VETERAN CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM

Veterans, VA employees and their families qualify for the Veterans Affairs Child Care Subsidy Program in some instance. This program allows you to receive funding for the costs of childcare. If you have been struggling to afford childcare, you may have stayed at home to look after your children instead of working to lift yourself out of financial hardship. This program helps those in this situation, but it is not available in all states.

Find a list of childcare providers that are approved for the program through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. These are listed by state, so you easily see whether your state supports the program. Search for childcare providers in your state by clicking on the online map provide on the VA website. In addition, find an approved childcare provider through the GSA website. Read on to find out more about the VA Child Care subsidy Program.

What is the VA Child Care Subsidy Program?

The VA Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial help towards the cost of childcare. It is available to qualifying veterans, VA employees and their families. Eligible active duty members, active duty reservists of the United States coast guard and others are provided with assistance from the Child Care Subsidy Program.

Established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the program helps veterans on low incomes to provide childcare for their children at VA-approved childcare providers. The childcare provider is either a federally sponsored childcare center, a family childcare home or a non-federally sponsored childcare center. The care facility must be licensed or regulated. You choose which VA-approved childcare facility you wish to use. As well as receiving a reduction in childcare fees, the program makes sure your child is placed in a high-quality establishment offering excellent facilities and a high level of care. This quality is maintained regardless of which type of facility you wish to enroll your

Eligibility for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program

You must meet certain criteria to qualify for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program. To be eligible for the program:

  • Your total family income cannot be more than the income threshold stipulated by the VA Child Care Subsidy Program.
  • VA employees must be employed for at least 60 days prior to the date they apply for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program. Apply 15 days before the actual eligibility date.
  • Your child or children must be enrolled in the care of a childcare provider that is licensed or regulated to operate in the state or place in which it is located.
  • Your child must qualify. Your children are eligible to be enrolled with a childcare provider through the VA Child Care Subsidy Program up to 13 years of age. Children with disabilities are eligible for the program until they reach 18 years of age.

How do you apply for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program?

Veterans and federal employees who wish to participate in the Child Care Subsidy program can apply by contacting their local Child Care Subsidy Point of Contact. You must provide copies of your latest pay stubs or Internal Revenue Service tax submissions along with an application form. Provide a copy of your childcare provider’s license or a statement of compliance relating to your state’s childcare regulations. If you already receive state or local childcare subsidies, you must include the source of the funds and the amount you receive on the application form. You must complete and submit OPM Form 1644.

The application form itself is Form OPM 1643. This is downloadable so you can fill it out by hand. Alternatively, type directly into the form online and then print it out. You must fill out all required parts of the application form. If you submit an incomplete application, it is not processed, and the form is returned to you. Details you must provide on the application form include:

  • Your home address and work address.
  • Your telephone number and email address.
  • Your social-security number.
  • The name of your child.
  • Your child’s social security number.
  • Your child’s date of birth.
  • The names, social security numbers and dates of birth for your other children for whom you are applying.
  • The name of your childcare provider.
  • The weekly cost of your childcare.
  • The date your child or children were enrolled with the childcare provider.

If you are a VA employee, you can apply for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program online by using your VA Network Identification. Your local Human Resources office then submits your application through the CCRMS. You must upload your supporting documents and complete a several other forms and documents. These are:

  • VA Form 0730a, which is the application form for VA employees applying for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program.
  • VA Form 0730b, which provides information about your childcare provider.
  • A copy of your childcare provider’s license and fees.
  • Copies of your last two Earning and Leave Statements.
  • A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notice of Personnel Action.
  • Copies of all your W-2 forms.
  • A dated and signed copy of your federal tax return, which is IRS Form 1040.

Receiving Funds from the VA Child Care Subsidy Program

If you are eligible for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program, you may be able to have all fees, or a portion of the fees paid for on your behalf. You do not receive the funds directly. Instead, they go to your nominated childcare provider. As long as the provider qualifies for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program, the provider receives the funds via Electronic Funds Transfer. This is a system in which money is transferred from one bank account to another bank account without the need for paper money. The direct deposit is made through the United States Federal Reserve Bank’s Automated Clearing House network.

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