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OCFS home > Early Childhood > Child Care and Head Start > Information for Parents > Paying for Child Care > Child Care Vouchers

Maine's Child Care Subsidy Program

Questions and Answers

Click on any of the questions below to find out more about Child Care Vouchers. If you have any other questions, or need further assistance, please contact your Voucher Management Agency.

DHHS Child Care Voucher Program Flyer - Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF  (free viewer)

What is the DHHS Child Care Voucher Program?

It is Maine's child care voucher program. Vouchers are funded by the federal Child Care Development Fund and state funds. The program is designed to help income eligible families in the state of Maine pay for child care costs while employed, in training, or looking for work. A parent applies for a voucher at their Child Care Voucher Management Agency.

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How do I apply for a voucher?

Request an application from your Voucher Management Agency by phone. They will send you an application as well as inform you of other subsidies for which you may be eligible.

You can view and print an application (Microsoft Word) (Adobe PDF) (free viewer)on-line and then mail it, with the appropriate documentation, to your Voucher Management Agency. The form will refer to any documentation you will need to send in, which will include proof of income.

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Will I be eligible to receive help paying for my child care?

Eligibility is based on a family's size and gross household income. If you are working, looking for work, in training, or attending school you may qualify. The table below shows the maximum gross weekly income to qualify for a voucher. This amount includes all sources of income. If you have any questions about the income guidelines or what should be included in the amount, contact your Voucher Management Agency.

 

Family size Maximum gross weekly income to qualify for assistance (FY 05)
1 $499.82
2 $653.61
3 $807.40
4 $961.19
5 $1,114.98
6 $1,268.77
7 $1,297.60
8 $1,326.44
9 $1,355.27
10 $1,384.11

 

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What happens next?

Eligibility is determined by funding availability. When a parent receives acceptance for the voucher program, she/he must select a child care provider. The child care provider must agree to receive the voucher part of the payment from the Voucher Management Agency, and receive a smaller sliding fee from the parent. The VMA will assist you during this whole process.

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What if I'm placed on a waiting list?

If funds are not immediately available, you will be placed on a waiting list. Your Voucher Management Agency can offer referrals to other services or programs. Head Start is a comprehensive child development program offered throughout the state to low-income families. Contracted Child Care Agencies are also located throughout the state and offer sliding fee placements for children within their programs to income-eligible families.

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Do vouchers pay for all of my childcare?

No. A parent fee will be calculated based on your income and family size. You will pay the fee directly to the child care provider weekly, and the voucher program will reimburse the child care provider for the remainder of the cost. Your parent fee will not exceed 10% of your total gross income, regardless of the number of children in your family that are in child care.

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Does my child care provider need to be licensed by the State?

The child care provider that you choose has to be licensed by the state or be legally-exempt. All legally-exempt caregivers must satisfactorily pass child protective, motor vehicle, and state criminal record checks, and only care for one or two children. The Care for Me program can provide you information about legally-exempt caregivers.

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Are there factors, other than income that may make me eligible for a voucher?

There may be circumstances in your household that give your family priority in receiving assistance, or may make your family eligible for other types of subsidies. Some of these categories include the following:

  • You are a teen parent;
  • Your child has a diagnosed special need;
  • Your participation in a licensed substance abuse treatment program;
  • You are residing in Domestic Violence Transitional Housing;
  • Your family is currently involved with child protection services.

Your Voucher Management Agency can assist you in determining whether or not your circumstances place you in one of these categories.

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What happens if I am not eligible for a child care voucher?

If you are not eligible, look into the tax credits available or ask your employer about Dependent Care Assistance plans or other programs they may offer.

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