The Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program in Oregon is a critical resource for families needing assistance with child care costs so they can work, attend school, or participate in essential family activities. Understanding when and how you can access this program is vital for Oregon families. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the ERDC program, detailing eligibility, application processes, and what families need to know to get the support they need.
Who Can Benefit from the ERDC Program?
The ERDC program is designed to support Oregon families who meet specific criteria. To be eligible for ERDC, families generally need to:
- Reside in Oregon: Applicants must be legal residents of the state of Oregon.
- Meet Work or Education Requirements:
- In single-parent households, the parent must be employed, enrolled in school, or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- In two-parent households, both parents must be working or attending school. Exceptions may apply in certain situations, such as when one parent cannot provide childcare due to a medical condition or supervised contact requirements.
- Demonstrate Child Care Need: Child care must be necessary for the parent(s) to maintain employment, continue education, or engage in family well-being activities.
- Have Eligible Children:
- Children under 13 years old who require child care.
- Children aged 13 to 17 who need care due to special circumstances.
- Adhere to Income Limits: Families must meet specific income thresholds to qualify for ERDC benefits. 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 chosen by the family must be approved to receive ERDC payments. This approval is separate from being a licensed child care provider. For more information on approved providers, you can consult the [official ERDC provider listing](invalid URL).
Families might also be eligible for additional cash benefits through the TANF program. To explore TANF eligibility, it is recommended to contact your [local ODHS office](invalid URL).
For detailed information about ERDC and TANF, you can refer to these resources: [ERDC and TANF Flyer in English](invalid URL) | [Spanish](invalid URL) | [Russian](invalid URL) | [Chinese(Traditional)](invalid URL) | [Vietnamese](invalid URL).
Understanding ERDC Income Eligibility: Initial and Ongoing Limits
The ERDC program uses income limits to determine eligibility, with different limits for initial application and ongoing benefits. This structure allows families to increase their income while still receiving support.
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 your gross monthly income must be below the amounts listed in the table below based on your family size.
| Family Size | Initial Income Limit (200% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL] |
| 2 | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL] |
| 3 | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL] |
| 4 | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL] |
| 5 | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL] |
| 6 | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL] |
| 7 | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL] |
| 8 | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL] |
| For each additional person, add: | [Insert Amount based on 200% FPL increase per person] |
Note: Please refer to the official ERDC website or local ODHS office for the most up-to-date income limit figures.
Ongoing and Exit Income Limits for ERDC
To continue receiving ERDC benefits once enrolled, and when exiting the program, there are higher income limits. As of March 1, 2024, the ongoing and exit income limits are set at 250% of the federal poverty level or 85% of the state median income, whichever is higher. This increased threshold allows families greater financial flexibility while still benefiting from child care assistance.
| Family Size | Ongoing/Exit Income Limit (250% FPL or 85% SMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI] |
| 2 | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI] |
| 3 | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI] |
| 4 | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI] |
| 5 | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI] |
| 6 | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI] |
| 7 | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI] |
| 8 | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI] |
| For each additional person, add: | [Insert Amount based on 250% FPL or 85% SMI increase per person] |
Note: Please refer to the official ERDC website or local ODHS office for the most up-to-date income limit figures, as the 85% of State Median Income can vary.
How the ERDC Program Supports Families
Once approved for ERDC, the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) provides financial assistance to help cover child care expenses. This assistance is designed to support families across various needs related to work, education, and family stability.
ERDC assistance can cover child care costs during:
- Work or School Hours: The primary purpose of ERDC is to enable parents to work or attend school.
- Meal Breaks at Work: Coverage extends to meal times during work hours.
- Travel Time: Transportation time between child care and work or school is included.
- Night Shift Sleep Hours: If you work night shifts, ERDC can cover child care during your sleep hours.
- Study Hours: For parents in school, time spent studying is also covered.
- Family Well-being Activities: Participation in approved family well-being activities is supported.
