Bill > A2247

This bill mandates that the Division of Family Development, a part of the Department of Human Services, must establish and maintain a waiting list for individuals applying for the State's child care assistance program. Previously, the law focused on "income eligible persons," but this bill introduces the concept of "presumptively eligible applicants," who can establish their eligibility for the waiting list using a standardized self-attestation form, without needing to provide immediate proof like pay stubs. This form will collect information on income, household, residency, and participation in work or education. The Division will also contract with child care resource and referral agencies to help applicants complete and submit these forms and applications. Furthermore, the Division must implement procedures for placing applicants on the waiting list, notify them of their status within 10 business days of receiving a completed self-attestation form, and inform them when their applications can be processed due to available funding, including posting this information online. The bill also requires the Division to publish a report at least semi-annually, detailing aggregate data on applicants, including those placed on the waiting list, those approved for the program, and reasons for ineligibility, and to include information on processing times, waiting list duration, and applicant demographics.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2247