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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. |
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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. |
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DSS and Child Care
© 1998-2007 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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Do you need help paying for child care?
The local Department of Social Services can help you pay for child care if you are:
• a working parent or caretaker with income below 200% of the poverty level
• a public assistance recipient who is working, or in a work activity or training program, or a substance abuse treatment program.
| Household size |
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Eligibility Maximum Income Allowed |
$19,600 | $26,400 | $33,200 | $40,000 | $46,800 | $53,600 | $60,400 | $67,200 |
If you qualify, you will be asked to pay a fee called a co-payment and the rest of the cot of care will be paid for by the County.
• If you are receiving public assistance, you will not have to pay a fee.
• If your income is under the poverty level, (see below) you will be asked to pay $1 per week.
• If your income is over the poverty level, the fee will be determined by subtracting the poverty level from your income and multiplying .35 against the remaining figure.
| Household size |
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Poverty Level | $9,800 | $13,200 | $16,600 | $20,000 | $23,400 | $26,800 | $30,200 | $33,600 |
Are there any other eligibility requirements?
You will be required to obtain a child support order if you do not already have one. You can be excused from this requirement if you have “good cause” for not pursuing support.
Can I use any provider that I choose?
Yes! You have a right to place your child with any child care center or regulated family and group family child care provider or any other provider who is legally providing child care.
How old can my child be to qualify for child care assistance?
DSS will help you pay for child care for children under the age of 13 and children 13 or older with mental or physical disabilities.
How is my provider paid?
Child care is paid directly to the child care provider by the day care unit. If you have a co-payment, you will have to pay that to the provider directly.
What if I lose my job? Can I get child care while I look for work?
If you were receiving help from DSS to pay for child care while you were working, DSS will pay for child care for up to 30 days while you look for work. You must tell DSS within 10 days of losing your job to be eligible for this benefit.
How do I apply for help with paying child care?
In Erie County, call 858-8953 to obtain an application. If you are on public assistance you must contact your worker to apply for child care.
