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CCS - Frequently Asked Questions |
Who qualifies for Child Care Services?| Anyone living in Hidalgo, Willacy or Starr County, meeting the income guidelines and working, attending school or enrolled in a training program or doing a combination of both for at least 25 hours a week for a single parent and 50 hours a week for a two parent household can qualify for Child Care Assistance |
If I am eligible for Child Care Services, will I have to pay part of the child care costs myself?| Yes, depending on your monthly employment income before taxes (gross amount) and total household income which may include but is not limited to: Child Support, TANF, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance (UI) etc. as well as your family size. You will be responsible for your parent share of cost also known as your co-pay. |
How do I apply?
You can complete the required forms and either fax or drop off at one of the following centers.
West Hidalgo Workforce or East Hidalgo Workforce
Mission, TX Weslaco, TX
Fax: 1866.580.6089 Fax: 1866.890.5452
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How do I choose the right child care?| We are a provider choice program where parents have the option to choose their own provider. You can refer to the Consumer Guide located in this website for more information. If you would like assistance in choosing a provider please visit http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/childcare/about child care Licensing/. You can also call 2-1-1 for further information. Please keep in mind that provider must be licensed or registered with the State of Texas or can be an eligible family member. |
Do I have to pursue child support from the father/mother of my child (ren) if he or she does not reside with us?| Yes. One of the requirements to be able to receive child care is that you must be actively seeking child support for all of your children living in your household under the age of 18. You must have an open case with the Attorney General’s Office or an Informal Child Support agreement with the non-custodial parent if they are contributing to the welfare of the child (ren) on a monthly basis. |
If I get paid in cash and I don’t receive check stubs from my job what documents would I need to send in?| If you get paid in cash, you would need to have your employer complete a Wage Verification Forms. |
The School that my children attend is closed and I am unable to get the School Attendance form filled out for my child. What documents may I submit to prove enrollment or attendance?| If you are unable to have the Form 2042-School Attendance form filled out by an administrator at your children’s school, you can submit a recent report card, pending the School Attendance form. |
I am having trouble paying my co-payment, are there options available to assist me?| Fee reductions are available for unexpected expenses. You will need to provide receipts, invoices, or other documents to support your unexpected paid expense and a Child Care Specialist will determine if a fee reduction is applicable. |
I lost my job but I am currently seeking employment. Would I still be eligible to receive child care?| You will have to report your job loss within 10 calendar days of the last day of employment. We offer child care services while seeking employment for up to 28 days. We offer one job search per year. For more information please contact CCS at West Hidalgo Workforce at 956.519.4300 or East Hidalgo Workforce at 956.969.6100. |
I am about to have a new baby! Do I need to report my new baby before or after I go on maternity leave from my job?| You will need to report your change within 10 calendar days from the last day you worked to request a medical leave. We offer (up to) 60 days for a medical incapacitation but you must send in medical documents from your doctor and your employer verifying dates of your absence and that you will have a job to return to. |
Who can be included in the total number of person in my household?| The number of persons in your household includes yourself, your spouse and your dependants under the age of 18 or other dependents that you are legally able to claim on your tax return. Note: A copy of the previous year’s income tax form will be required. |
I am unhappy with my child care provider. Can I take them to another center or choose another provider?| Yes but you will need to contact CCS first to assess the situation. You must also be current with the co-pay amount owed to your current provider. If there is a health or safety issue, or if you move, the transfer can be done within 72 hours. Care MUST be authorized by a Child Care Specialist before children can begin care with a new provider. |
How is my co-pay determined?| Your monthly co-pay amount is determined by your monthly employment income before taxes (gross amount) and total household income which may include but is not limited to: Child Support, TANF, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance (UI) etc. as well as your family size and number of children receiving care. For example: you pay 10% of your total monthly income for 1 child in care or 12% of your total monthly income for 2 or more children in care and 14% if you have received child care services for more than 36 months. |
Are my rent, electricity, car note, and other expenses taken into consideration when determining my eligibility and co-pay?| Unfortunately no. Your co-pay is based solely on your monthly employment income before taxes (gross amount) and total household income which may include but is not limited to: Child Support, TANF, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance etc. as well as your family size and the number of children receiving care. |
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