RFQ_1605DC-19-Q-00010_Attachment_F_-_DOL_HR_News_You_Can_Use_-_Amd_0001.pdf

Provided by the OASAM Human Resources Center

March 22, 2018 Volume 8 Issue 3

Department of Labor Child Care Subsidy Program

This HR News You Can Use supersedes HR News You Can Use Volume 5, Issue 6.

This information will be made available in alternative formats upon request to the Office of Worklife, Leave and Pay Policy, Room N5454 - FPB, (202) .

General Information

Public Law 107-67, the 2001 Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, allows Federal agencies, at their discretion, to use appropriated funds normally available for salaries to assist lower income employees with their child care costs on a permanent basis.

In keeping with DOL’s commitment to foster a quality workplace for all employees, DOL provides child care subsidies to qualifying DOL families to assist them in their efforts to obtain quality, licensed day care for dependent children under the age of 13 and disabled children under the age of 18. This program is for all full-time and part-time permanent DOL employees.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for a subsidy, employees must use licensed child care, be a permanent employee, and have a total family income of less than $80,000. The parameters of the program are as follows:

Total Family Income Percentage of Actual Child Care Costs Paid by DOL

Monthly Subsidy Not to Exceed**

Less than $40,580 75% $700

$40,581 - $49,999 60% $600

$50,000 - $59,999 50% $575

$60,000 - $69,999 40% $550

$70,000 - $79,999 35% $450

**Subsidy amounts apply to total costs of child care, not cost per child.

Note: The Dependent Care Federal Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA) Program, available through the Flexible Spending Accounts for Federal Employees (FSA-FEDS), allows you to set aside up to $5,000 or $2,500 (if you are married and filing separate income tax returns) annually, on a pre-tax basis, for child care and elder care programs. When you participate in the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP), the subsidy you receive counts towards your $5,000 or $2,500 DCFSA pre-tax benefit limit. As such, you can elect to set aside up to the limit in a Flexible Spending Account minus the amount you receive in child care subsidy.

Please note there is a $100 minimum election for participation in the DCFSA program.

For more information on the Flexible Spending Account, go to FSAFEDS website, call 1-877-FSAFEDS (1- 877-3337), or TTY: 866-353-8058.

Consult with your tax advisor and review the IRS guidance on Child and Dependent Care Expenses to ensure that you are aware of the tax implications.

Program Administrator and Application Procedures:

First Financial Associates, Inc. (FFA) administers the CCSP for the Department. All mailings concerning the program and all payments will be made by FFA. The following documents need to be completed and forwarded to FFA:

1. a Child Care Tuition Assistance Application Form (OPM Form 1643 (PDF), May 2003), available on-line at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1643.pdf - be sure to note on the application that you are a Department of Labor employee;

2. a Child Care Provider Information for the Child Care Subsidy Program for Federal Employees Form (OPM Form 1644 April 2009 - http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/opm1644.pdf , available on-line, signed by your child care provider;

3. A copy of the child/ren birth certificate

4. pay statements for the two most recent pay periods for each parent or guardian;

5. A signed and dated copy of your most recent Federal income tax return along with all supporting

Schedules. If married spouse’s signature is required;

6. a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action; and

7. A copy of your child care provider’s current license or statement of compliance with State and/or local child care regulations.

8. A Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (IRS Form W-9

Mail or fax the required information to: First Financial Associates, Inc.;

and fax .

Employees not currently participating in the program may apply at any time. New applications received and approved will be effective the beginning of the month in which they are approved. Employees already participating in the program must recertify no later than May 1st of every year to continue participation in the program.

You will receive a letter of notification concerning the decision on your application within 10 business days of receipt of your application. If approved, FFA will pay the subsidy directly to the child care provider. No payments will be made to employees.

If you have any questions about the program or your application, please call or email First Financial Associates, Inc., on ; DOLCCSP@ You can also visit the site http://www. .

ALL INFORMATION IS KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

http://www.fsafeds.com/ tel:866-353-8058 http://www.irs.gov/uac/About-Publication-503 http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1643.pdf http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/opm1644.pdf

Department of Labor Child Care Subsidy Program