Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program

Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program Basic Eligibility Requirements

All families seeking assistance with child care through the CAPS program must meet certain eligibility requirements that include income guidelines and participating in an approved activity. Families will be required to provide documentation they meet eligibility requirements. Below is an overview of basic CAPS eligibility requirements.

Income Guidelines – See Chart Below

Maximum Allowable Family Income Family Size Gross Annual Income Limit 2 $ 22,400 3 $ 28,160 4 $ 33,920 5 $ 39,680 6 $ 45,400 7 $ 51,200 8 $ 56,960

Activity Requirements for each Parent/Guardian/Responsible Adult (can be one or more)  Working at least 24 hours per week (Effective 11/1/12)  Attending a training program at least 24 hours per week  Enrolled full time in middle school or high school if age 21 or younger  Self-employed individuals at least 24 hours per week and have net earnings of at least minimum wage times 24 hours.

Eligible Children  Must be under age 13 or under age 18 and meet the CAPS program special needs criteria  Must be a U.S. citizen or have established status as a lawfully admitted qualified alien

Other Considerations  Grandparents raising grandchildren under age 5 who are at least age 60 or under age 60 and receive SSI or Social Security Disability (RSDI) have special activity requirements  Activity and income requirements for foster parents are different from those listed above  Funding must be available to serve new children in the county where the family resides  Most families must share in the cost of child care. This is done through an assessed fee based on the family’s gross annual income and the number of children subsidized by the CAPS program.

For more detailed information about the CAPS program, please visit http://dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/caps.