Navigating the costs of child care can be a significant challenge for working families. In Oregon, the Department of Human Services (DHS) offers programs designed to assist eligible families with these expenses. One key program is the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program. If you’re wondering, “Does The Oregon Dhs Jobs Program Cover Child Care Costs?”, the answer is yes, through the ERDC program, but with specific criteria and conditions. This article breaks down the ERDC program, its eligibility requirements, how it works, and what families need to know to access this vital support.
Who is Eligible for Oregon’s ERDC Program?
The ERDC program is designed to support families in Oregon who are working, attending school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and need child care assistance to maintain these activities. To be eligible for ERDC, families must meet several criteria:
- Residency: Families must reside in Oregon.
- Work, School, or TANF Receipt:
- Applicants must be employed, enrolled in school, or receiving TANF benefits.
- In two-parent households, both parents must generally be working or in school, although exceptions exist for parents with medical conditions or situations requiring supervised contact as mandated by the state. This requirement does not apply to families receiving TANF.
- Need for Child Care: Child care must be necessary to enable parents to work, attend school, or participate in family well-being activities.
- Child Age Requirements:
- Children must be under 13 years old and require child care.
- Children aged 13 to 17 may be eligible if they have special circumstances requiring care.
- Income Limits: Families must meet specific income limits, which vary based on household size and are set as a percentage of the federal poverty level.
It’s important to note that the child care provider chosen by the family must be approved to receive ERDC payments. This approval process is distinct from being a licensed child care provider.
Families may also explore additional financial assistance options through the TANF program. Contacting your local ODHS office can provide personalized eligibility information.
Understanding ERDC Income Limits
ERDC eligibility is also determined by income limits, which are structured to support families as they work towards self-sufficiency. There are different income thresholds depending on whether you are initially applying for ERDC or are already receiving benefits.
Initial Application Income Limits
When you first apply for ERDC, the income limits are set at a lower threshold to help families gain initial access to child care assistance. As of March 1, 2024, the initial income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. This means your family’s gross income must be below this threshold to qualify when you first apply.
It is recommended to check the official Oregon DHS website or contact your local office for the most up-to-date income limits as they may be subject to change.
Ongoing and Exit Income Limits
Once enrolled in ERDC, the program is designed to support families in increasing their income while still receiving child care assistance. The ongoing and exit income limits are higher than the initial limits. As of March 1, 2024, to maintain ERDC benefits, families must earn under 250% of the federal poverty level or 85% of the state median income, whichever is higher. This higher threshold allows families to increase their earnings without immediately losing child care support, promoting economic stability and growth.
Again, always verify the current income limits with official sources to ensure accuracy.
How Does ERDC Actually Work?
Upon approval for ERDC, the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) directly assists in paying for child care services. This assistance is comprehensive, covering child care costs during times necessary for work, school, and related activities. Specifically, ERDC can cover:
- Work or School Hours: The time spent actively working or attending classes.
- Meal Breaks at Work: Recognizing that meal times are part of the workday.
- Travel Time: Commute time between child care and work or school locations.
- Sleep Hours for Night Shift Workers: Supporting parents working non-traditional hours.
- Study Time for Students: Enabling parents to pursue education effectively.
- Family Well-being Activities: Support for activities that contribute to family stability and health.
Utilizing Family, Friends, and Neighbors as Child Care Providers
An interesting feature of the ERDC program is the option to have a family member, friend, or neighbor become a paid child care provider. This can be a significant benefit for families who prefer care from a trusted individual. To learn more about this option, you can view informational flyers available in multiple languages:
Navigating the ERDC Waitlist
Due to increased demand and funding limitations, the ERDC program currently has a waitlist. It’s crucial to understand how this waitlist may affect your access to child care assistance.
- Current ERDC Recipients: If you are already receiving ERDC benefits, the waitlist does not impact you. Your benefits will continue as long as you remain eligible and recertify on time.
- New Applicants: New applicants will generally be placed on the waitlist unless they qualify for an exemption.
Waitlist Exemptions
Certain families are eligible to bypass the ERDC waitlist. These exemptions are designed to prioritize families with the most immediate needs, including:
- Families recently or currently receiving TANF or Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS).
- Families referred by the Child Welfare Division of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
- Families reapplying for ERDC within two months of their previous benefits ending.
- Families eligible for an ERDC contracted slot, such as those connected to Baby Promise or specific Head Start programs.
ERDC contracted slots are partnerships between DELC and specific child care providers to reserve spaces for children receiving ERDC, often in high-quality settings in targeted regions of Oregon.
Waitlist Duration and Expectations
Families placed on the waitlist should anticipate a wait of potentially 18 months or longer due to current funding and demand levels. Movement off the waitlist is dependent on caseload reduction or increased program funding.
