New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson recently announced that families with incomes up to $150,000 are now eligible for the new COVID-19 school-age tuition assistance program. Families with children in remote schooling can be eligible for up to $1,900 in full-time child care assistance during this period.  Part-time assistance is also available.

The $150 million program is providing school-age tuition assistance to families needing either full- or part-time child care due to their child’s remote learning schedule. The assistance initially had a $75,000 income limit, but as of Oct. 1 it has been doubled to $150,000.

Families can apply for this assistance by completing the online application. Those applying simply need proof of income and a notice or announcement from their child’s school of a remote learning schedule including hours. Tuition assistance is available through Dec. 30 for eligible New Jersey residents with school-age children, 5 to 13 years old. The tuition assistance is paid directly to the family’s selected licensed child care centers or registered family child care provider.

The COVID-19 tuition assistance program is part of the $250 million initiative announced in August by Gov. Murphy to support working families and child care. As part of this initiative, Human Services also recently announced funding for licensed child care centers and registered family child care providers that opened by Oct. 1 to manage added operational costs due to new COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

These funds are to help with increased COVID-related costs, such as purchasing PPE and other supplies and materials, cleaning and sanitation, and other operational needs. Funds are available through an application process through the New Jersey Child Care Information System.