SB 965 - This act modifies an expired law relating to the "Hand-Up" pilot program, which was designed to ensure that certain participating recipients continued to receive child care subsidy benefits while paying a premium when their income surpassed the eligibility level for full benefits to continue. This act requires the Children's Division to, subject to appropriations and by January 1, 2019, implement a new pilot program in Jackson County and Greene County. The program shall be designed so that any recipient whose income rises above the maximum allowable monthly income for persons to receive full child care benefits as of August 28, 2018, shall continue to receive partial benefits if the recipient pays a premium to be applied only to the portion of the recipient's income above the maximum allowable amount. The premium shall be paid on a monthly basis directly to the recipient's child care provider. Recipients who fail to pay the premium shall, after 60 days of nonpayment, lose their child care subsidy benefits. The Division shall track the number of recipients in the program and premiums and taxes paid by recipients and shall issue an annual report as specified in the act to the General Assembly by January 1, 2020, and each year thereafter. This act repeals provisions relating to the establishment and utilization of a "Hand-Up Premium Fund" in the State Treasury for premiums collected under the previous pilot program.
The provisions of this act will expire August 28, 2024, unless reauthorized.
This act is substantially similar to HB 1311 (2018).
SARAH HASKINS