Financial
Opportunities

Help Paying For Child Care
Child Care Financial Assistance

Q. I don't have much money: can I get help with the costs of child care?
A. Maybe, depending on your income and number of hours you work or if you are in a full time school program. The Child Care and Development Fund is a federal fund that provides states with money to help low-income families pay for child care, even if they are not receiving public assistance. If you are involved in a job search and need child care during the time you are actually looking for work, Or if the person who normally cares for the child has just died or is hospitalized or receiving out- patient chemotherapy radiation or dialysis, you might be eligible for assistance.

       Q. Where do I apply?
A. At your local county office for the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Q.How old can my children be?
A. 2 weeks to 13 years ( or up to 19 years if your child has special needs).

Q. What if I am on FIP (Iowa’s welfare to work  program)?
A. If you are a FIP recipient needing child care for school or job search you must contact Promise Jobs.  If you need child care while you are working, apply for child care assistance at the local Department of Human Offices.  You will be automatically eligible during any hours you work.

Q. Are their any other financial assistance programs in my community?
A. Some local funds might be available to help those families who are not eligible for state funding.

• In Polk County, call Polk County Community and Family Services 286-3611 to inquire about assistance.

• In other counties in your area, call your local Child Care Resource and Referral office to inquire about fund availability.

Q. If there any tax assistance I can receive to help meet the cost of child care?
A. Yes, go to the National Women’s Law Center’s web-site  www.nwlc.org and click on  Child Care FAQ.  Then go to Useful child care tax information.

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