HARLINGEN — The Texas Workforce Commission has passed a waiver to allow unemployed individuals to enroll in the child-care subsidy program.
Previously, only individuals who were already employed, or participating in education or training, could enroll in the program.
The child-care subsidy is designed to assist working families, and is not generally available to parents who are unemployed. However, lack of child care is frequently cited by unemployed individuals as being a major obstacle in their job search, TWC officials say.
“TWC is committed to providing comprehensive services to help Texas job seekers connect to rewarding opportunities with Texas employers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel.
“I encourage Texas families to take advantage of the expanded availability of child care, as well as training and up-skilling services …”
Funding for the child-care subsidy program comes from a federal grant, which allows the state the flexibility to expand the offering to unemployed workers. The rule waiver becomes effective July 1 and will last until Sept. 30, 2022.
“Texas workers have faced many challenges over the last year but getting back on their feet after so long has been particularly difficult,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez.
“This is a step we can take that preserves the focus of the program on working families, but provides help in that crucial job-search period.”
Parents accepted into the program receive a subsidy for child care, with a co-pay based on actual income.
The rule change will allow unemployed parents to qualify for child care with the co-pay waived until they are hired. At that point, the co-pay could then be put in place at the appropriate level given their income.
Information on how to apply for the child-care subsidy can be found on the TWC website at www.twc.texas.gov.
