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Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Policy Manual

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Policy Manual


8.1.6 Changes in Family Status

ISSUE DATE: 03/2026

Marriage

Household eligibility impacts

When a marriage occurs, it may change the household size and the family’s income. See Chapter 5.3 (Determining the CCAP Family). Evaluate changes in household composition according to Chapter 8.1.3 (Changes in Household Composition) and family income changes according to Chapter 8.1.12 (Changes in Income or Expenses). Determine if the family is eligible for the New Spouse Income policy according to Chapter 6.6.3 (New Spouse Income Policy). Determine if there is a change in copayment according to Chapter 6.21 (Family Copayment).

Authorization impacts

Evaluate whether there are any changes to a child’s Service Authorization as a result of the marriage. Authorized hours may increase but may not decrease. See 9.12 (Authorization Changes During the 12-Month Eligibility Period).

Divorce

Household eligibility impacts

When a divorce occurs, it may change the household size and the family’s income.

  • · If the parents remain living together, both parents’ income and activities should be used in determining eligibility and authorized hours.
  • · If one parent moves out of the household, remove that household member and do not require Child Support cooperation until the family’s next redetermination. See Chapter 4.9 (Cooperation with Child Support) and 8.1.3 (Changes in Household Composition).
  • · NOTE: If a two-parent household splits up during the 12-month eligibility period and care is needed during the parenting time/custody schedule when each parent has the child(ren) reach out to Policy Specialist for guidance on how to split the case into two cases. Do not require a new application for the parent that left the household.

    • Authorization impacts

    Evaluate whether there are any changes to a child’s Service Authorization as a result of the divorce/separation. Authorized hours may increase but may not decrease. See Chapter 9.12 (Authorization Changes During the 12-Month Eligibility Period).

    Death

    Household eligibility impacts

    When a member dies, process the change. Verification is not required unless inconsistent information is received. Evaluate income changes that occur as a result of household size changes according Chapter 8.1.12 (Changes in Income or Expenses). Determine if there is a change in copayment according to Chapter 6.21 (Family Copayment).

    When the death of a member is the primary member (M01) on the case, reach out to Policy Specialist for guidance on how to terminate the case. In a two-parent household, open a new case for the surviving parent and children without requiring a new application.

    Authorization impacts

    Evaluate whether there are any changes to a child’s Service Authorizations as a result of the death. Authorized hours may increase but may not decrease. See Chapter 9.12 (Authorization Changes During the 12-Month Eligibility Period).

  • · In a single parent household, the Service Authorization will end when the case is approved to close allowing for a 15-day notice.
  • · In a two-parent household, the children are eligible for the same hours of care unless an increase in hours is needed to support the surviving parent’s activity schedule.

    • Legal authority

    Minnesota Statutes 142E.03
    Minnesota Statutes 256P.06

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