Child Care Financial Assistance

Overview | Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Go On The Waiting List?
All eligible families that apply are placed on the waiting list in the order that their applications was received.

How Long Is The Waiting List?
The waiting list varies, but families can currently expect to wait anywhere from 4-6 months. Childcare Resources will contact you when funding is available. You will receive a letter in the mail inviting you to come to a interview.

Do I Have To Have A Job To Get On The Waiting List?
Yes, you must meet all 5 eligibility requirements in order to be placed on the waiting list.

If I Am On The Waiting List Do I Get Assistance?
No, families on the waiting list do not receive financial assistance. In order to receive assistance, you must be pulled from the waiting list and invited to a group interview. If you are found eligible at the interview, Childcare Resources will provide financial assistance for child care.

What Do I Need To Bring To An Appointment?

Driver’s License or other state issued picture ID for you and your spouse/partner.
Birth Certificates for you, your spouse/partner and all children under 18.
Social Security Cards for you, your spouse/partner and all children under 18. (If you need a card, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213).
Employers' names, addresses and phone numbers for you and your spouse/partner.
Last four pay check stubs for you and your spouse/partner.
A copy of most recent W-2, Federal and State tax returns for you and your spouse/partner. (If you need copies, visit www.irs.gov/individual or call 1-800-829-1040 for federal information and/or call 1-334-353-2540, 1-800-558-3912 or 205-733-2740 for state information.)
Printout from DHR or Court showing child support received in the last 3 months.
Verification of all other family income including SSI, Social Security, Alimony, Pensions, Compensations, Disability, or any other income received by you or any other member of your household.
Marital status confirmation - legal documentation of divorce, separation or widowhood.
Name and address of child care provider you use or plan to use.
Proof of residency such as current lease, mortgage, property tax, child's school record, or utility bill.

How Much Will My Parent Fee Be? How Much Do I Have To Pay The Child Care Provider?
Parents must pay their child care provider a weekly fee for each child in care. Parents must come to a group interview and bring all necessary information before a parent fee can be assessed.

How Will I Receive My Assistance?
Childcare Resources pays child care providers directly on behalf of a specific child. We are not able to pay parents or reimburse parents for child care expenses.

How Long Can I Receive Assistance?
Child care assistance is awarded for a maximum of 6 months. At the end of the six month period, the family will redetermine by mail. Families can continue to receive assistance as long as it is needed , the family remains eligible, and funds are available.

Do I Have To Report Changes?
Yes, changes may affect a parent’s eligibility and could change the parent fee paid to providers. It is important to report changes in child care providers to make sure that Childcare Resources pays the correct child care provider for you child.

How Long Do I Have To Report A Change?
All changes to income, family size, work status, marital status and address must be reported within 10 days of the date the change occurred. Changes must be reported on a Change Form.

Changes in child care providers must be received 10 days before the requested change. A receipt showing that all parent fees have been paid at the old provider must be attached to a change form requesting a change in child care providers.

Which Child Care Providers Accept Payment From Childcare Resources?
Child care providers must be legally operating and meet State DHR minimum standards to participate in the financial assistance program. If your child care provider is not currently registered with Childcare Resources, we will contact them to see if they wish to register and participate in the financial assistance program.

How Can I Locate Child Care?
If you are on the child care financial assistance program, you can call Childcare Resources at (205) 252-1991 ext. 317 for a customized, child care search or complete an on-line search, or complete a search request form and return it to us.

How Do I Choose Child Care?
If you are on the child care financial assistance program, you can call Childcare Resources at (205) 252-1991 ext. 317 for information on choosing quality child care.

How can I register as a child care provider to accept payment from Childcare Resources?
If you are a legally operating child care provider that meets State DHR minimum standards, you may contact Childcare Resources to register with our financial assistance program. For a registration packet, contact Childcare Resources at (205) 252-1991 ext. 307, or print and complete a registration form and return it to us.

How Much Does Childcare Resources Pay Child Care Providers?
Childcare Resources pays child care providers a rate negotiated when the provider registers with us. Childcare Resources has a maximum rate we can pay providers.

How Often Must A Child Care Provider Register With Childcare Resources?
Childcare Resources must receive an annual registration packet from each provider in order to reimburse for care. Payment rates are negotiated with providers at registration. Providers may be asked to update registration at other times of the year as needed.

When Are Child Care Providers Paid?
Registered Child Care Providers are paid for authorized children by the 15th of the month following provision of services. If you have any questions concerning payments, please call Childcare Resources at (205) 252-1991 ext. 307.