Kansas Department
of Social and Rehabilitation Services |
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Integrated Service
Delivery - Candy Shively, Deputy Secretary (785) 296-3271 MEMORANDUM
This memo provides implementation instructions for restoring the Child Care Program income eligibility ceiling to 185% of the federal poverty level. Effective February 1, 2003, SRS reduced eligibility to 150% of the federal poverty level. This was a result of former Governor Graves allotment to SRS due to the state fiscal year 2003 budget concerns. This restoration to 185% of the FPL was a recommendation in Governor Sebelius 2004 budget and was approved by the 2003 Legislature. Effective July 1, 2003, the income eligibility threshold for child
care will change back to Child Care Program Reduction Choosing to reduce child care program spending by lowering the income eligibility threshold allowed the state to see the immediate fiscal savings needed and also protected core program integrity. Reducing the income eligibility threshold reduced the number of families qualifying for child care, but it insured that those who did qualify received a good benefit. It also allowed the basic program structure to remain, provided services to the most in need, and provided an opportunity to quickly and easily restore the program when funding was again allocated to the program. Implementation
Providers will be notified of the new income guidelines through R&R newsletters. Denied Cases - Families denied due to excess income since the February 2003 eligibility reduction will also be sent the letter. Case Listings - The listing of cases sent the letter will be made available to EES Chiefs on 6/13/03. KsCares Table Change - The monthly gross income ceiling will be updated on the Family Income and Share Schedule to reflect changes in the new income guidelines. KsCares will be updated on 6/13/03. All cases processed after the table changes have been made will use the new income guidelines. This may result in some cases being approved using the new guidelines prior to July 1. This is acceptable given it is a positive case action. KEESM - The following KEESM sections will be revised effective July 1, 2003 - 2840, 2835, 7440, Appendix #78 Definition of Common Terms, and Appendix #48 Family Income and Share Schedule for Child Care Services.
cc: Alice Womack Dennis Priest Phil Anderson |
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