8.1.1 COVID-19 Virus and the National State of Emergency

A. Prior to the implementation of any new procedure under this regulation, the Director of the Department of Human Services shall seek federal waivers or approval, when required, from the Federal agencies that provide funding and oversight for the programs the Department of Human Services administers. The Director shall also consider any guidance by these Federal agencies, when available, when implementing new procedures.

B. Upon withdrawal of the R.I. State of Emergency, as it relates to COVID-19, these new procedures shall lapse after three business days from the date of withdrawal of the State of Emergency for Rhode Island.

A. Due to the COVID-19 virus and the national state of emergency, the Department of Human Services has temporarily suspended the compliance requirements of participation as a condition of eligibility. The requirement of compliance may continue based on the individual's ability to participate from home. If participation is not possible, sanctions will not be imposed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

A. Due to the COVID-19 virus and the national state of emergency, the Department of Human Services has temporarily suspended the compliance requirements of participation as a condition of eligibility. The requirement of compliance may continue based on the individual's ability to participate from home. If participation is not possible, sanctions will not be imposed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

A. During the COVID-19 crisis and the possibility of decreased department staff at this time, the DHS may extend the twelve (12) month eligibility period.

8.5.1 General Requirements and Criteria (see 218-RICR-20-00-4 §4.5.1)

A. Due to the COVID-19 virus and the national state of emergency, the Department of Human Services has temporarily suspended the compliance requirements of plan participation as a condition of eligibility as well as work and education activities. The requirement of compliance may continue based on the individual's ability to participate from home. If participation is not possible, sanctions will not be imposed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

8.6.1 General Requirements and Criteria (see 218-RICR-20-00-4 §4.6.1)

A. Family Cost Sharing Requirement

1. As determined by the Department of Human Services, families may not be required to pay their co-share amount during the COVID-19 crisis.

2. DHS may supplement the family co-share amounts for CCAP providers during the crisis.

A. Non-Temporary Change in Status

During the COVID-19 crisis, the three (3) month grace period may be extended, based on the needs of the individual family, even if there has been no entry into employment, an approved education program, or a training program.

A. Absence Limitation

Due to the COVID-19 virus and the national state of emergency, the Department of Human Services has temporarily suspended the compliance requirements of limiting the absence of children within a month of child care. During the COVID-19 crisis, eligible children who are absent more than five (5) days per month may be granted a good cause exemption. Parents are not required to request the good cause exemption during the COVID-19 crisis.

B. School Hour Limitation

During the COVID-19 crisis, based on the needs of the family and the continued closure of school buildings, full time child care services may be authorized for school age children during hours when school is normally in session. School hours are defined as from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

A. During the period of the COVID-19 crisis, DHS may review and adjust payment to providers for children enrolled in the Child Care Assistance Program.

B. When a child is enrolled with a licensed provider, the DHS will review and may continue to make payments for a child who has exceeded the five (5) day absence in a month of CCAP authorized child care services requirements. This change will continue to preserve the placement of the child with the provider.