AmeriCorps CARE

Since 1994, AmeriCorps CARE has been the sole distributor of child care subsidies for members of the AmeriCorps national and community service programs throughout the United States and its contiguous territories. These subsidies are offered as a member benefit for those who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Top 10 things to know about AmeriCorps child care subsidies

1. How do I get the forms I need to apply for child care?
   You may download the child care application and provider registration forms from the "Downloads and Resources" section to the right . You may also request forms from your Program Director or your child care coordinator.
2. How long will it take to process my application?
   A complete and accurate child care application (including provider forms and all supporting documents) takes 1 - 3 business days to process. (Processing includes determining the member's eligibility for the child care subsidy and the provider's qualifications to receive subsidy payments. Processing will be delayed if the application is incomplete, inaccurate, or missing a signature.)
3. When/How often does my Child Care Provider get paid?
   After your application has been approved, you (the member) will receive a booklet with 12 child care attendance vouchers. At the end of each month, you will give your Child Care Provider one attendance voucher to complete and mail to NACCRRA. Your Child Care Provider will be paid within 10 business days of receipt of the attendance voucher. (Processing will be delayed if the voucher is incomplete, inaccurate, or missing a signature.)
4. How do I find out about the status of my application?
   NACCRRA staff will send regular updates to your Program Director regarding the status of your application. You may also contact your child care coordinator to inquire about your application status.
5. Can I be reimbursed if I pay for child care out of pocket while my application is being processed?
   NACCRRA does not reimburse members for child care expenses paid out-of-pocket. Child care payments are made directly to your Child Care Provider. You must make arrangements with your Child Care Provider to reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses. (For your own records, NACCRRA suggests that you obtain receipts for all expenses you paid out-of-pocket to your Child Care Provider.)
6. Will the child care subsidy cover the entire cost of my child care?
   If you are an AmeriCorps member, your Child Care Provider may be reimbursed up to the maximum rate allowed by your state's child care regulations.
   
   For AmeriCorps members, if your Child Care Provider's fee exceeds the maximum subsidy amount, you (THE MEMBER) will be responsible for the difference. To find out more, you may contact your child care coordinator.
7. Will weekend or overnight care be covered?
   Weekend or overnight care is only covered if you perform AmeriCorps service during that time. Your Program Director must submit written authorization on letterhead, stating the exact dates your service was performed.
8. May I use more than one Child Care Provider?
   You may use more than one Child Care Provider. However, one provider must be designated as your primary and the other as your secondary or back-up.
9. How do I change providers?
   At least two weeks prior to changing providers, you must complete and submit a change of provider form, found to the right under "Downloads and Resources." Also, your new provider must submit all provider registration forms and supporting documentation before being determined qualified.
10. What is the difference between my Site Supervisor and my Program Director?
    Your site supervisor is the person who supervises your work at the location where your service is performed. This person is usually an employee at that location.
    
    Your Program Director is the person who oversees the entire AmeriCorps program in which you are enrolled.
    
    In some cases, your Program Director will also be your site supervisor.

Top 8 ways to expedite the child care application

1. Submit the child care application and provider registration forms as soon as possible upon beginning your term of service (during pre-service orientation, within first week of service, etc.)
   
   As authorized by the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps members are allowed no more than 90 days from the date child care begins, to apply for the child care subsidy.
2. Submit the child care and caregiver applications at the same time.
3. Be sure there are no sections left blank on the either application.
4. Be sure all signatures are present where required.
5. Be sure that required supporting documents are attached to the child care and caregiver applications (see Supporting Documents Checklist (41 KB)).
6. Submit the child care and caregiver applications by mail (submitting these documents by fax will delay processing - you will still be required to mail hard copy originals before eligibility determination can be finalized).
7. Do not cross out words or use correction fluid on the applications or forms.
8. Select a Child Care Provider that is qualified to receive subsidy payments according to your state's child care regulations. (Check with your Program Director or your child care coordinator).