Application for Child Care Benefits

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Emergency
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Household
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Who Needs
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Summary
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Getting started with this application

The information entered will not be saved during the data entry process; therefore, it is recommended you complete your application in one sitting.

If you stop entering information or are inactive, the browser will time-out and close after 15 minutes with a 5 minute warning. You will lose any information entered and be required to log back in to begin the application process again.

It is important to gather information prior to your log in to ensure that the application can be completed in its entirety before the application may time out.

  • Names, birth dates and social security numbers (optional) of all household members
  • If you choose to include an emergency contact, you will need information including name, address and phone number
  • Name, address and phone number of an employer/school for all household members
  • The name and address of a chosen child care provider for all children needing care
  • Child support, social security, and other sources of income received by all household members
  • For employment, you will need to enter the rate of pay and how often paid for each household member

This application must be complete prior to submission and will be sent electronically to the county agency in which you reside. Once submitted, you will receive an email of the information entered to print for your records and the ability to view/print within your web browser.

How do I apply for assistance?

  • Complete this application, answering as many questions as you can.
  • Be sure to sign this application.
  • Provide verifications for the information you give. Verifications are explained below.
  • A verification check list will be mailed to you within 10 days of your application date if more information is needed to make a decision on your case.
  • You will be required to submit verifications directly to your local county agency. Office hours may vary by county.
  • You will have 30 days from the date the county receives your application to provide all needed information.
  • Turn in the application and verifications to your local county agency. Office hours may vary by county. Applications may also be mailed, faxed, or sent via e-mail.
  • This application will be submitted electronically. You will be required to submit verifications directly to your local county agency. Office hours may vary by county. Applications may also be mailed, faxed or sent via e-mail.

What will I need to do after submission?

  • You will need to provide the county agency with proof of ALL sources of income for ALL members of the household. This includes earnings from jobs, tips, bonuses, retirement benefits, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, dividends, child/spousal/medical support, Ohio Works First (OWF) benefits and income from self-employment. A school schedule and transcripts for an education activity must also be provided if applicable.
  • If you do not fill in all of the needed sections of this application electronically, you will need to provide that information to the county agency. If any of the information changes after you submit this electronic application, you must provide the updated information to the county agency.
  • If the county agency determines that it needs more information, you will be sent a checklist in the mail detailing what is still needed.
  • You will get notices and requests for information in the mail with important details about your eligibility.
  • Your eligibility for child care benefits will be determined after this application is completed and submitted to the county agency. If this application is approved and you are eligible for child care benefits, the county agency may authorize payment for child care services from the date the electronic application was submitted. If the application is denied, you may be responsible for payments to any child care provider whose services have been used since the submission of the application.

When will my eligibility begin?

  • Eligibility for the publicly funded child care program is based on the date your signed and dated application is submitted to the county agency. Your eligibility for this program is determined within 30 days from the date the signed and dated application is received.

How do I get help with completing this application?

  • If English is not your primary language: The county agency will provide someone who can help you understand the questions on this application.
  • If you have a disability, are hearing-impaired or visually-impaired: The county agency will help you complete this application.

What verification do I need?

  • Proof of income: Verification of all money coming into your household. (such as pay stubs, tax records, award letters, child support).
  • Proof of any child support paid.
  • Proof of citizenship or qualified alien status for children in need of care: If the county agency verifies that you receive or have received OWF for a child, verification of citizenship is not required.
  • Proof of a qualifying activity for all caretakers in the household: Verification of a qualifying activity includes but is not limited to an official school schedule, work schedule, self-sufficiency contract, etc.
  • Provide the name and address of an eligible child care provider chosen for each child in need of care. http://jfs.ohio.gov/CDC/childcare.stm (See below for tips on choosing a provider).

How do I choose a child care provider?

  • Parents may select any licensed program approved to offer publicly funded child care. These programs include centers, family care homes and in-home aides located throughout the state of Ohio.
  • If you would like assistance with selecting a provider, you may contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. Visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/families.stm for contact information.
  • You may use our Child Care Directory to look for programs that fit your child care needs at http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/cdc/query.asp You may search by location, type of program, and by ages of children who need care. You will be able to learn more about each program including Step Up To Quality rating, any additional accreditation or affiliation, and view all licensing inspections and complaints substantiated within the past three years.

How do I make a complaint about a provider?

  • If you would like to make a complaint about a suspected violation of licensing rules, you may call the Child Care Policy Help Desk at 1-877-302-2347, option 4.

What if my child has a disability or I suspect my child may be developmentally delayed?

  • To learn more about Medicaid health screenings and early intervention services for your child, please visit our website at http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/families.stm and search for Child Development and Behavioral Resources. Your provider may qualify for additional assistance if they must make special adaptations for your child. Your provider may contact your county agency for more information.
  • Step Up To Quality helps families identify child care programs that go beyond the minimum standards of licensing. Star Rated programs demonstrate higher levels of quality in a variety of ways.
  • For more information, visit our website at http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/index.stm.