During their 12-month eligibility period, parents may take a temporary break, or a temporary leave of absence, from their activity.

At application and redetermination, when a parent is on a temporary break from their activity, whether they are considered to be in an authorized activity depends on whether their return to the activity is verified and if they meet all other eligibility requirements. See Chapters 3.7 (Processing Applications) and 10.6.3 (Redetermination Processing - Standards).

Temporary breaks from activities

For families within their 12-month eligibility period, authorize child care assistance during a parent’s temporary break from authorized employment, education or Employment Plan activities if the parent is expected to return to the authorized employment, education or Employment Plan activities. The expectation to return to the parent’s activity does not need to be verified.

Care should be authorized at the same level as authorized during the parent’s activity. Do not reduce the authorized hours unless:

OR

OR

Medical leave policy

A medical leave may include maternity or paternity leave, inpatient or outpatient treatment, surgery, and other types of medical leave.

Families on medical leave whose employment, education or Employment Plan activities have ended permanently are eligible for Extended Eligibility. See Chapter 9.15.6 (Extended Eligibility).

Families on temporary medical leave from employment, education or Employment Plan activities are eligible for continued authorization. Follow the policies above for families on temporary breaks from activities.

The Child Care Assistance Program Parent Condition Form DHS-6305 (PDF) can be used to verify that a parent or other parentally responsible individual (PRI) in the household has a condition and is unable to provide care for their child(ren).

Legal authority

Minnesota Statutes 142E.11
Minnesota Rules 3400.0110, subp. 10