Governor Mike Parson announced $ 46 million childcare funding to ensure childcare workers can support the needs of working families in Missouri, especially those on low incomes during COVID-19.

“For Missouri to be a strong and healthy state, we must provide essential services and support the needs of our working families, especially during COVID-19. As Governor, I am determined to find innovative ways to achieve this, ”said Governor Parson. “The announced funds will continue to help low-income families, support childcare providers and provide new ways to meet the educational needs of students in childcare facilities.”

The announcement includes a new $ 2.5 million grant opportunity for childcare workers across the state. Childcare providers can apply for a grant of up to $ 25,000 to support the needs of school-age children who are virtually learning while they are being cared for.

To offset lost income due to low attendance during COVID-19, US $ 12 million will be allocated from January to May 2021 to fund 20 percent differential payments for childcare grant program providers who are currently not receiving disproportionate differential rates.

The announcement also includes the continuation of several vital childcare services for low-income Missourians:

• An additional $ 10.9 million will fund temporary childcare allowance (up to 60 days) for low-income families in Missouri who are unemployed due to COVID-19 while looking for work from January through May 2021. This is a unique benefit for parents in Missouri.
• $ 12.8 million will fund temporary childcare grants through December 2021 for parents who work, go to school, or train for work on incomes between 138 and 215 percent of the federal poverty line (FPL), even if they are away had not previously qualified for childcare support program for childcare. Missouri families eligible for Temporary Childcare Allowance receive an 80 percent Subsidy if their income is between 138 and 176 percent of FPL, or a 60 percent Subsidy if their income is between 177 and 215 percent of FPL.
• US $ 8.5 million will fund full-time childcare allowance for working parents with eligible school-age students who are absent in person through May 2021.

“Governor Parson has been extremely supportive of quality childcare for all families in Missouri and especially now during COVID-19,” said Jennifer Tidball, acting director of the Missouri Department of Social Services. “We know this additional funding is very welcome news for our families and the childcare workers who protect children while their parents work.”

Missourians in need of information about childcare allowances, grocery stamps, Medicaid, low-income household energy aid programs, or temporary aid programs for families in need can visit dss.mo.gov.

Missourians can also apply for these services online 24/7 by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov or emailing completed applications and verification documents to [email protected] or by fax to 573-526-9400. The Missouri Services Navigator also provides information on over 2,800 programs and services in Missouri.

Missourians who have questions that aren’t specific to each individual case can use the DSS Virtual Assistant to get instant answers to basic questions around the clock. Telephone support is also available by calling 855-FSD-INFO or 855-373-4636 Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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