First Responders and Essential Workers – New Help for Child Care Costs
First Responders and Essential Workers –
New Help for Child Care Costs
Westchester’s first responders and essential workers shouldn’t be over-burdened by child care costs as they work to serve and protect others during the COVID-19 emergency. With grants from the Westchester Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund and RXR, the Council is happy to announce a new scholarship program to help immediately.
Who is eligible:
If you live in Westchester County, are a first responder/essential staff working outside the home, and your gross household income is below 85% of NYS State Median Income, you should apply. 〚 Your income might also make you eligible for a child care subsidy through the Westchester Department of Social Services (DSS)〛. If you are not found to be eligible for the Subsidy Program, you may be considered for this Scholarship Fund on a case-by-case basis, for example, if you are employed less than 20 hours/week.
Your gross household income needs to be under 85% State Median Income (see below):
| Family Size | Gross Income Below |
| 2 | $55,453 |
| 3 | $68,501 |
| 4 | $81,549 |
| 5 | $94,597 |
| 6 | $107,645 |
What is available:
Payments up to the NYS Market Rates for Westchester will be made directly to child care providers, to help first responders and essential workers pay for care right now. As part of our Scholarship Fund process, you will also be required to apply for a Westchester DSS subsidy; our scholarship could help pay for care until those funds come through. The subsidy would then replace the scholarship, subject to ongoing eligibility. The Child Care Council does not determine eligibility, award, or pay the subsidy, but our Subsidy Specialist will help parents complete the application.
Timing:
You can apply for the scholarship today – funds are available now. We will do our best to review applications within 3 days, and get back to you with an answer ASAP. If you are approved, a payment could be made to your child care provider within a week after submitting the enrollment form. The scholarship is renewable on a week-to-week basis, based upon the availability of funds and your eligibility for a Westchester DSS subsidy.
This Scholarship Fund was made possible by The Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Foundation, and RXR. We thank them for this generous support for our brave first responders and essential staff, their children and our devoted and courageous child care businesses.
To download application in English:
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