Utilizing Family, Friends, and Neighbors as Care Providers
Did you know that ERDC can pay a family member, friend, or neighbor to care for your child? This option can provide more comfortable and familiar care arrangements for children. To learn more about this option, view the family, friend, and neighbor flyer: [English](invalid URL) | [Spanish](invalid URL) | [Russian](invalid URL) | [Vietnamese](invalid URL) | [Simplified Chinese](invalid URL) | [Traditional Chinese](invalid URL).
Navigating the ERDC Waitlist: What Families Need to Know
Due to increased demand and funding limitations, the ERDC program currently has a waitlist. It’s important to understand how this waitlist may affect your access to benefits.
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Current ERDC Recipients are Not Affected: If you are already receiving ERDC benefits, the waitlist does not impact you. Your benefits will continue as long as you remain eligible and recertify on time.
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New Applicants May Be Placed on Waitlist: Families applying for ERDC may be placed on the waitlist unless they qualify for an exemption.
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Exemptions from the Waitlist: Certain families are eligible to skip the waitlist, ensuring quicker access to child care assistance. These exemptions 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 Baby Promise and specific Head Start programs. These slots are partnerships with DELC to reserve spaces in high-quality child care settings in specific Oregon regions.
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Waitlist Duration: Families should expect to remain on the waitlist for potentially 18 months or longer, depending on program funding and caseload changes. Movement off the waitlist depends on significant decreases in the ERDC caseload or increased program funding.
ERDC Waitlist FAQs: Getting Your Questions Answered
The implementation of the ERDC waitlist raises important questions for families seeking child care assistance. Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify how the waitlist works and what it means for applicants.
How Does the ERDC Waitlist Function?
Can any families bypass the waitlist?
Yes, certain families are exempt from the waitlist. These include:
- Families reapplying within two months of previous ERDC benefits ending.
- Families currently receiving TANF.
- Families receiving TA-DVS.
- Families who received TANF or TA-DVS within three months prior to ERDC application.
- Families referred by the Child Welfare division of ODHS.
- Families eligible for an ERDC contracted slot.
These exemptions are established within Oregon state rules to prioritize families with immediate or critical needs.
I am interested in ERDC but not currently receiving benefits. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply for ERDC even with the waitlist in place. When you apply, you will be screened to determine if you qualify for a waitlist exemption.
- If you are eligible for an exemption, your application will proceed through the standard ERDC eligibility process.
- If you do not initially qualify for an exemption, you can still complete the full ERDC eligibility process to confirm your waitlist status and explore all possible exemption criteria.
- If you are not exempt, you will be placed on the ERDC waitlist.
You can apply for ERDC through these methods:
- Online: [Benefits.Oregon.gov](invalid URL)
- In-person: Visit or call your [local ODHS office](invalid URL)
- By Phone: Dial 1-800-699-9075
How do I apply for ERDC or join the waitlist?
To apply for ERDC and be screened for waitlist exemption or placement, you can use the same application methods:
- Online: [Benefits.Oregon.gov](invalid URL)
- In-person: Visit or call your [local ODHS office](invalid URL)
- By Phone: Dial 1-800-699-9075
Applying for ERDC also allows you to apply for other benefits such as SNAP food assistance and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) simultaneously, streamlining the application process for multiple support programs.
What are the steps in the ERDC application process?
The ERDC application process involves three key steps:
- Step 1: Application Submission: Apply for ERDC and other benefits online, in person, or by phone using the contact methods listed above.
- Step 2: Verification Provision: Submit required verification documents, such as pay stubs or proof of income. A [program checklist](invalid URL) provides examples of acceptable verification. If you are unsure about what documentation is needed, you can submit verification after your interview.
- Step 3: Interview Completion: An interview is mandatory for ERDC eligibility. This can be conducted when you submit your application, or you will be contacted to schedule an appointment by phone or mail.
What is an ERDC contracted slot?
