Unfair co-pay , and unrealstic expectations- what can I do?

Question

I filed an appeal because my parental co parnet for head start is way too high. As a single parent I work as much as I can. My children were with their father for the summer and I worked all the ovetime that I could. It was time to sign up again for childcare and my co pay went up from 54 dollars to now 324 dollars a month. My son loves the day care, its safe, and reliable and I do not want to lose it but I cannot afford it. I think it is so stupid that the gov agency cannot decifer between an unusual event of overtime and regular pay. However until they do I cannot afford childcare. Headstart is giving me the option to "work off" the co pay but requiring me to work off the amount owed ea month, Problem is I work FT 12 hr nights, 2nd job, PRN job, attend college FT. They expect me to work 27 hrs by the 15th of ea month to work off the co- pay which is rediculious, how can I show the state agency that this is almost impossible and to set my co-pay back where it was affordable.

Answer 1

My tax dollars are going to whats not paid in your copay. So while I sympathsize with your situation, and know how hard day care is to find, it was your choice to care for your baby before being financially able to care for one as your school is not complete, and this does not appear to be the case of a parent losing work, but more earning overtime and not wanting to apply it to the care.

Do not complain then about whats fair. I suspect many other single parents are much worse off.

Answer 2

Wow! First off I would like to tell the people b4 me that if they are only answering to critisize someone, then dont answer. You're supposed to help, not critisize. Anyway, to answer your question. $324 is a high copay for a government run headstart. There are a few options depending on where you live. In urban areas in NJ they have the abbott program which is completly free for 3 and 4 year olds. Maybe there is a similiar program in your area. If that doesnt apply to you then wait 4 weeks after recieving your regular pay w/o overtime. Take those 4 paystubs and ask for a re-evaluation. Your copay will go back down. Remember, it goes according to your income.

Answer 3

$324 per month is a steal for daycare. My sister-in-law works at a daycare full time, and even with the 50% discount she pays $560 per month.

You should be happy you're getting help at all!

Take a look at your other expenses and see where you can cut back - fancy car? Eat out a lot?

If you really worked as many hours as you say you do and don't blow the money on stuff you don't need, you'd have the $324.