State extends childcare benefit subsidy through December

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The Missouri Department of Social Services is extending full-time child care subsidy benefits for eligible school-age students who are not attending schools in person.

The regular Child Care Subsidy program provides for before- and after-school care during school sessions or full-day care when school is not in session.

The additional benefit - offered through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Child Care Plan - provides funding that covers full-day care when school-age children are not attending in person.

Families who need access to full-time care should contact the Family Support Division at 1-855-373-4639 from 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.

The extension goes through Dec. 31.

The CARES Act Child Care Plan also provides these benefits through Dec. 31:

- Low-income Missouri families who are unemployed because of the pandemic can receive temporary Child Care Subsidy benefits (for up to 90 days) while they look for work.

- Parents who work, attend school or undergo job training and whose incomes are 138-215 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for Transitional Child Care Subsidy, even if they didn't qualify for the Child Care Subsidy. Benefit levels depend on income.

For questions that are not specific to individual cases, call the Family Support Division.