Your childcare authorization typically lasts 12 months. Before it expires, you need to go through reauthorization (also called reassessment or renewal) to prove you still qualify. This is the single most common point where families lose their vouchers — not because they don't qualify, but because they miss a step or a deadline.

If you take one thing away from this page: Be proactive. Don't wait to be contacted. Know when your own authorization ends and start preparing early.

The Timeline

Here's what should happen as your authorization approaches its end:

When	What happens
At least 60 days before expiration	Your CCR&R is required to notify you during this 60-day period at least 2 times that your eligibility period is ending. At least one notification must be in writing. In practice, most CCR&Rs will contact you by phone, electronically, and also send mail a reassessment notice/packet.
As soon as possible after first notice	You should begin your reassessment immediately. Don't wait. Some CCR&Rs have a secondary review and approval process that takes additional time beyond your own paperwork.
Before your authorization end date	You must submit updated documentation to your CCR&R to prove you still qualify.
At reauthorization	Your CCR&R reviews your documents and, if approved, issues a new 12-month authorization.

What You Need to Resubmit

At reauthorization, you need to provide:

• Updated income documentation (recent pay stubs, self-employment form, etc.)
• Updated service need documentation (employer letter, school enrollment, etc.)
• Residency documentation — only if your address has changed since your last renewal

You do NOT need to re-prove:

• Your identity
• Your child's citizenship or immigration status
• Family composition (unless it's changed)

See What Documents Do I Need? (1.4) for specifics.

The 30-Day Window After Expiration

If your authorization expires and you haven't completed your reauthorization, you have approximately 30 days to complete the process before you may need to re-enter the waitlist system or go through a more complicated review process with EEC.

What If My Situation Changed?

Income Changed

Your fee will be recalculated at reauthorization based on your current income. If your income increased but is still at or below 85% SMI, you remain eligible (your fee may go up). If it exceeds 85% SMI, your eligibility may be affected.

Service Need Changed

You need to document your current approved activity. If your activity has changed since your last authorization, bring documentation of the new one.

Lost Your Job in the Last 30 Days Before Reauthorization

If you lose your approved activity during the last 30 days before your reauthorization date, you may qualify for a 12-week provisional authorization to find and certify a new activity. You don't automatically lose your voucher — but you need to tell your CCR&R.

Household Composition Changed

Report any changes in who lives in your household. This can affect your family size (and therefore your income threshold and fee calculation).

What Gets Reviewed at Reauthorization

Your CCR&R will look at:

• Whether your income still meets the eligibility threshold
• Whether you still have a qualifying service need
• Whether your residency is current (if changed)
• Your parent fee (recalculated based on current income)
• Any changes you report at this time

If You're Denied at Reauthorization

If your CCR&R determines you no longer qualify, you'll receive a written denial notice. You have the right to appeal, and — critically — if you file a request for review before the termination date, your services continue during the appeal. See How to Appeal (1.20).

If You Miss Your Reauthorization Entirely

If you don't respond to any notices and your authorization expires:

• You have approximately 30 days to complete the process
• After that, you may need to re-enter the waitlist system
• Contact your CCR&R immediately — even if you're late, there may still be options

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Next Steps

• Gather your documents: See What Documents Do I Need? (1.4)
• Lost your job near reauthorization? See Service Need (1.3) — you may get a provisional
• Been denied at reauthorization? See How to Appeal (1.20) — you can keep services during appeal
• Need to report changes? See Reporting Changes (1.10)
• Contact your CCR&R to schedule your reauthorization — don't wait