How Do I Apply?

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How do I apply for income-eligible child care?

What documentation do I need?

Who determines eligibility?

How often must I reapply?

What happens if I am found not eligible for child care and I don't agree with the decision?

NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.

How do I apply for income-eligible child care?

You can get information and an application from your local CYFD Child Care Service Bureau Office (listed below). You may also download the application from the Child Care Services Bureau website. 

Alamogordo: 2200 Indian Wells Road Alamogordo, NM 88310 Contact: 575-434-9770 Fax: 575-443-8810	Farmington: 2800 Farmington Ave. Farmington, NM Contact: 505-325-0820 Fax: 505-326-4800	Raton: 1900 Hospital Dr. Raton, NM 87740 Contact: 575-425-2832 Fax: 575-455-2410
Albuquerque: 3401 Pan American Freeway Albuquerque, NM 87107 Contact: 505-841-4800 Toll-free: 800-832-1321 Fax: 505-841-4803	Gallup: 1720 East Aztec Gallup, NM 87301 Contact: 505-726-8449 Fax: 505-863-0812	Rio Rancho: 4359 Jager Dr. NE Suite A Rio Rancho, NM Contact: 505-771-5900 Fax: 505-867-8490
Albuquerque: Carino Early Childhood TTAP-UNM Continuing Education 1634 University Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 Contact: 505-277-0954 Fax: 505-277-8975	Grants: 1019 E. Roosevelt Ave. Grants, NM 87020 Contact: 505-287-2509 Fax: 505-285-4566	Roswell: PO Box 267 #4 Grand Ave. Plaza A Roswell, NM 88202-0267 Contact: 575-625-1078 Fax: 575-625-6748
Anthony: 945 Anthony Anthony, NM 88021 Contact:575- 882-7871 Fax: 575-882-2996	Hobbs: 732 E. Michigan Hobbs, NM 88240 Contact: 575-397-0911 Fax: 575-397-3472	Santa Fe: 1920 5th St, Santa Fe, NM 87502 Contact: 505-827-4282 Toll Free: 800-832-1321 Fax: 505-827-4250
Carlsbad: 401 Pompa Carlsbad, NM 88220 Contact: 575-887-9146 Fax: 575-887-5257	Las Cruces: 760 Motel Blvd. Suite C Las Cruces, NM 88005 Contact: 575-524-6044 1-877-533-0198 Fax: 575-524-6086	Silver City: 3082 32nd St. Bypass Silver City, NM 88061 Contact: 575-538-0259 Fax: 575-538-3622
Clovis: 221W. Llano Estacado Blvd. Clovis, NM 88102 Contact: 575-742-3950 Fax: 575-769-0944	Las Vegas: 2518 Ridge Runner Rd. Las Vegas, NM 87701 Contact: 505-425-2832 Fax: 505-455-2410	Taos: 1308 Gusdorf Taos, NM 87571 Contact: 575-751-9631 Fax: 575-758-4151
Deming: PO Box 911 918 East Pear Deming, NM 88031-0911 Contact: 575-546-6557 1-877-533-0198 Fax: 575-546-7114	Los Lunas: 475 Courthouse Rd. Los Lunas, NM 87031 Contact: 505-866-1621 Fax: 505-866-0637
Espanola: 912 North Railroad Espanola, NM 87532 Contact: 505-753-0222 Fax: 505-747-3278	Portales: 1223 W. Fir Portales, NM 88130 Contact: 575-356-2985 Fax: 575-356-2455

What documentation do I need?

The person taking your application will need to verify your identity, information about your children, your income, and your service need. Some of the documents you might need are:

CLIENTS:

• Personal identification such as a driver's license
• Birth certificates for all your children
• Proof of address (for example, utility bills)
• Social Security numbers for all family members (Note: You will not be denied care if you don't have a SSN)
• Proof of disability, if your child is disabled
• Proof of guardianship, if applicable
• Proof of income for the last 30 days or work verification if less than 30 days (for example, paycheck stubs)
• Proof of enrollment in school or training program

CHILD CARE PROVIDER:

• Picture ID
• Social Security number

Who determines eligibility?

When you apply for a placement agreement, your local CYFD will determine if you are eligible. Everyone uses the same set of eligibility rules which are set by the New Mexico Child Care Bureau.

How often must I reapply?

Your eligibility is generally reviewed every six months. At that time, you will need to show proof of:

• income (pay stubs, etc.)
• school attendance records
• child care receipts

Changes in income, household size, training and educational status are noted in your record.  Your co-payment, if you pay one, is re-determined when you reapply.  You must promptly report any change in your situation that would affect your eligibility for child care.

What happens if I am found not eligible for child care and I don't agree with the decision?

If you are found not eligible for child care, or if your benefits are reduced or stopped, you have the right to appeal the decision.

The request for an appeal must be made in 30 calendar days from the date CYFD took action that affected your benefits. Make your request in writing to CYFD at P.O. Drawer 5160, Santa Fe, NM 87502.

• CYFD reviews the request and tries to work out an agreement with you. If an agreement is not met, then a fair hearing will be conducted. The fair hearing is scheduled within 60 days of your letter to CYFD. You should receive a letter stating the date, time, and location.
• CYFD will appoint a hearing officer. You are responsible for your own travel costs in relation to the hearing.
• The hearing officer makes the decision based upon all the information that is presented at the hearing. A decision will be given within 30 days of the hearing. The decision is binding and implemented within 14 days.
• If you were receiving income-eligible child care benefits that were reduced or stopped, you have the option of having your benefits remain active during this process. However, if the decision to terminate your benefits is made at the hearing, you will have to repay all the monthly payments that CYFD made to the child care provider.