MyCity provides a convenient way to manage your application and receive updates on its progress.
Applying by Mail
While online application is encouraged, you can also apply for the ACS Child Care Program by mail. Printable application forms are available on the Forms for Families page of the ACS website.
If you choose to apply by mail, ensure you:
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Download and print the application form.
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Fill out the form completely and accurately.
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Gather all necessary supporting documents.
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Mail the completed application and documents to:
NYC Children – EDU
PO Box 40
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Important: If you apply through MyCity, do not send a paper application as well. This could cause delays in processing your application for the ACS Child Care Program.
Need Help? Contact ACS
If you require assistance with your application or have questions about the ACS Child Care Program, the ACS Call Center is available to help. You can reach them at 212-835-7610, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Once deemed eligible for the ACS Child Care Program, you will receive a voucher. You will then need to complete and return this voucher to ACS, allowing you to enroll your child with your chosen child care provider.
ACS Child Care Program Support for Specific Situations
The ACS Child Care Program recognizes the diverse needs of NYC families and offers tailored support for specific circumstances:
Families Experiencing Homelessness
Families living in shelters or temporary housing are often eligible for free child care assistance through the ACS Child Care Program. This includes families who are temporarily sharing housing due to housing loss or economic hardship.
When applying for the ACS Child Care Program as a family experiencing homelessness:
- Follow the general application instructions.
- In Section 3 of the application, select “Homelessness” as your reason for care.
- Submit your application along with a housing questionnaire and all other required documentation.
For more detailed information, refer to the Early Care & Education Programs for Families Experiencing Homelessness Flyer.
Families on Cash Assistance
If you are receiving Cash Assistance from HRA and are employed or participating in work-related activities (whether required or voluntary), including educational pursuits, you may be eligible for child care benefits under the ACS Child Care Program. Contact your HRA Benefits Access Center to apply and find more information here.
Transitional Child Care (TCC)
The ACS Child Care Program also offers Transitional Child Care (TCC) benefits. If you were previously receiving Cash Assistance but are no longer eligible due to increased income, you might still qualify for subsidized child care for up to one year through the TCC program. For eligibility details and application information, contact [email protected].
Families Receiving Child Welfare Services
For families involved with Child Welfare Services, including foster families or families receiving prevention or protective services, the ACS Child Care Program is also accessible. Your caseworker or case planner should submit a referral form to the ACS Division of Child and Family Well-Being to initiate the process. Please coordinate with your caseworker to ensure they have all the necessary information for the referral.
Promise NYC Program
Launching in January 2023, Promise NYC is a groundbreaking initiative within the ACS Child Care Program. It aims to provide child care assistance to low-income families with children, including undocumented children, who are often excluded from federally funded child care programs due to immigration status. ACS is partnering with community-based organizations to implement Promise NYC, ensuring these underserved communities receive the support they need.
Conclusion
The ACS Child Care Program is a critical resource for New York City families, providing essential financial assistance to access quality early care and education. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process outlined above, you can take the first step toward securing the support your family needs. Whether you apply online through MyCity or by mail, the ACS Child Care Program is committed to helping eligible families thrive. Take advantage of this valuable program and ensure your child has access to enriching and nurturing child care experiences.
