(a) Subsidy recipients may be entitled to receive the subsidy for at least one year, regardless of changes in employment. Rules adopted by the department may provide for termination of subsidy eligibility for reasons other than changes in employment during the one-year period. Exit eligibility and copays must be structured to mitigate the financial impact of reduced subsidy support due to increased income.

(b) Subsidy recipients who are enrolled in coursework, as defined by the department by rule, may be entitled to receive the subsidy to enable the subsidy recipient to attend and participate in the coursework provided all other eligibility requirements are met.

(c) Persons who are self-employed may qualify for subsidy programs provided all other eligibility requirements are met.

(d) Subsidy recipients who voluntarily choose child care providers that meet minimum standards established under the tiered quality rating and improvement system implemented under ORS 329A.261 may qualify for lower copayments. A fair representation of the subsidy recipients who qualify for lower copayments must be persons with children who are from underserved racial, ethnic or minority populations. In addition, child care providers that meet specified minimum standards established under the tiered quality rating and improvement system may receive an enhanced reimbursement under the subsidy programs.

(e) Subsidy recipients must report a change of child care provider to the department during the period a subsidy is being received.

(2) The department shall work to meet federal recommendations for income eligibility and market access in regard to employment-related child care administered by the department. [2015 c.698 §1]

Note: 329A.500 and 329A.505 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 329A or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.