DSS to rewrite day care subsidy guidelines
NORWICH – A recent cut in state funding is forcing the Chenango County Department of Social Services to re-examine day care support subsidies provided to residents county-wide.
In October, the department learned of state funding cuts that allow it to offer financial assistance to parents who struggle paying for child care services. According to DSS Commissioner Bette Osborne, cuts in the New York State Child Care Block Grant – traditionally awarded to the county each year – are enough to invoke one of two options: increase the local share for day care assistance (to the tune of nearly $250,000 total); or change the level of income eligibility for county residents who receive child care assistance.
“It puts us in a tough situation,” said Osborne. “Right now, we are at the maximum income eligibility allowed by the state, which is 200 percent poverty ... We are also at the max percentage paid by the parent at 35 percent.”
Rather than kicking in additional local share funding, Osborne said the department is leaning toward the option to change income eligibility for day care support from the current 200 percent poverty (about $46,000 annually for a family of four) to 125 percent poverty level (about 35,300 annually for a family of four), meaning parents who once qualified for child care assistance my no longer be eligible.
Nearly 30 percent the DSS day care budget is expected to be slashed for next year and changes in day care eligibility are likely to take effect by early 2014.
In past years, DSS has received more money from the NYS Child Care Block Grant than was utilized, allowing it to roll over remaining funds in to the next year’s budget. However, given recent cuts in the grant, that’s no longer an option, explained Osborne. Should DSS keep things the way they are, predictions are that the local DSS day care assistance fund will run out of reminiscent grant funding by July, 2014.
At present, 126 families in Chenango County meet the local guidelines to receive child care assistance, subsequently allowing parents to remain employed, seek employment or attend approved vocational training. The number of families receiving child care subsidies this year is up from the 112 families that received assistance in 2012. The county pays 25 percent the cost of day care while the remaining 75 percent is reimbursed through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. County residents receiving cash assistance and TANF are automatically eligible for child care assistance.
Said Osborne, “Based on the numbers we have now, we expect this change in eligibility will impact 30 to 35 families that will no longer meet new financial eligibility criteria.”
Osborne sought advice regarding state funding cuts from the Chenango County Health and Human Service Committee in October. While Chenango faces indubitable funding cuts, it’s in the same position as scores of surrounding counties, she told the committee.
“We have seen an increase of families this year but at the same time, we are losing funding,” she said.
DSS must have a plan for its day care assistance program submitted to the state by the end of the year. Barring a rejection from state officials, changes will take effect in January.
In October, the department learned of state funding cuts that allow it to offer financial assistance to parents who struggle paying for child care services. According to DSS Commissioner Bette Osborne, cuts in the New York State Child Care Block Grant – traditionally awarded to the county each year – are enough to invoke one of two options: increase the local share for day care assistance (to the tune of nearly $250,000 total); or change the level of income eligibility for county residents who receive child care assistance.
“It puts us in a tough situation,” said Osborne. “Right now, we are at the maximum income eligibility allowed by the state, which is 200 percent poverty ... We are also at the max percentage paid by the parent at 35 percent.”
Rather than kicking in additional local share funding, Osborne said the department is leaning toward the option to change income eligibility for day care support from the current 200 percent poverty (about $46,000 annually for a family of four) to 125 percent poverty level (about 35,300 annually for a family of four), meaning parents who once qualified for child care assistance my no longer be eligible.
Nearly 30 percent the DSS day care budget is expected to be slashed for next year and changes in day care eligibility are likely to take effect by early 2014.
In past years, DSS has received more money from the NYS Child Care Block Grant than was utilized, allowing it to roll over remaining funds in to the next year’s budget. However, given recent cuts in the grant, that’s no longer an option, explained Osborne. Should DSS keep things the way they are, predictions are that the local DSS day care assistance fund will run out of reminiscent grant funding by July, 2014.
At present, 126 families in Chenango County meet the local guidelines to receive child care assistance, subsequently allowing parents to remain employed, seek employment or attend approved vocational training. The number of families receiving child care subsidies this year is up from the 112 families that received assistance in 2012. The county pays 25 percent the cost of day care while the remaining 75 percent is reimbursed through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. County residents receiving cash assistance and TANF are automatically eligible for child care assistance.
Said Osborne, “Based on the numbers we have now, we expect this change in eligibility will impact 30 to 35 families that will no longer meet new financial eligibility criteria.”
Osborne sought advice regarding state funding cuts from the Chenango County Health and Human Service Committee in October. While Chenango faces indubitable funding cuts, it’s in the same position as scores of surrounding counties, she told the committee.
“We have seen an increase of families this year but at the same time, we are losing funding,” she said.
DSS must have a plan for its day care assistance program submitted to the state by the end of the year. Barring a rejection from state officials, changes will take effect in January.
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