The rising cost of child care is a significant concern for many families, especially those striving for financial stability through work or education. If you’re an Oregon resident wondering, Does The Oregon Dhs Jobs Program Cover Child Care Costs? the answer is yes, potentially, through the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ERDC, including eligibility, how it works, and what to expect if you apply.
Who is Eligible for the Oregon ERDC Program?
The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) offers the ERDC program to help families manage child care expenses so parents can work, attend school, or participate in essential family well-being activities. To be eligible for ERDC in Oregon, families must meet specific criteria related to residency, work or education status, child age, and income. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:
- Residency: You must live in Oregon.
- Work or Education Status:
- You need child care to support employment, enrollment in school, or participation in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) activities.
- In two-parent households, both parents must generally be working or attending school. This requirement is waived if you are receiving TANF. Exceptions may be made if one parent cannot provide child care due to a documented medical or mental health condition, or if supervised contact is mandated by the state.
- Need for Child Care: You must require child care services to maintain employment, continue education, or engage in family well-being activities.
- Child Age:
- The child needing care must be under 13 years old, or
- Between 13 and 17 years old with 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 vary depending on household size. We’ll discuss income limits in more detail below.
- Approved Child Care Provider: It’s important to note that your chosen child care provider must be approved to receive ERDC payments. This approval is separate from being a licensed child care provider. You can find a list of approved providers to ensure your choice is covered.
It’s also worth noting that families might be eligible for cash benefits through the TANF program in addition to ERDC. Contacting your local ODHS office is the best way to determine your eligibility for TANF and how it can further support your family’s needs.
Understanding ERDC Income Limits: Initial, Ongoing, and Exit
The ERDC program uses income limits to determine eligibility, but these limits vary depending on whether you are initially applying for benefits or are already receiving them. This structure is designed to help families maintain their child care assistance as their income gradually increases.
Initial Income Limits for ERDC
When you first apply for ERDC, there are specific income thresholds 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 to start receiving ERDC benefits, your household income must be below these amounts.
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Ongoing and Exit Income Limits for ERDC
Once you are enrolled in ERDC, the income limits are more generous. These ongoing and exit income limits, also effective as of March 1, 2024, are set at 250% of the federal poverty level or 85% of the state median income, whichever is higher. This higher threshold allows families to experience income growth while still benefiting from child care assistance, promoting greater financial stability. It also provides an “exit” limit, allowing for a smoother transition as families become more self-sufficient.
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How the ERDC Program in Oregon Actually Works
Once you are approved for ERDC, the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) steps in to help you pay for child care. ERDC isn’t just limited to covering the hours your child is in care while you are physically at work or school. It’s designed to support your entire schedule related to work or education. Here’s what child care assistance through ERDC typically covers:
- Work or School Hours: The core hours you spend working or attending classes are covered.
- Meal Breaks at Work: Your meal times during work hours are also included.
- Travel Time: The time it takes to travel between your child care provider and your workplace or school is factored in.
- Sleep Hours for Night Shifts: If you work night shifts, ERDC can cover sleep hours, recognizing the non-traditional schedules many families manage.
- Study Time for School: Time dedicated to studying while enrolled in school is also covered, acknowledging the demands of education.
- Family Well-being Activities: Participation in approved family well-being activities can also be supported by ERDC.
Did you know that ERDC offers flexibility in who can be your child care provider? In Oregon, your family member, friend, or neighbor can become a paid child care provider through ERDC, provided they meet the program’s requirements and become an approved provider. This option can be particularly helpful for families who prefer care from someone they know and trust. The state provides flyers in multiple languages with more details on this option.
Navigating the ERDC Waitlist: What Families Need to Know
Due to increased demand and limited funding, the ERDC program in Oregon currently has a waitlist. This is important information for new applicants. However, if you are already receiving ERDC benefits, the waitlist does not affect you. Your current benefits will continue uninterrupted as long as you maintain eligibility and recertify on time.
For new applicants, being placed on the waitlist means there may be a period before you receive ERDC assistance. However, certain families are exempt from the waitlist and can potentially skip it, receiving immediate consideration for ERDC benefits. These exemptions include:
- Families currently or recently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (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 who are eligible for an ERDC contracted slot.
