COVID Assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted billions of people across the globe, including Mansfield residents. Thanks to funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Connecticut Department of Housing through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, we are able to lend a helping hand to our residents that have been financially impacted by the pandemic. If you have a decrease in income due to job loss or a reduction in hours; or if you have experienced increasing expenses during the pandemic, you may be eligible for assistance with childcare expenses and food security.
Maximum Household Income
The COVID assistance programs are available to low and moderate income Mansfield residents as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To qualify, the total combined annual income of all residents in the household cannot exceed income guidelines that are established annually. Current (2021) income limits are listed below by household size (including children).
| Household Size | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $55,950 |
| 2 People | $63,950 |
| 3 People | $71,950 |
| 4 People | $79,900 |
| 5 People | $86,300 |
| 6 People | $92,700 |
| 7 People | $99,100 |
| 8 People | $105,500 |
Emergency Childcare Assistance
Eligible residents may apply for up to six (6) months of assistance with childcare costs. Because funding is limited, the maximum assistance per household that may be provided is $9,000.
Program Eligibility
Program participants must:
- Be a resident of Mansfield, Connecticut
- Meet the household income requirements
- Demonstrate that they have experienced a financial impact due to the COVID-19 virus
- Not be eligible for or receiving assistance from the Cares 4 Kids program
- Use a licensed childcare provider
- Authorize their childcare provider to disclose any information needed to determine program eligibility and maximum benefit
- Not have a conflict of interest as established in the program guidelines
- Pay their share of childcare costs
Complete a Pre-Application Screening Form today to identify potential eligibility concerns.
Participant Share of Childcare Costs
Families participating in the program will be responsible for:
- Monthly childcare costs equivalent to 7% of gross monthly income
- The remaining balance of childcare costs after the maximum benefit per household has been reached
As required by Section 312 of the Stafford Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Town is prohibited from providing duplication of assistance. The assistance provided will be adjusted during the review process to ensure a duplication of benefits is not being provided. Participants will also need to agree to repay any assistance provided that is determined to be a duplication of benefits. For more information, please review the program guidelines.
How the Program Works
Applications for assistance will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. We will notify applicants of their eligibility determination and the assistance amount to be provided. An assistance agreement between the Town and the family will need to be signed prior to the disbursement of any funds.
Payments
All payments for childcare services will be made directly to the licensed childcare provider. The family will be required to submit a formal request for payment along with:
- The invoice from the childcare provider
- Certification from the childcare provider that payment for the services has not been received and is not anticipated to be received from another organization or individual
- Information regarding any duplication of benefits during the service period
- Confirmation that the participant will pay their share of the invoice per the assistance agreement and that they are solely responsible for any late payment fees associated with their portion of the payment
Food Assistance Program
We will be launching our food assistance program on April 1, 2021. While we are still finalizing program details, we are hoping to provide contactless pickup of prepared meals, meal kits, and perishable groceries on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Check back soon!
Pre-Screening
Before starting the application, please complete the pre-application screening form to identify potential eligibility concerns.
How to apply
Applications for the Emergency Childcare Assistance Program are now being accepted. Please note that you will need the information listed in the Helping Hand COVID-19 Assistance Document Checklist to complete the on-line application. Additionally, your application will not be complete until you submit the required documents and a copy of the completed checklist in hard copy. Instructions on how to submit copies of required documents are in the checklist.
Additional Resources
For more information on the Town's community development activities and assistance programs available to low and moderate income residents, please visit the following:
- Mansfield Housing Rehabilitation Program
0% Interest deferred loans to assist income-eligible property owners with financing home repairs and energy efficiency improvements - Community Development Program
Information on programs and activities funded by HUD and the Connecticut Department of Housing through the Small Cities CDBG program including: current activities, grant applications, policies and procedures, and how you can get involved - Town Fee Reduction Program
Annual fee reductions available to very low and extremely low income Mansfield residents - Regional Food Share and Local Food Bank
Information on other food assistance programs available to Mansfield residents - Senior Center Meal Programs
Information on food programs for Mansfield seniors