Workforce Solutions Panhandle uses local, state and federal funds to help low to moderate-income families pay for child care so they can work, attend school or training. Families must meet federal and state guidelines in order to qualify for child care assistance.  

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Applying for Child Care Services is simple! Follow the directions below to apply today.

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If you have applied or received Child Care Services in the past you likely have a customer account set up with us. Click the button below to sign in and begin your application

General Eligibility Overview

Eligibility criteria to receive Child Care Services (CCS) include:

Must be Employed/Participate in an Educational Program and/or Job Training  

Each parent or guardian, living in the household, are required to participate in a combination of training, education or employment activities for an average of 25 hours per week for a single-parent family, or an average of 50 combined hours per week for a two-parent family.

Household members include those that live in the household: parents, step-parents, adult dependents, and a child or other minor living in the household who is the responsibility of the parent.

Meet Income Guidelines (See Below)

Meet income guidelines based on gross household income (before taxes) and family size. 

Include any other type of income, such as: 

• rental income for a house, homestead, store, or other property; 
• income from boarders/lodgers; 
• income from estate and trust funds, or royalties; 
• pensions, annuities, life insurance, and retirement income, 
• Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), 
• workers’ compensation income, and
• alimony, court settlements, or judgments.

Have Primary Custody of Children

The parent/guardian applying for services must have primary custody of the child(ren) needing services. If the applicant is in loco parentis; not the natural parent, adoptive parent, stepparent or legal guardian, the in loco parentis applicant will need to include additional documentation.  The required documentation varies by situation and specific requirements can be found on our In Loco Parentis Matrix page.

Live in Texas Panhandle Region

Families must live within these counties: Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hartley, Moore, Hutchinson, Roberts, Hemphill, Oldham, Potter, Carson, Gray, Wheeler, Deaf Smith, Randall, Armstrong, Donley, Collingsworth, Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Briscoe, Hall, or Childress.

Cannot Owe Recoupment

Families who owe recoupment for a fraud determination anywhere in Texas, are not eligible to enroll or continue services until the recoupment has been paid in full.

Income Eligibility Requirements

Family Monthly Income Guidelines 

Income Eligibility Guidelines – 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2023

Family Size	85% SMI Monthly Income Range Gross Amount
2	$4276
3	$5283
4	$6289
5	$7295
6	$8301
7	$8490
8	$8679
9	$8867
10	$9056
11	$9245
12	$9433

Income Limits By Pay Frequency

On the chart below, find your household size and then your pay frequency. If your gross pay exceeds what is shown on the chart, you must immediately report the change to your Child Care Services office so a review of your case can be completed.

Family Size	Weekly	Bi-Weekly	Bi-Monthly	Monthly
2	$987	$1975	$2138	$4276
3	$1220	$2440	$2641	$5283
4	$1452	$2904	$3144	$6289
5	$1684	$3369	$3647	$7295
6	$1917	$3834	$4150	$8301

Parents who qualify for CCS will be asked to select the provider of their choice who best meets the needs of their family on a space-available basis.

Learn More About Child Care Assistance Through Workforce Solutions