ERDC contracted slots are special arrangements with specific child care programs, like Baby Promise and certain Head Start programs, that reserve spaces for children receiving ERDC. These slots are often in high-quality child care settings in specific regions of Oregon.
It’s important to be aware that the waitlist duration can be significant. Families can expect to remain on the waitlist for potentially 18 months or even longer, depending on program funding and caseload changes.
ERDC Waitlist FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
The ERDC waitlist can bring up many questions for families. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you understand how the waitlist works and what it means for you.
Can Any Families Skip the ERDC Waitlist?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, certain categories of families are exempt from the ERDC waitlist. These exemptions are in place to prioritize families with immediate needs or those transitioning from other support programs. Families that can skip the waitlist include:
- Families reapplying for ERDC within two months of benefits ending.
- Families receiving TANF.
- Families receiving TA-DVS.
- Families who received TANF or TA-DVS within three months prior to applying for ERDC.
- Families referred by the Child Welfare division of ODHS.
- Families eligible for an ERDC contracted slot (like Baby Promise or specific Head Start programs).
Can I Still Apply for ERDC if I am Not Currently Receiving Benefits?
Absolutely. Even with the waitlist in effect, you can and should still apply for ERDC if you need child care assistance. When you apply, you will be screened to determine if you qualify for a waitlist exemption. If you are exempt, your application will proceed through the standard ERDC eligibility process. If you are not initially deemed exempt, you can still complete the full eligibility process to confirm whether you might qualify for an exemption. If no exemption applies, you will be placed on the ERDC waitlist.
You can apply for ERDC through several convenient methods:
- Online: Visit Benefits.Oregon.gov
- In Person or by Phone: Contact your local ODHS office.
- By Phone: Dial 1-800-699-9075
How Do I Apply for ERDC and Get on the Waitlist?
The application process is the same whether you are seeking to skip the waitlist or join it. You apply for ERDC, and during the application process, your eligibility for waitlist exemption will be assessed. You can apply through the same channels mentioned above: Benefits.Oregon.gov, your local ODHS office, or by calling 1-800-699-9075. Applying for ERDC also opens the door to applying for other beneficial programs like SNAP food benefits and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) at the same time.
What are the Steps for Applying for ERDC?
The ERDC application process involves three main steps:
- Apply: Submit your application online, in person, or by phone, as detailed above. You can also apply for other benefits simultaneously.
- Provide Verification: You will need to provide documentation to verify your income and other relevant information. Examples of required verification can be found on the program checklist. If you are unsure what to provide initially, you can submit verification after your interview.
- Complete an Interview: An interview is a mandatory step to receive ERDC benefits. This can be done when you submit your application, or you will be contacted to schedule an interview by phone or mail.
What is an ERDC Contracted Slot?
As mentioned previously, ERDC contracted slots are specific child care spaces that DELC has agreements with certain partners to reserve for children receiving ERDC. Programs like Baby Promise and specific Head Start programs participate in this initiative. These contracted slots are located in high-quality child care settings across various regions in Oregon, aiming to provide reliable and quality care for ERDC-eligible families.
What to Expect While on the ERDC Waitlist
Being placed on the ERDC waitlist can be concerning, but understanding the process can help alleviate some uncertainty.
What Happens After I am Added to the ERDC Waitlist?
Once you are placed on the waitlist, you will receive an official notice. This notice will include your waitlist number, information about your right to appeal the decision, and resources that may assist you in finding alternative child care arrangements while you are on the waitlist. You will also receive regular updates and communications while you are waiting.
When funding becomes available and the ERDC program can accommodate more families, individuals will be selected from the waitlist based on the date they were added. The families who have been on the waitlist the longest will be contacted first and invited to formally apply for ERDC benefits. You will have a 45-day window from the date of the notice to reapply for ERDC once you are selected from the waitlist.
What Does My ERDC Waitlist Number Mean?
