Child Care for TANF Recipients 400-28-45-40

(Revised 3/1/18 ML #3524)

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IM 5421

 

 

NDAC 75-02-01.3-04

 

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) will pay child care for TANF recipients only if the allowable activity is identified on the JOBS or Tribal New Employability plan. Child care for any allowable activity not identified on the employability plan cannot be paid through CCAP.

 

When a TANF recipient who is required to participate in the JOBS Program is not participating, child care will be paid for any activity the individual is participating in that is listed on the latest employability plan until the TANF case closes.

Example: Mom is required to participate in the JOBS Program in Job Search but fails to provide information to her case manager.  The case manager completes the 'good cause' process and a sanction is imposed for October.

If Mom submits child care expenses for the months of September and October while searching for a job, since the latest employability plan lists her activity as Job Search and the Mom continues to be a JOBS participant through October 31st, the child care expenses for September and October while searching for a job can be paid.

Should the child care expenses for the month of September and October be a result of an activity not listed on the employability plan, those child care expenses cannot be paid unless Mom begins participating in the JOBS program and a new employability plan is received that includes these activities.

 

TANF recipients who are not required to participate in the JOBS or Tribal NEW programs must volunteer to participate in the program in order for their child care to be paid through CCAP.

 

TANF households may choose to use child care expenses as a TANF earned income disregard up to the TANF maximum allowable costs or they may receive assistance under CCAP. Households may not receive the disregard and have child care paid under CCAP in the same month.

 

If a minor parent in the TANF household needs child care to complete high school or its equivalent, the minor parent should be informed of and referred to the Crossroads Program. (Refer to section 400-28-40, Crossroads Families).