Child or Adult Dependent Care 400-19-55-30-10

(Revised 7/1/12 ML #3334)

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(N.D.A.C. 75-02-01.2-53)

 

• Child Care -TANF allows a household the option of receiving child care expenses as a deduction from earned or unearned income, or as a reimbursement through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

Note: Child Care expenses as a result of employment are the ONLY child care expenses that can be allowed as a deduction from earned or unearned income. Child care expenses for education, training, participating in an allowable JOBS activity, etc., (other than paid employment) cannot be allowed as an expense from earned or unearned income. These expenses must be reimbursed through CCAP.

A family can switch from using their child care costs as an expense under TANF to requesting reimbursement of their costs through the CCAP any time before the end of the month or before benefits have been issued under TANF or the Child Care Assistance Program. Requests for such a change must be made in writing. However, once benefits are issued under either program, a family cannot request a change.  

Note: When CCAP pays a child care provider a portion of the child care expenses, any amounts not paid by CCAP cannot be allowed as a deduction.

 

The amount of the expenses allowed under TANF for the cost of child care, cannot exceed the maximum allowed under CCAP for the Provider Type of 'Center'.

 

Requests to allow an expense for the cost of child care provided to children between 13 and 18 years of age will require current, medical evidence from a physician, psychologist, or clinical specialist that clearly confirms the need.

 

Any child care expenses that exceed the allowable CCAP maximums can neither be paid through CCAP nor allowed as an income deduction. Child care costs deducted from the TANF gross income cannot be paid through CCAP.

 

If the employed TANF household member is a non-legally responsible ineligible TANF caretaker, the child care expense cannot be allowed as a deduction.  However, the household may apply for assistance under the Child Care Assistance Program.

 

Child care costs must be verified by use of a completed SFN 616, "Child Care Assistance Program and Child Care Service Report and Bill" (See Forms Appendix), or by obtaining information from provider documents containing the same information. These costs are budgeted prospectively for the initial two months and retrospectively thereafter.

 

• Adult Dependent Care - The allowable deduction for the cost of adult dependent care for incapacitated adult living in the same home are not to exceed the maximum allowable rate of $610 per month, and will be disregarded from countable household income. However, the incapacitated adult must be an eligible TANF household member receiving TANF benefits.

Note: Verification must be received from the incapacitated adult’s medical provider showing care is required.

 

Adult Dependent care expenses allowed when determining net household income cannot be paid through essential services or JOBS supportive services.

 

Adult dependent care costs must be verified and budgeted prospectively for the initial two months and retrospectively thereafter.

 

Adult dependent care costs shall be verified by obtaining a document signed by the provider which identifies the individual requiring the care, the month of service, the hours of care provided, and expenses incurred.