Your waitlist number reflects your position in line based on the date and time you were added to the waitlist. While it indicates your initial place, a lower number does not guarantee immediate access to ERDC. Waitlist numbers are not dynamically updated as families are removed from the waitlist. Even before general waitlist selections begin, some families may become eligible to skip the waitlist due to changes in their circumstances. Regardless of how many people might move ahead of you due to exemptions, your waitlist number will remain the same.
Am I Guaranteed a Spot on ERDC if I’m on the Waitlist?
Unfortunately, being on the waitlist does not guarantee that you will ultimately receive ERDC benefits. The waitlist is anticipated to be active for at least 18 months, and the actual duration will depend on program funding levels and the rate at which families leave the ERDC program. When you are eventually selected from the waitlist and invited to reapply, your eligibility will be reassessed based on your income and family circumstances at that time.
Will I Need to Reapply for ERDC Once I am Pulled Off the Waitlist?
Yes, reapplying is necessary. When funding allows, families are selected from the waitlist in chronological order and invited to reapply for ERDC. You will receive a notice with a 45-day timeframe to submit your reapplication. This reapplication process ensures that your information is current and that your eligibility is accurately determined based on your situation at that time.
Should I Reapply if My Circumstances Change While on the Waitlist?
Yes, absolutely. If your situation changes and you believe you might now qualify for a waitlist exemption, it is crucial to reapply for ERDC. As a reminder, categories that may qualify for waitlist exemptions include families experiencing domestic violence, those who begin receiving TANF, or those who become eligible for an ERDC contracted slot. Reapplying ensures that your current situation is considered and that you are correctly placed in the appropriate application pathway. You can reapply through Benefits.Oregon.gov, your local ODHS office, or by calling 1-800-699-9075.
Information for Families Already Approved for ERDC
If you are currently receiving ERDC benefits, it’s important to understand how the waitlist impacts you and what steps you need to take to maintain your benefits.
If I Already Get ERDC, Do I Need to Do Anything Regarding the Waitlist?
No, if you are already approved for and receiving ERDC benefits, the waitlist does not affect you. Your benefits will continue as usual. The most important action for you is to ensure you renew your benefits on time when your recertification period approaches. You will receive a notification when it’s time to renew. Renewing within two months of your benefits ending allows you to skip the waitlist during the renewal process.
You can initiate your renewal up to 45 days before your eligibility period ends through:
- Visiting Benefits.Oregon.gov to manage your benefits online.
- Contacting or visiting your local ODHS office.
- Calling 1-800-699-9075.
I am Approved for ERDC but Don’t Have a Provider Yet. How Can I Find One?
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Information for Families Interested in ERDC
If you are interested in ERDC and need immediate child care assistance, it’s helpful to explore all available options.
I Need Help Paying for Child Care Now. Are There Other Affordable Programs?
Yes, the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) offers several programs to assist families with child care costs. Besides ERDC, you may be eligible for other affordable, high-quality child care programs in Oregon, such as Preschool Promise or Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK). Early Learning Hubs and 211info can provide support in navigating these different programs and resources to find the best fit for your family’s needs.
If I am Approved for ERDC, Will I Have to Pay Anything?
Yes, ERDC is a subsidy program, meaning that while it significantly helps with child care costs, most families will still have a portion to pay, known as a copayment (copay). ERDC makes payments directly to your chosen child care provider to cover a substantial part of the cost. As of August 2023, the average copay for families using ERDC was just over $10 per month, and copays are capped at a maximum of 7% of a family’s monthly income, ensuring affordability.
ERDC Waitlist Resources
For further information and support, several resources are available to help families navigate the ERDC waitlist and explore other child care options.
ERDC Waitlist One-Pager:
ERDC Family Resource Guide:
211 and Early Learning Hubs:
These organizations can offer personalized assistance in learning about child care resources in your local area.
Contact 211 by:
- Dialing 211 or 1-866-698-6155
- Texting “children” to 898211
- Emailing [email protected]
- Visiting 211Info
Find your local Early Learning Hub:
- DELC’s Early Learning Hub Finder
By understanding the ERDC program, its eligibility requirements, and the waitlist process, Oregon families can better navigate their options for affordable child care and access the support they need to thrive.
