Child Care Services
Fact Sheet
Potential Eligibility
What is Potential Eligibility?
When you apply for child care services, you may not have enough information to complete the application. If you need child care services right away, your Consumer Specialist can determine that you are “potentially eligible” based on the information available. You will then be given a Notice of Potential Eligibility (temporary vouchers), which may allow you to select a child care provider and begin care immediately.
You will have 30 days to provide whatever information is necessary to complete the application process. If you do not provide the information or complete the application you will be responsible for ALL child care costs.
Does a Notice of Potential Eligibility guarantee payment?
No. If you use the Notice of Potential Eligibility and you are not eligible or fail to complete the application process, you will be responsible for the total cost of child care.
Are providers required to accept a Notice of Potential Eligibility?
No. Child care home providers and child care centers are not required to accept a Notice of Potential Eligibility – many do not. It is important for you to provide the necessary information and complete the application as soon as possible so that you have the widest selection of child care providers to choose from.
Once I complete the application process what happens?
Once you return all your information by the deadline date, then your part of the application process is complete. The Child Care Section must then process your application. If you are eligible, you will receive a voucher.
A voucher is like a check for child care services. It assures the provider that the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services will pay a portion of your child care costs. If you are not eligible, you will receive a Denial Notice.
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