Child care expenses can be a significant burden for families. Fortunately, the Child Care Relief Program offers crucial financial assistance to eligible families, ensuring that parents can access safe and reliable child care while pursuing work, education, or other essential activities. This program, also known as subsidized child care, is designed to support various family situations, including those transitioning from assistance programs, working parents, students, and foster families.
Who Qualifies for the Child Care Relief Program?
Eligibility for the Child Care Relief Program is determined by specific criteria designed to support families in need of assistance. You may be eligible if you fall into one of these categories:
- Smart Steps Program Applicants: Parents applying for the Smart Steps program with incomes below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income may qualify. This program supports children from six weeks old until kindergarten entry. Eligible parents must be working, enrolled in post-secondary education, or a combination of both, for an average of 30 hours per week or more. For detailed income guidelines, refer to the Income Eligibility and Parent Co-Pay Fee Table.
- Teen Parents in Education: High school or middle school mothers participating in the Teen Parent program and remaining in school are eligible for assistance.
- Families First Program Participants: Parents participating in the Families First program who require child care to fulfill work activities outlined in their personal responsibility plan are eligible.
- Transitional Child Care for Former Families First Participants: Families who have transitioned off the Families First program may receive child care assistance for up to 18 months after their case closure, provided each parent works an average of 30 hours or more weekly.
- Non-Parental Guardians in Families First: Non-parental guardians within the Families First program needing child care for a related child are eligible if the guardian works, trains, or attends education for an average of 30 hours or more per week.
Applying for the Child Care Relief Program: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Child Care Relief Program is a straightforward process. You can apply online or through a paper application.
Online Application:
The quickest and most convenient method is to apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal. Click here to access the One DHS Customer Portal and begin your online application.
Paper Application:
If you prefer a paper application, you can download and print the application form and submit it via fax, mail, or in person at your local TDHS office.
You can download the application forms here:
- Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (HS-3408) – Instructions
- Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Spanish) (HS-3408sp) – Instructions
- Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Arabic) (HS-3408a) – Instructions
- Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Somali) (HS-3408s) – Instructions
Important: Required Verification Documents
Ensure you submit all necessary verification documents with your application, whether online or paper. Incomplete applications missing required documents will not be processed.
Documents Needed for Your Application
To complete your application and determine eligibility, you will likely need to provide the following documents:
- Valid ID: Provide at least one of the following for each parent/guardian residing in the household:
- Driver’s License
- State Issued ID
- Voter’s Registration Care (Tennessee)
- I-94 Card
- Passport
- Proof of Current Residence: Submit at least one of the following in the parent/guardian’s name:
- Rent/lease agreement
- Mortgage receipt
- Utility bill
- Proof of Citizenship (for each child needing care): Provide at least one of the following:
- U.S. Passport
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (DHS Forms N-560 or N-561)
- Birth certificate
- Hospital, clinic, or doctor records
- Report or Certificate of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen
- Verification of Relationship: (e.g., Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Court Orders) for:
- Spouse/partner/other parent
- Sibling
- Other children who may receive assistance due to custody or birth
- Income Verification: Provide at least one of the following for each parent/guardian residing in the home:
- Check stubs for the most recent eight (8) weeks for each employed parent/guardian/spouse
- Employer statement on company letterhead, signed and dated (if within eight weeks of employment or if hours/wage changed recently)
- Federal 1040 (most recent year, for self-employment verification ONLY)
- Award Letters
- Self-Employment Reporting and Verification Form HS-3177
- Child Care Certificate Program Verification of Employment Form hs-3550
- Child Support Verification (court order, payment records)
- Verification of School/College Enrollment (for parents/guardians):
- Current class schedule per semester/quarter – registration and attendance verification may be required.
- Additional Verification: Other documents may be requested to determine eligibility.
For Families First Recipients: If you are a Family First recipient, you may already be eligible. Contact your assigned Client Service Representative for program details.
Finding a Child Care Provider
Locating a child care provider that suits your needs is crucial. The Find Child Care tool can assist you in your search. Visit Find Child Care to search providers by address, provider name, or county. To find providers who accept Child Care Relief Program assistance, filter your search by selecting the “Accepts Child Care Assistance Program” option.
Understanding Your Co-Pay
If you qualify for the Child Care Relief Program, you will have a co-payment amount based on your income and the number of children in care. The co-pay chart provides an estimated payment amount. You will receive your exact co-pay amount upon qualification. Timely payment of your co-pay is essential. Failure to pay may result in your child being terminated from the child care program.
For information on reimbursement rates for providers, you can consult the Current State Rate and QRIS Rating Bonus Table.
Transferring Child Care Providers
If you need to change child care providers, you can request a transfer through your One DHS Customer Portal. Log in to your account, navigate to the ‘Benefits Dashboard’ in the top menu, and select ‘Change Provider’ in the ‘My Cases’ section to complete the transfer request form.
Families First Recipients: If you are a Family First recipient, contact your Client Service Representative for assistance with transfer requests.
Additional Resources for Parents
Beyond the Child Care Relief Program, numerous resources are available to support parents. Explore additional child resources for parents here. You can find information on choosing the right child care, different types of providers, and how the state assesses child care quality. Resources on child checkups and developmental screenings are also available.
For baby safe sleep tips, you can learn more here.
Furthermore, if you are eligible for child care assistance, you may also qualify for other support programs. A comprehensive list of assistance programs is available here.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have questions regarding the Child Care Relief Program, please contact the One DHS Contact Center at 1-833-772-TDHS (8347). You can also submit inquiries via the One DHS General Inquiry webform by clicking here.
Share Your Experience
Your feedback is valuable. Please take a moment to complete a brief survey about your experience applying for child care payment assistance. Click here to access the Customer Survey.
