Beginning on Nov. 1, the government shutdown will affect the Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ Child Care Subsidy program.

The department says the $5 per day COVID-era add-on incentive for children six-years-old or older will be removed.

Oklahoma DHS will also be pausing new applications and renewals for school-age children until funding is restored.

However, children in foster care or children with disabilities who have been approved for a special needs rate are an exception and will able to continue with new applications and renewals.

On their website, Oklahoma DHS stated:

“The federal government shutdown has paused funding for many programs nationwide, including child care assistance. Because nearly 75% of Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) funding comes from federal sources, we must adjust the Child Care Subsidy program to preserve available resources for as long as possible.”