Navigating child care options can be challenging, especially for working families. If you’re in Oregon and seeking assistance to afford quality child care, you might be wondering about the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program. A common question families have is: What Hrs Is The Cares Program Open? While the ERDC program isn’t open for specific “hours” in the way a physical location is, understanding how and when you can access its benefits is crucial. This guide will clarify how you can access the ERDC program, its eligibility requirements, and how to apply for this vital support.
Who Can Access ERDC? Understanding Eligibility
The ERDC program is designed to support Oregon families who are working, in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and need help paying for child care. To determine if your family can access ERDC benefits, consider these key requirements:
- Residency: You must be living in Oregon.
- Work or Education Status:
- You must be employed, attending school, or receiving TANF.
- In two-parent households, generally both parents need to meet this requirement, although exceptions exist for specific circumstances like medical conditions or supervised contact requirements.
- Need for Child Care: Child care must be necessary for you to maintain employment, continue your education, or participate in approved family well-being activities.
- Child’s Age and Need:
- The child needing care must be under 13 years old.
- Children aged 13 to 17 may also be eligible if they have special circumstances requiring care.
- Income Limits: Families must meet specific income thresholds to qualify for ERDC. These limits are based on the federal poverty level and are designed to support low-to-moderate income families.
It’s important to note that the child care provider you choose must be approved to receive ERDC payments. This ensures that the care is regulated and meets certain standards. You can find a list of approved providers to help with your search.
Income Guidelines for Initial and Ongoing ERDC Access
ERDC utilizes income limits to determine eligibility, with different thresholds for initial application and ongoing benefits. This structure allows families to potentially increase their income while still receiving support.
Initial Income Limits
When you first apply for ERDC, there are specific income limits you must meet to be approved. As of March 1, 2024, these initial income limits are set at 200% of the federal poverty level. This means your family’s gross income must be below this threshold to start receiving ERDC benefits.
You can find the specific income limits based on family size on the official ERDC program pages.
Ongoing and Exit Income Limits
To continue receiving ERDC benefits once you are enrolled, and even when transitioning off the program, there are ongoing and exit income limits. As of March 1, 2024, these limits are more generous, set at 250% of the federal poverty level or 85% of the state median income, whichever is higher. This higher threshold helps families maintain stability as their income potentially increases.
Check the official ERDC resources for the most up-to-date income limit charts.
How ERDC Facilitates Access to Child Care
Once approved for ERDC, the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) steps in to help cover the costs of child care. This assistance is designed to be comprehensive, covering various aspects of your need for care related to work or school, ensuring that accessing child care is truly supportive of your family’s needs.
ERDC assistance can cover:
- Work or School Hours: The core hours you are engaged in work or attending classes.
- Meal Times at Work: Recognizing that workdays include meal breaks.
- Travel Time: The time spent commuting between child care and your workplace or school.
- Sleep Hours for Night Shifts: Supporting parents working non-traditional hours.
- Study Hours for Students: Enabling parents to pursue education effectively.
- Family Well-being Activities: Supporting participation in approved activities that enhance family stability.
Furthermore, ERDC allows flexibility in who provides care. Did you know that in Oregon, a family member, friend, or neighbor can become a paid child care provider for your child through ERDC? This option can be particularly helpful for families who prefer care from someone they know and trust. Information on how to facilitate this arrangement is readily available through ERDC resources.
Navigating the ERDC Waitlist: Accessing Benefits in Times of High Demand
It’s important to be aware that due to increased demand and funding limitations, ERDC currently has a waitlist. This means that while the program is accessible in terms of application and information, there might be a waiting period before you can receive benefits.
However, if you are already receiving ERDC benefits, the waitlist does not affect you. Your benefits will continue as usual.
For new applicants, placement on the waitlist is likely, although certain families are exempt and can skip the waitlist. These exemptions are designed to prioritize families with the most urgent needs, ensuring that ERDC access remains available for those in critical situations.
Families who may be able to bypass the waitlist include:
- Families currently or recently 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.
It’s estimated that families may remain on the waitlist for up to 18 months, or potentially longer, depending on funding levels and program capacity. Regular communication will be provided to families on the waitlist regarding their status and available resources.
ERDC Waitlist FAQs: Addressing Common Access Questions
To further clarify access to ERDC during the waitlist period, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can I still apply for ERDC even with the waitlist?
Yes, absolutely. You can and should still apply for ERDC. Upon application, you will be screened to determine if you are eligible to skip the waitlist based on the exemptions mentioned earlier. If you are not exempt, you will be placed on the waitlist.
How do I apply for ERDC and potentially get on the waitlist?
Applying for ERDC is designed to be accessible through multiple channels:
- Online: Visit Benefits.Oregon.gov to apply online anytime, 24/7.
- Local Office: Go to or call your local ODHS office. Note: Contact your local office for their specific operating hours.
- Phone: Dial 1-800-699-9075 to apply over the phone. Phone service availability may have specific hours – inquire when calling.
When you apply, you can also apply for other support programs like SNAP food benefits and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid), making the application process efficient and comprehensive.
What are the steps in the ERDC application process?
The application process is structured in three main steps to ensure accessibility and clarity:
- Apply: Submit your application through one of the methods listed above (online, local office, or phone).
- Provide Verification: Submit required documentation, such as pay stubs or proof of income. A program checklist is available to guide you on necessary documents.
- Complete an Interview: An interview is required to finalize your ERDC application. This can be done when you submit your application or scheduled later by phone or mail.
What does being on the waitlist mean for my access to ERDC benefits?
Being on the waitlist means that due to high demand, there is a temporary queue for accessing ERDC benefits. You are not guaranteed immediate access to ERDC, and the waitlist duration is estimated to be lengthy. However, it’s crucial to understand:
- Your waitlist number indicates your position in line based on when you were added, but it is not a guarantee of when you will receive benefits.
- Circumstances change, and if you believe you might now qualify for a waitlist exemption, you should reapply.
- When funding becomes available, families will be contacted from the waitlist in the order they were added and invited to reapply for ERDC.
If I am already approved for ERDC, do I need to worry about program access?
No. If you are currently receiving ERDC, the waitlist does not impact your ongoing benefits. To ensure continued access, remember to renew your benefits on time when you receive a renewal notice. Renewing within two months of your benefits ending allows you to skip the waitlist upon reapplication. Renewal can be started 45 days before your eligibility period ends through the same channels as initial application (Benefits.Oregon.gov, local office, or phone).
Exploring Other Child Care Assistance Options
While ERDC is a significant resource, DELC offers other programs to support families in accessing affordable, high-quality child care. If you need immediate assistance or are on the ERDC waitlist, exploring programs like Preschool Promise or Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) might be beneficial.
Additionally, local Early Learning Hubs and 211info are valuable resources for navigating the child care landscape in Oregon. They can provide personalized guidance and connect you with available programs and support in your area.
Contact 211info:
- Dial 211 or 1-866-698-6155
- Text “children” to 898211
- Email [email protected]
- Visit 211info.org
Find your local Early Learning Hub:
- Use DELC’s Early Learning Hub Finder: DELC Early Learning Hub Finder
Conclusion: Accessing ERDC and Child Care Support
While the question “what hrs is the cares program open” might stem from a need to understand program accessibility, it’s clear that ERDC is designed to be accessible through various application methods and support resources. Even with the current waitlist, understanding eligibility, application processes, and alternative support options ensures that Oregon families can effectively seek and access the child care assistance they need. By utilizing the online resources, contacting local offices or helplines, and exploring related programs, families can navigate the system and find the best path to affordable, quality child care.
