More than 25,000 children each month in Missouri benefit from subsidy payments that help cover the cost of child care. The Family Eligibility team works diligently to process the 4,000
applications they receive monthly, typically within 15 days. Currently, families may notice delays, with most applications reviewed within 30 days of submission. Protective Services applications continue to be prioritized and are generally processed within the week.
The most common reasons for application delays include missing income documentation, incorrect or incomplete information, or not submitting requested documents within the 15-day timeframe provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
To help families avoid delays and ensure applications move forward smoothly, here are a few helpful tips:
Families needing assistance with their application can call 573-415-8605 or visit Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Portal.
Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:
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Missouri Office of Childhood Updates
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