Parents and guardians who return to work after collecting unemployment benefits may be eligible to receive three months of child care assistance through the State of Arizona.

This assistance is part of Gov. Doug Ducey’s Arizona Back to Work plan, to help support Arizonans returning to work as the state recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To be eligible for the Child Care for Returning Workers Program, an individual must:

  • Be a parent or guardian in need of child care assistance for their children ages 12 and younger.
  • Have filed an initial claim for unemployment benefits in Arizona.
  • Received an unemployment benefit payment for the benefit week ending May 8, 2021 or May 15, 2021.
    (NOTE: Individuals who received unemployment benefits before or after, but NOT during the benefit week ending May 8, 2021 or May 15, 2021, are not eligible for this program. However, if you are interested in applying for regular Child Care Assistance, please visit the How to Apply for Child Care Assistance page.)
  • Currently be employed full-time or part time.
  • Earn $25 per hour or less at a new job (equivalent to a yearly salary of $52,000 or less).

Eligible individuals can apply for Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance by visiting the Child Care Assistance Website through Sept. 6, 2021. If approved, families can use this assistance for Camp Rimon or the Early Learning Center at the East Valley JCC.