Child Care

Resolving the “Invalid Program Category” Error Message

Overview

The majority of error messages in the VaCMS explain what change(s) you need to make on a page or to a field. However, the “Invalid Program Category” error message is different. This error message does not clearly indicate what you should do to resolve it.

An “Invalid Program Category” error message only appears in Child Care cases. In general terms, the error message indicates there is a data entry problem on the Other In-State Benefits page of the VaCMS. It can also indicate that a child is appearing in two different cases, or in a case and an application.
Note: If you receive the “Invalid Program Category” error message while processing a mixed application for Child Care and Medicaid and you need to run eligibility for Medicaid eligibility immediately, you can do the following as a workaround:

Resolving the “Invalid Program Category” Error Message

This list shows the steps to follow in response to receiving an “Invalid Program Category” error message.

  1. Confirm the data entered on the Other In-State Benefits – Details page is entered properly.
    Note: The Other In-State Benefits – Details page should have the appropriate data for eligible and included member of the family unit. By running FEE based as a program category, you can see the eligible and included members in the family unit and then review the information in Other In-State Benefits.

  2. Confirm the children are indicated as joint custody if this is true.

  3. Confirm none of the children are eligible to receive child care under another case unless you associated them with that case. To do this, follow these steps:

    1. From the Left Navigation menu, go to Inquiry and then Client.

    2. Search for a child.

    3. Click on the edit icon in the search results for the child.

      1. Copy the case number.

      2. From the Left Navigation menu, go to Inquiry and then Case.

      3. Enter the case number and click Search.

      4. Scroll to the bottom of the results to the Currently Associated EDGs section.

      5. Look under the Eligibility Period column.

      6. Confirm the intake application date does not fall within the eligibility period of another case.

      7. If there is an overlap, correct the data.

  4. If you associated this application with a closed case, confirm you have the same case number.
    Note: If you have a new case number, case association did not work properly. If you have not certified eligibility, deny the application. Then, re-register the application making sure to associate it successfully.

  5. Confirm relationships on the Relationships page. Make sure the In Loco Parentis checkbox is selected if appropriate.

  6. Go to the Program Request page. Confirm the checkboxes next to the children’s name are selected for those who need Child Care.

  7. Go to the Client Household Status page. Confirm the household members are correctly selected as  “in household.”

  8. Verify the eligibility guidelines for the program category by reviewing the document titled, “Running Child Care Eligibility” located on SPARK. Then do the following:

    1. Run eligibility.

    2. Review the results to confirm the case is closing the beginning of the next month.

    3. Certify the closed eligibility result.

Keep in mind, if the case includes any of the other in-state benefits listed below, you must run eligibility as FEE based from the Program Category (Child Care only) dropdown menu.  

Updated 05/02/2014