Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, The funding for this program is provided by Office of Child Care and is available to residents of any county in Utah.

The income guidelines for Kids in Care are very similar to those of DWS employment support child care requirements.

Yes. You will need to show employment for your spouse if they are working. If both parents are applying for the program verification’s are required for each individual (only one application is needed).

Situations that qualify are:

• Sudden loss of a job
• Need to go back into the work force

Situations that do not qualify are:

• Rent increase
• High cost of utilities or home repairs
• Expensive car problems or repairs
• Tuition or school expenses
• High debt to income ratio

The funding available goes to cover the cost of current and future child care. Days that are eligible to be covered begin with the date that we approve your application until 150 hours are used, you have been on the program for 6 months, or have found employment. It can not cover the cost of past child care or pay money to anyone if your child is not currently enrolled in a licensed program.

Yes. Your application can be processed while you are looking for child care. Your application can be held up to 30 days while you are searching for a licensed child care provider. If you have not enrolled your child within the 30 days, your application will be closed. You are eligible to reapply once you have found care. Kids in Care can only provide funding to licensed child care providers. Go to Care About Childcare to help find a provider near you.

Yes. Apply 6 months from your first approval date.

You will have 150 hours to use for your family while you are job searching. We pay $8.50 per hour for children 0-3 years and $8.00 per hour for children 4-12 years of age. This payment goes directly to the child care provider.

No. Payment only goes directly to the child care provider for hours used after approval date.

Usually about two to three days but can take up to two weeks.

Make sure you provide all information requested and turn in verification’s with your application. Have a child care provider decided on. Fill out the form neatly and legibly.

The provider will not quality for reimbursement. You need to have a licensed child care center, licensed home provider, or a home provider with a Residential Certificate.

Call your local Care About Chilcare Referral Line Specialist and they will be able to assist you. Or go to Care About Childcare and do a web search to find a licensed provider near you.

Contact the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

Yes. If you know of an organization that would like to assist in funding this program, please contact Carolyn Ellsworth at 801-326-4379.