As a working parent in North Carolina, I am deeply concerned about the current system for determining eligibility for childcare assistance. North Carolina’s policy bases eligibility on gross income, failing to account for the necessary expenses that working families face—such as rent, utilities, car payments, insurance, and other basic living costs.

While the state asks for detailed information about these expenses during the application process, it does not factor them into the final decision. This oversight places an unjust burden on families who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The current guidelines, which often rely on outdated minimum wage standards, do not reflect the true cost of living. Hardworking parents who make a modest living find themselves disqualified from vital assistance, even though they are barely able to afford the high costs of childcare. 

This petition calls for legislative action to:

• Include net income or provide deductions for basic expenses when determining childcare assistance eligibility.
• Implement a hardship exception process for families who face unavoidable expenses, such as medical bills or essential living costs.
• Expand support for families who are working full-time but still unable to afford childcare.

Families in North Carolina need a system that reflects their reality, supports their work efforts, and helps them provide a stable environment for their children.

Please join me in advocating for a fairer, more compassionate system that ensures all working families can access the childcare they need.