Navigating Child Care Costs: The After Care Hardship Program and Payment Assistance

Child care expenses can pose a significant financial hurdle for families. Recognizing this challenge, various programs are available to provide crucial financial assistance. The Child Care Certificate Program, often referred to as a subsidized child care program, stands as a vital resource. This state-funded initiative is designed to support diverse groups, including participants in Families First, parents transitioning away from Families First, working parents, those pursuing post-secondary education, teen parents, and foster families. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Department of Human Services (TDHS) or, for children in foster care, the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). TDHS offers financial aid to eligible families who meet specific income criteria, facilitating access to essential child care services through several supportive programs.

Who Qualifies for Child Care Payment Assistance?

Eligibility for child care payment assistance is based on several criteria, ensuring support reaches families facing various circumstances:

Smart Steps Program Applicants: Parents applying for the Smart Steps program with incomes below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income may qualify. This income threshold is detailed in the [Income Eligibility and Parent Co-Pay Fee Table](Income Eligibility and Parent Co-Pay Fee Table ). This program is for parents with children from six weeks old until kindergarten entry, who are employed, enrolled in post-secondary education, or a combination of both, averaging 30 or more hours weekly.
Teen Parents Program Participants: High school or middle school mothers enrolled in the Teen Parent program and attending school are eligible for assistance.
Families First Program Participants: Parents participating in the Families First program who require child care to fulfill the work-related activities outlined in their personal responsibility plan are also eligible.
Transitional Support for Former Families First Participants: Families who have transitioned off the Families First program can receive transitional child care assistance for up to 18 months post-closure, provided each parent is employed for an average of 30 hours or more per week. This serves as a crucial After Care Hardship Program element, easing the transition.
Non-Parental Guardians in Families First: Non-parental guardians within the Families First program needing child care for a related child are eligible if the guardian engages in an average of 30 or more hours of work, training, or education weekly.

How to Apply for Child Care Assistance

Applying for child care payment assistance is a straightforward process, with multiple avenues available to suit different needs:

Online Application via the One DHS Customer Portal is the most convenient method.

Alternatively, paper applications can be downloaded, completed, and then faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered to your local TDHS office.

The necessary application forms are available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility:

Important Note: Ensure all required verification documents are submitted with your application, whether online or paper-based. Incomplete applications cannot be processed until all necessary documentation is provided.

Required Documents for Application

To successfully complete your application and determine eligibility, you will need to provide several documents for verification. These typically include:

Valid Identification (for each parent/guardian in the home):

Driver’s License
State Issued ID
Voter’s Registration Card (Tennessee)
I-94 Card
Passport

Proof of Current Residency (in parent/guardian’s name):

Rent/Lease Agreement
Mortgage Receipt
Utility Bill

Proof of Citizenship (for each child needing care):

U.S. Passport
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (DHS Forms N-560 or N-561)
Birth Certificate
Hospital, Clinic, or Doctor Records
Report or Certificate of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen

Verification of Relationship (e.g., Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Court Orders):

Spouse/Partner/Other Parent
Sibling
Other children requiring assistance due to custody or birth

Income Verification (for each parent/guardian in the home):

Check stubs for the most recent eight (8) weeks for each employed parent/guardian/spouse
Employer statement on company letterhead, signed and dated (if within eight weeks of employment or if hours/wage changed recently)
Federal 1040 (for self-employment verification only, most recent year)
Award Letters
Self-Employment Reporting and Verification Form HS-3177
Child Care Certificate Program Verification of Employment Form hs-3550
Child Support Verification (court order, payment records)

Verification of School/College Enrollment (for parents and guardians):

Current class schedule per semester/quarter – registration and attendance verification required.

Additional Verifications: Other documents may be requested to determine eligibility based on individual circumstances.

Note for Families First Recipients: If you are a Family First recipient, you may already be eligible for child care assistance. Contact your assigned Client Service Representative for detailed information.

Finding a Child Care Provider

Locating a suitable child care provider is made easy through the Find Child Care online tool. This resource allows you to search for providers by address, provider name, or county. To find providers who accept child care payment assistance, simply filter your search by selecting the “Accepts Child Care Assistance Program” option.

Understanding Your Co-Pay

If you qualify for assistance, your required co-payment will be determined based on your income and the number of children in care. The co-pay chart provides an estimate of your payment. You will receive the exact amount you are responsible for upon qualification. Timely payment of your co-pay is crucial. Failure to make payments may result in your child being disenrolled from the child care program.

For further information on reimbursement rates, refer to the Current State Rate and QRIS Rating Bonus Table.

Transferring Child Care Providers

If you need to change child care providers, you can request a transfer through your One DHS Customer Portal account. After logging in, navigate to the ‘Benefits Dashboard’ and select ‘Change Provider’ in the ‘My Cases’ section to access the transfer form.

Families First Recipients: For transfer requests, Families First recipients should contact their assigned Client Service Representative for guidance.

Additional Resources for Parents

Numerous additional resources are available to support parents. You can explore these resources here to find information on choosing the right child care, understanding different types of care providers, and learning about state assessments of child care quality. You can also access information on the importance of regular check-ups and developmental screenings for children.

For safe sleep practices for infants, valuable tips are available here.

Furthermore, if you are seeking child care payment assistance, you might also be eligible for other support programs to address additional needs. A comprehensive list of these programs is available here.

Questions?

For any queries regarding child care payment assistance, parents and guardians can contact the One DHS Contact Center at 1-833-772-TDHS (8347). Alternatively, you can submit your questions via the One DHS General Inquiry webform, accessible by clicking here.

Customer Feedback

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