Child Care Assistance Programs
The Child Care Assistance Program assists low-income families to pay for the child care they need in order to work or attend school or training. Child Care Assistance can help you pay child care costs for all children age 12 and younger and for handicapped children age 13 and 14.
Help is available from the following Child Care Assistance Programs:
MFIP Child Care is for families who receive assistance from the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and are involved in an Employment Services Program. The MFIP Child Care Program may help pay for your child care costs while you look for work or work 20 hours per week or more. As part of your MFIP employment plan, you may be able to get help with child care to go to school or training to prepare for work.
Transition Year Child Care will help pay for child care costs for up to one year after your MFIP case closes if:
- Your MFIP case closed because your family’s income from working and/or child support is greater than the MFIP program allows;
- You received MFIP in 3 out of the past six months; and
- You work 20 hours per week or more and earn at least minimum wage.
Basic Sliding Fee Child Care (BSFCC) may help you pay child care costs if you do not receive MFIP and your income is within program limits. BSFCC can help you with child care costs for any combination of:
- Work: You may get help with child care if you are working 20 hours or more per week and earn at least minimum wage
- Job Search: You may get help with child care for a limited time to look for work
- School or Training: You can get child care assistance for the amount of time your school takes to complete your degree.
The Child Care Assistance Program may not cover all your costs. The amount you will have to pay depends on your family’s income, the number of people in your family, and how much your provider charges.
For more information, or to obtain an application for the Child Care Assistance Program, contact the Service Entry Unit at 320.656.6225.