ERDC Waitlist FAQs: What Families Need to Know
The ERDC waitlist has been implemented to manage program demand effectively. Here are some frequently asked questions to help families understand the waitlist process:
Can any families skip the waitlist?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, certain categories of families are exempt from the waitlist, including those reapplying quickly, receiving TANF or TA-DVS, referred by Child Welfare, or eligible for contracted slots.
I don’t currently receive ERDC, but I am interested in help paying for child care. Can I still apply?
Yes, you should still apply for ERDC. During the application process, you will be screened to determine if you qualify for a waitlist exemption. Even if initially not exempt, completing the full eligibility process ensures a thorough review. If no exemption applies, you will be placed on the waitlist.
How do I apply for ERDC or get a spot on the waitlist?
You can apply for ERDC and be screened for waitlist eligibility through several convenient methods:
- Online: Benefits.Oregon.gov
- In Person or by Phone: Contact your local ODHS office or call 1-800-699-9075.
Applying for ERDC also allows you to apply for other benefits like SNAP food assistance and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) simultaneously.
What are the steps for applying for ERDC?
- Apply: Submit your application online, in person, or by phone as detailed above.
- Provide Verification: Submit required documentation such as pay stubs or proof of income. A program checklist provides examples of necessary verification. Verification can also be submitted after your initial interview if you are unsure what to provide.
- Complete an Interview: An interview is mandatory for ERDC benefits. This can be done when you submit your application or scheduled later by phone or mail.
What is an ERDC contracted slot?
ERDC contracted slots are partnerships with specific child care programs, like Baby Promise and certain Head Start programs. DELC contracts with these partners to reserve slots specifically for children eligible for ERDC, ensuring access to quality child care in various Oregon regions.
What to Expect on the ERDC Waitlist
I was just added to the ERDC waitlist. What should I expect?
Upon waitlist placement, you will receive a notice including your waitlist number, information on your appeal rights, and resources for alternative child care options. Regular updates will be provided while you are on the waitlist. When funding becomes available, families are selected from the waitlist based on their application date, with the earliest applicants prioritized. Once selected, you will receive an invitation to reapply for ERDC within 45 days.
What does my waitlist number mean?
Your waitlist number indicates your position based on your application date and time. However, a lower number doesn’t guarantee immediate access to ERDC. Circumstances can change, and some families may become eligible to skip the waitlist, but waitlist numbers are not adjusted as families move off the list.
Am I guaranteed a spot on ERDC if I’m on the waitlist?
Unfortunately, waitlist placement does not guarantee ERDC benefits. The waitlist may be active for at least 18 months, depending on program funding and participant turnover. Even when invited to reapply, eligibility is reassessed based on your current income and family circumstances at the time of reapplication.
Once I am pulled off the waitlist, will I need to reapply?
Yes, reapplying is necessary when you are invited off the waitlist. This ensures that your eligibility is reassessed based on your current situation when funding becomes available.
I’m on the waitlist, but my circumstances have changed, should I reapply?
Yes, if your circumstances change and you believe you may now qualify for a waitlist exemption (e.g., starting TANF, facing domestic violence, child welfare referral), you should reapply immediately to be reassessed for exemption eligibility.
Information for Current ERDC Recipients and Those Interested in ERDC
If I already get ERDC, is there anything I need to do to keep my benefits?
No, the waitlist does not affect current ERDC recipients. Continue to recertify your benefits on time when you receive a renewal notice. Reapplying within two months of your benefits ending allows you to skip the waitlist during renewal. You can manage or renew your benefits online at Benefits.Oregon.gov, or by contacting your local office or calling 1-800-699-9075.
I need help paying for child care now. How can I learn about other affordable child care programs I may be eligible for?
DELC offers various programs to assist families with child care costs. Explore other affordable, high-quality options such as Preschool Promise or Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK). Early Learning Hubs and 211 can also provide support in accessing different programs and benefits.
If I am approved for ERDC, will I have to pay anything?
ERDC is a subsidy program, meaning families typically pay a portion of the child care costs, known as a copayment. As of August 2023, the average copay was just over $10, and copays are capped at 7% of a family’s monthly income.
ERDC Waitlist Resources
For further information and assistance, utilize these resources:
- ERDC Waitlist One Pager: English | Español/Spanish | Русский/Russian | 繁體中文/Chinese(Traditional) | Tiếng Việt/Vietnamese
- ERDC Family Resource Guide: English | Español/Spanish | Русский/Russian | 繁體中文/Chinese(Traditional) | Tiếng Việt/Vietnamese
Connect with 211 and Early Learning Hubs:
- 211 Information: Dial 211 or 1-866-698-6155, text “children” to 898211, email [email protected], or visit 211Info.
- Early Learning Hub Finder: DELC’s Early Learning Hub Finder.
By understanding the ERDC program and its processes, Oregon families can better navigate their options for affordable child care and access the support they need to thrive.
