Question 1

How do I apply for assistance with my child care?

Accepted Answer

In order to receive assistance with subsidized child care you will need to complete an paper application that you can receive by contacting one of our offices or apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us.(http://www.compass.state.pa.us)

Question 2

How do I know that the application that I submitted online is complete?

Accepted Answer

You will received a confirmation number with a "W" behind it.  If you do not receive the confirmation number you will need to double check your online application.

Question 3

What happens once I submit my application?

Accepted Answer

Your application will be reviewed by a caseworker and entered into the system.
If your application is incomplete, you will receive a Missing Information Letter detailing the additional verifications needed. You will have 30 days from the date you submitted your application to submit the missing items.
Once your application is complete, a caseworker will determine eligibility. You will receive a letter in the mail informing you of your eligibility status.  If your case is determined eligible you will be placed on the waitlist until funds are available. You will be contacted once funds are available and will need to complete an appointment prior to enrollment.
If the missing verifications are not received by the Missing Information Letterdue date, your case will be ineligible and you will need to reapply.
If your case is determined ineligible, you can reapply.

Question 4

Who is included in my household composition?

Accepted Answer

You, your spouse or live-in-companion, and ALL of the child(ren) that reside in your home, not just the child(ren) you are requesting care for.

Question 5

Do I need to include my boyfriend/girlfriend who is the other parent on my application?

Accepted Answer

YES.  If BOTH of the parents of the child(ren) you are requesting care for reside in the SAME home.

Question 6

Does anyone else have access to my case?

Accepted Answer

NO.  Unless you list someone that you would like to have access to your case on the Authorization for Release as a collateral contact, our office will not discuss your case with them.  Even if you provide a collateral contact we will only discuss limited information with them.

Question 7

Is each parent in the household required to work?

Accepted Answer

YES.  Each adult in the household is required to show employment of at least 20 hours per week.

Question 8

Am I required to have a job while attending a training or education program to qualify for subsidized child care?

Accepted Answer

YES.  If you attend an accredited training or education program, you are required to provide verification of a combination of 10 hours a week of employment AND 10 hours a week of continuing education in a classroom setting.

Training programs must be nationally accredited and can include: adult basic education, English as a second language, GED, HSF degree, 2 or 4-year technical, professional, undergraduate, graduate, PhD programs, internship, lab/field work, clinical placement, or apprenticeship.  They can be in-person or online.

Question 9

Do I have to file for child support?

Accepted Answer

NO.  However, we will ask about your custody arrangements and we will ask you about any support that you receive, whether through the court or voluntarily.  The ELRC works with the Domestic Relations office to help you obtain income verification on your behalf.

Question 10

How do I find a child care provider in my area?

Accepted Answer

You can do your own search online at: WWW.FINDCHILDCARE.PA.GOV or(http://WWW.FINDCHILDCARE.PA.GOV) you can reach out to one of our offices to request a list.