The primary child care programs in Washington are the Seasonal Child Care program for farm workers and the Working Connections Child Care program. Both of these will provide a discount on daycare, so the family will still need to pay part of their total expenses. If you are currently homeless, this resource can help pay for all of your expenses.
The Washington Working Connections Child Care program may be able to help low-income and working-poor families with the cost of daycare. This option is for parents who are employed, attending training, or meeting WorkFirst participation requirements.
If you qualify for free or low-cost daycare, the state will help pay for it. A family needs to use an approved and eligible provider in order to receive any financial assistance. The parent or family enrolled in the program will be responsible for paying a co-payment to the provider each month. This program is usually full, with people waiting to get in.
When the Washington Corrections Center for Women is at full capacity, the state will start a waiting list. Some things can be done differently. If you family is eligible for priority status, you will not be placed on a waiting list and may enroll in the program immediately.
The Working Connections Child Care program provides subsidies to low-income families for child care. To be eligible for the program, the child must be a legal resident or U.S. citizen. The parent also needs to have a job and make enough money to meet certain requirements. This means that they could be doing a job that is approved by the Department of Social and Health Services.
If you are eligible, the government can provide subsidies to help pay for certified child care or daycare centers, or they may cover the entire cost so it will be free of charge to you. Some parents opt to have relatives provide care in their own homes instead of using daycare. If someone comes to your home who you don’t know, you can ask them to leave or call a neighbor or adult for help. Call 1-877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office to apply.
The Seasonal Child Care assistance program is another option. This will give subsidies and vouchers to people who work in agriculture seasonally or who are immigrants and live in specific counties in Washington. The applicant also can’t be receiving benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The state can help pay for licensed or certified child care centers or home care providers.
The state of Washington provides financial assistance to low-income families who seasonally work in agriculture to help pay for child care. It can provide safe, licensed child care for parents who work on farms or in other agricultural settings.
This program is offered in select counties in Washington state. In order to qualify for this program, the parent must be employed in agriculture and earn below a certain amount of money. To enroll, contact the DSHS Customer Service Call Center at 1.877.501.2233 or visit a local office. The Washington Connection is an online system that allows users to access information about their state government.
You should apply for services from either program as soon as you know you will need help. The earliest date that you can receive any benefits or financial aid from the state is the date of your application. Your service provider will also need to fill out an application, so that will take some time.
Homeless Child Care is the final form of state assistance. The state of Washington provides financial assistance to families who are homeless or have been evicted, which can be used to pay for child care or receive free child care. This program provides financial assistance to people who are working, looking for employment, or trying to find stable housing. This resource provides free, short-term care for those who meet the qualifications. This component is not just a subsidy, which is a key difference. The state will cover all of your costs.
Financial assistance will be provided so that children can attend licensed providers while adults in the family participate in activities to improve the family’s situation. The homeless program is for those who do not have a place to stay permanently or regularly. This can help people who live in a car, shelter, or park. This organization provides assistance to people that live in transitional housing or with family or friends.
The family has to be looking for a place to live and work permanently in the state to be eligible. Some people might have to go to appointments for things like medical or mental health issues, substance abuse, violence avoidance, or free legal help.