Bill > A00915

This bill modifies the existing social services law to give local social services districts more flexibility in providing child care assistance through a presumptive eligibility process. Under the proposed changes, local districts may (rather than must) use a presumptive eligibility standard, which allows families to receive temporary child care assistance while their full application is being processed. When a family applies for child care assistance, the local district can make a preliminary eligibility determination, and if the family appears to meet the initial criteria, they can be presumed eligible for assistance during the application review period. The bill specifically allows local districts to use child care block grant funds for this presumptive eligibility period, to the extent permitted by federal law. If a family's final application is ultimately denied, the social services district must provide written notice of ineligibility and information about fair hearing rights. The bill also adjusts the effective date of the legislation, stating that it will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with provisions for preparing implementing regulations in advance. This change provides more discretion to local districts in administering child care assistance and potentially allows for faster support to families seeking child care services.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A915