The state of Oklahoma is home to over four million people, including hundreds of thousands of young children. As parents and guardians across the state strive to provide the best for their kids, one obstacle that they often face is finding affordable child care. Low-income families with busy schedules are especially likely to struggle with finding quality care options for a reasonable price.
Thankfully, the Sooner State has recognized the need for accessible childcare and has taken action to help parents pay for this valuable service. Applying for daycare assistance in Oklahoma involves applying for a government assistance program designed to uplift households with limited financial resources. Below is a detailed guide on how to apply for daycare assistance in Oklahoma.
The Child Care Subsidy Program
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) administers various programs aimed at assisting families with child care expenses. The Child Care Subsidy is one of these programs that helps eligible families cover the costs of child care. Funding for the program comes from the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant.
The program was created to help out parents who are often out of the house to work, attend school, or participate in vocational training. It also reduces the risk of children facing abuse or neglect at the hands of unqualified caregivers. Eligible needy families will have a subsidy paid to a licensed child care provider on their behalf. Depending on their size and household income, families may still have to pay a copayment.
The Child Care Subsidy program is based on the belief that all kids, no matter their family’s financial status, should have a chance at receiving quality early learning. By giving help to families in need, the DHS strives to make sure every child in Oklahoma gets a good start in life.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for daycare assistance, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria. Eligibility is often determined based on factors such as household income, family size, and employment status. Generally, families with low to moderate incomes are more likely to qualify for assistance.
A child in need of care must be 13 years of age or younger. Children with disabilities or who are under court supervision may be eligible up until they turn 19.
Required Documents
To make application process easier, gather all necessary documents beforehand. For identification purposes, you will need to provide one of the following documents:
- birth certificate
- driver’s license
- paycheck with your name on it
- voter registration card
- school records, or
- U.S. passport
You must also provide proof of earned income. Examples of proof of earned income include a check stub that features your name or social security number, date of pay, and income before tax deductions. If you are self-employed, you can submit a copy of last year’s tax return.
Proof of any unearned income is also required. You may submit a benefit check, award letter, or a court order detailing the benefits you receive. If you receive child support or alimony checks, copies of these must be provided as well.
Immigration status documents must be provided for children who are not citizens of the United States. An I-94, passport, T-visa, or other immigrant registration document are all acceptable. Finally, you will need to provide your work or school schedule to demonstrate a need for child care.
Choosing a Provider
One perk of the Child Care Subsidy program is that parents and guardians have the freedom to choose a child care provider. However, their options are limited to certain family child care homes and child care centers. This is because a provider must have a license and contract with DHS in order to receive subsidy payments.
If you would like to choose a child care center, it must have at least a three star status. These stars reflect the quality standards that a facility meets. To figure out how many stars a center has, you can use the Child Care Locator on the DHS website. You can also choose to have a relative take care of your child, as long as this relative is closely related to them.
When attaching required documents to your application, make sure to also attach the name of your chosen provider.
Application Process
The DHS has created an online portal where Oklahomans can apply for government benefits and assistance programs. To apply for the Child Care Subsidy, you can visit the OKDHS Live website. There, you can create an account, or log in if you already have one.
If you need help with applying, you can call (405) 522-5050. You may also apply in-person by visiting your local Oklahoma Human Services Center, where a staff member can assist you with filling out and submitting the form.
Make sure to fill in the application form with accurate and up-to-date information. Be prepared to provide details about your household size, income, and your employment status. When applying online, upload all the required documents, and make sure they are clear and legible to avoid delays in processing.
Once you’ve filled out the application and attached the necessary documents, it can be submitted to the DHS. Write down or take a picture of any confirmation or reference numbers for future reference.
Interview Process
Turning in your application is just the first step to receiving assistance. You will also have to complete an interview and answer additional questions in order for a DHS worker to determine your eligibility.
When this interview takes place depends on where you apply. If you apply in-person at a DHS office, your interviews may take place that same day. If you apply online, a DHS worker will call or send you a letter about scheduling an interview.
Approval
DHS workers must approve eligible applications within a couple days of conducting an interview. You may be contacted for additional information, or if any required documents are missing. When all your application materials have been reviewed, you will receive a Notice of Action letter stating whether the benefits were approved or denied. This notice will reveal how much assistance you will receive and how long you will receive it for.
Applying for daycare assistance in Oklahoma is a straightforward process, but it’s important to make sure you are following the correct procedures. Remember to notify the DHS of any changes in your employment, income, or family size. If you have questions, reach out to the DHS helpline or visit a local DHS office. You can also check out this web page devoted to common questions about Child Care Subsidy.
By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the steps in this article, eligible families can access the support they need to find quality child care services. The Child Care Subsidy is a valuable assistance program that supports the well-being of families and children in Oklahoma.
If you’re looking to apply for daycare assistance, you may be eligible to receive low-cost phone service from EASY Wireless. They help low-income individuals who qualify for government programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program access affordable phone service.
To get started, apply online through the EASY Wireless website. Or, you can come to one of EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where a representative will help you apply for benefits.
