Trump administration increases documentation for child care funding

The Trump administration is requiring states to provide extra documentation to access federal child care subsidies, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has frozen some funds for five states pending further information.

The Trump administration has increased reporting requirements for states seeking payments from the Child Care and Development Fund. That federal program provides subsidies to low-income families and supports care for about 1.4 million children. The Department of Health and Human Services announced a freeze requiring five states to submit additional documentation before receiving certain funds. Providers and families that rely on the subsidies have expressed concern about possible payment delays and added paperwork. Key facts: - The actions affect the $12 billion Child Care and Development Fund, which subsidizes care for roughly 1.4 million children from low-income households. - HHS announced a freeze for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York and is requiring those states to provide more exhaustive documentation. - HHS said it "identified concerns" that benefits may have been provided to people not eligible under federal law; the administration has not released detailed evidence publicly. - Child care providers and families report long-standing strain from staffing shortages and administrative burdens, and they say the additional requirements could lead to disruptions or delays in payments. Summary: The policy change could increase administrative work for states and possibly lead to payment delays that affect providers and families who rely on subsidies. Undetermined at this time.