During the 12-month eligibility period, limited factors can negatively impact a family’s case. The purpose of the eligibility period is to provide for stable, consistent child care arrangements for children in the family.

Most changes will not impact the family’s eligibility until their next redetermination. See Chapter 8.1 (Changes in Circumstances).

Policies support continuous eligibility and maintaining consistent child care arrangements for families and children during the 12-month period by:

· Aligning approved activities across CCAP subprograms. See Chapter 16.15 (Authorized Activities Comparison Sheet).

· Limiting verification requirements. See Chapter 7.4 (Verification – 12-Month Eligibility Period).

· Providing a graduated phase out for families when income exceeds the 67 percent exit limit. See 6.3 (Income Limits).

· Applying some eligibility requirements only at application and redetermination. See Chapter 4.9 (Cooperation with Child Support) and Chapter 4.6 (CCAP Authorized Activities).

· Allowing copayment fee reductions when a family verifies an income change. Copayment increases are not allowed. See Chapter 6.21 (Family Copayment).

· Allowing copayment fee reductions when a family’s household size increases. Copayment increases are not allowed. See Chapter 6.21 (Family Copayment).

· Allowing child care hours to increase when a family verifies a need for more hours. Authorized hour decreases are typically not allowed except for a limited number of specific circumstances. See Chapter 9.12 (Changes to Child Care Authorizations During the 12-Month Eligibility Period).

· Allowing child care hours to continue when a family has a temporary end to their activity. See Chapter 9.15.3 (Care During Temporary Breaks from Authorized Activity).

· Allowing child care hours to continue when a family has a permanent end to their activity. See Chapter 9.15.6 (Extended Eligibility).

· Limiting reporting requirements during the 12-month eligibility period. See Chapter 8.3 (Reporting Requirements).

· Allowing a verified mental health diagnosis to continue for the entire 12-month eligibility period for a caregiver that receives an MFIP Child Only Grant. See Chapter 4.3.3.5 (Mental Health Support for MFIP Child Only Families).

· Allowing child care hours to continue when a child turns seven during the 12-month eligibility period in an MFIP Child Only Family that receives CCAP to support the caregiver’s mental health diagnosis. See Chapter 4.3.3.5 (Mental Health Support for MFIP Child Only Families) and Chapter 9.1.17 (Authorizing Care - Mental Health Support for MFIP Child Only Families).

· Allowing child care hours to continue for all children until redetermination when an MFIP Child only family starts receiving child care to support the caregiver’s mental health diagnosis during the 12-month eligibility period. Service Authorizations for children that exceed the age limit for CCAP mental health support continue during the 12-month eligibility period. See Chapter 4.3.3.5 (Mental Health Support for MFIP Child Only Families) and Chapter 9.12 (Authorization Changes During the 12-Month Eligibility Period).

Legal authority

Minnesota Statutes 142E.03
Minnesota Statutes 142E.08
Minnesota Statutes 142E.10
Minnesota Statutes 142E.11
Minnesota Statutes 142E.12
Minnesota Statutes 142E.13
Minnesota Statutes 142E.15
Minnesota Statutes 142G
Minnesota Rules 3400.0020, subp. 1a
Minnesota Rules 3400.0040
Minnesota Rules 3400.0110
Minnesota Rules 3400.0175