Usually, you have to work when you get public assistance, such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). It's your responsibility to find child care so you can work. You should not lose public assistance if your children are under 13 and you can't find good, safe, affordable childcare. But you need to keep trying.
If you can't find child care, you have to contact the Department of Social Services (DSS). Tell them how you tried to find child care and ask for more help. If you ask for help, DSS must respond.
How do I contact DSS?
To apply and report to DSS:
- Create an account at the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) website.
- For help or questions over the phone or in-person, find the contact information for your local DSS office.
Can I be excused from DSS's work requirement if I can't find child care?
Yes, but only if you follow these steps:
- Inform DSS that you can't find child care.
- Follow their suggestions, and update them on the outcome.
- Complete a form with a list of all the child care providers you've contacted, including friends, neighbors, relatives, and those recommended by DSS. Explain why they aren’t suitable, safe, affordable, or close enough.
- DSS will review your form. If you follow their recommendations and you still can't find appropriate care and you provided valid reasons for rejecting their options, DSS may agree that you've made a reasonable effort. At this point, DSS can still offer two more child care providers for you to review.
If you refuse any of these options and can't give a good reason why, DSS may reduce or stop your public assistance.
If you prove there isn’t any good, safe, affordable child care available near your home or work, DSS must excuse you from the work requirements.
If I can't find child care, how long will I be excused from work requirements?
You'll be excused from DSS work requirements while you can't find child care. You must keep showing DSS that you're trying to find child care by filling out new application forms to child care providers again and again. You need to follow all the suggestions from DSS and other places.
The reality is that there is not enough good, safe, convenient, and affordable childcare. But the rules make both you and DSS keep trying to find it.
Where can I find more information on child care services?
New York State has a Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), also called the "Subsidy Program". Local social services districts run this program. CCAP helps families getting Temporary Assistance (TA), also called public assistance (PA), and low-income families pay for child care to become self-sufficient. If you're eligible, you might get some or all of your child care costs paid for, depending on your situation.
For help applying for the Child Care Assistance Program, call (518) 474-9454 Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or visit the CCAP website.
Last Reviewed: October 16, 2024