How Much Does Child Care Assistance Pay in Pa

Are you one of the many families living in a Southern Pennsylvania city such as West York, Dover, Palmyra, York, Harrisburg or Hummelstown looking for childcare assistance? You'll be pleased to know that with a little help from government programs, you can get your child into an affordable daycare program near you.

The first step to taking advantage of the available financial help is to uncover which resource is best for you, starting with the PA Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program.

What Is the PA Child Care Works Program?

The PA Child Care Works Program works with low-income families to help them pay for daycare. Funding for this county-run program, available in all Pennsylvania counties, comes from government subsidies. If you qualify, you can expect to have a portion of your childcare paid for through the program. This lessens the financial burden on your family and allows you to send your baby, toddler, two-year-old, three-year-old or older child to a daycare program while you work.

Best of all, you don't have to worry about figuring out how to pay your childcare provider, as the program directly reimburses your daycare. You'll just be billed by your daycare for the difference.

Meeting the Guidelines for the PA Child Care Works Program

You can apply for the PA Child Care Works Program by filling out a simple application, but be sure you meet the guidelines before taking the time to start the application. Some of the guidelines include that you be a resident of Pennsylvania, need childcare because you work or work and go to school a specific number of hours per week and can provide identification for every parent in your household. Additionally, you must meet income guidelines, which are set at 200 percent or lower than standard Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

To give an example, a family of two who makes $32,480 or less annually would qualify, as would a family of three bringing in $40,840 or less, etc. Not sure if your family fits these income guidelines? Check online or through your local county Child Care Information Services office to find out more information.

Other Considerations for Applying to the PA Child Care Works Program

Do you want to take advantage of the PA Child Care Works Program? Remember you'll have to meet other guidelines, too. Many lean in your favor, such as subsidized care available until your child turns 13 — or 18 if your son or daughter has a recognized disability.

In all cases, you will be expected to pay something toward the childcare costs. However, your co-pay may be as low as a weekly amount of $5.00. When you receive confirmation that you have been accepted into the program, you'll have more information on what you can expect as far as your financial expectations.

Although the counties do the best they can, they do receive a limited amount of funding. Thus, sometimes parents who qualify for the PA Child Care Works Program are put on waiting lists pending the availability of funds. To avoid being in a difficult position, you should apply for this program as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance at snagging a spot.

Other Government Assistance Programs in Central Pennsylvania

Are additional daycare and childcare assistance programs and opportunities available in the Pennsylvania marketplace? Absolutely. For instance, some community-driven organizations and government funding sources regularly work with moms and dads to reduce their overall costs. Although these programs may not be directly linked to childcare, they free up other funds so you can afford your payments.

A final note to mention is you can also talk to your preferred childcare provider about options. Often, daycares in Southern Pennsylvania cities like York, Hummelstown, Harrisburg and the surrounding communities are well-versed in possible funding streams.

How Much Does Child Care Assistance Pay in Pa

Source: https://aatozz.com/childcare-assistance-options-low-income-families/

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