The childcare subsidy system has specific provisions for families where a parent has a disability or a child has a disability or special need. These are separate situations with different rules.

Parent with a Disability (Incapacity of Parent)

If you have a documented physical or mental disability, you may qualify for childcare based on a service need of Incapacity of Parent. This falls under EEC's Protective Services definition.

How It Works

• You may be eligible for full-time or part-time care based on your condition
• All approvals must be approved in writing by EEC before your subsidy is issued — this is not handled solely by your CCR&R
• Authorization is for up to 3 years per the regulation (the policy guide references a 2-year limit — the regulation is newer and supersedes)
• At the end of the authorization, you may apply for an extension if your condition persists or is permanent — this requires case-by-case EEC approval

Documentation

During the initial authorization:

• Complete the Verification of Disability/Special Need of Parent form
• Submit this form to EEC within 4 weeks of the start of your provisional authorization

For extension beyond the initial period:

• Complete the Special Need of Parent Extension form AND the Verification of Disability/Special Need of Parent form
• Submit within 4 weeks of the start of your provisional authorization

Important Notes

• Incapacity of Parent can be combined with another service need. For example, if you work part-time and also have a qualifying disability, both can be entered as service needs. Your CCR&R should use the current disability form and a supporting letter.
• Denial of Incapacity of Parent requests are not subject to EEC's standard appeals process. These are reviewed under EEC's variance policy.

Child with a Disability or Special Need

If your child has a documented disability or special need, the following accommodations apply:

Extended Age Eligibility

• Children with a documented disability are eligible for care up to age 16 (the standard limit is age 13)
• A child who reaches the maximum age for eligibility during an authorization period (whether age 13 without disability or age 16 with a disability) remains eligible and continues to receive assistance until the end of that school year — not just the end of the authorization

Full-Time Care

• Even if you (the parent) only have a part-time service need, your child may qualify for full-time care if the supporting documentation recommends it

Documentation

• Complete the Verification of Disability/Special Need of Child form

Priority Access

Families with children who have a documented disability and whose household income is at or below 85% SMI receive priority access on the EEC waitlist.

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Next Steps

• Need the disability forms? Contact your CCR&R or check EEC's website for the Verification of Disability/Special Need forms
• Not sure about your service need? See Service Need (1.3)
• Approaching the end of your Incapacity of Parent authorization? Start the extension paperwork early — submit at least 4 weeks before your new provisional starts
• Child aging out at 16? Care continues through the end of the school year in which your child reaches age 16
• Contact your CCR&R for help navigating the process