ERDC contracted slots are specific child care spaces reserved through partnerships between DELC and child care providers. Baby Promise and certain Head Start programs utilize ERDC contracted slots. DELC contracts with these partners to ensure that ERDC-eligible children have access to high-quality child care settings in specific regions throughout Oregon.
What to Expect on the ERDC Waitlist
I’ve been placed on the ERDC waitlist. What happens next?
After being added to the waitlist, you will receive a notification containing your waitlist number, information about your right to appeal the decision, and resources that may help you find alternative child care programs while on the waitlist.
- You will receive periodic updates while you are on the waitlist to keep you informed of any changes or program updates.
- When funding becomes available, families will be selected from the waitlist based on their initial application date. Families who applied earliest will be the first to be invited to reapply for ERDC when a spot opens. Once selected, you will receive a notice inviting you to reapply within 45 days.
What does my waitlist number mean?
Your waitlist number reflects your position based on the date and time you were added to the ERDC waitlist. While it indicates your initial place in line, a lower number does not guarantee immediate invitation to reapply for ERDC.
- Waitlist numbers are not dynamically updated as families are removed from the waitlist. Your number remains constant, even as others may become eligible for exemptions and move ahead.
Am I guaranteed ERDC benefits if I am on the waitlist?
No, placement on the waitlist does not guarantee ERDC benefits. The waitlist is anticipated to be active for at least 18 months, potentially longer, depending on funding levels and program attrition.
- When you are invited to reapply from the waitlist, your eligibility will be reassessed based on your income and family circumstances at the time of reapplication. Meeting initial criteria for the waitlist does not guarantee eligibility upon reapplication.
Once I’m taken off the waitlist, do I need to reapply?
Yes. When funding becomes available, families are invited to reapply for ERDC. This reapplication process ensures that your current circumstances are assessed for eligibility at the time of potential benefit allocation. You will have 45 days from the date of your invitation notice to complete the reapplication process.
I am on the waitlist, but my situation has changed. Should I reapply?
Yes, if your circumstances change and you believe you may now qualify for a waitlist exemption, it is advisable to reapply. As a reminder, categories for waitlist exemptions include:
- Families reapplying within two months of prior ERDC benefits ending.
- Families receiving TANF or TA-DVS.
- Families who received TANF or TA-DVS within the past three months.
- Families referred by the Child Welfare division of ODHS.
- Families eligible for ERDC contracted slots (Baby Promise, Head Start programs).
If you believe your situation now fits one of these exemption categories, reapply through:
- Online: [Benefits.Oregon.gov](invalid URL)
- In-person: Visit or call your [local ODHS office](invalid URL)
- By Phone: Dial 1-800-699-9075
Waitlist Information for Current ERDC Recipients
If I already receive ERDC, do I need to take any action to keep my benefits?
No, if you currently receive ERDC benefits, the waitlist does not require any action from you. Your benefits will continue uninterrupted as long as you remain eligible and complete your recertification on time.
- To maintain continuous ERDC benefits, ensure you renew your benefits promptly when notified. You will bypass the waitlist if you reapply for ERDC within two months of your benefits ending.
- You can initiate your renewal up to 45 days before your eligibility period ends through:
- Online: [Benefits.Oregon.gov](invalid URL)
- In-person: Visit or call your [local ODHS office](invalid URL)
- By Phone: Dial 1-800-699-9075
I am approved for ERDC but haven’t found a provider yet. How can I find one?
[This section would ideally contain resources or links to provider search tools, which are not in the original article. In the absence, this point can simply acknowledge the need for provider assistance and direct users to contact ODHS or DELC for provider search support.]
Information for Families Interested in ERDC
I need child care assistance now. What other affordable child care programs are available?
DELC offers several programs to assist families with early learning and care costs. If you need immediate child care support, consider exploring DELC’s other programs, such as:
- [Preschool Promise](invalid URL)
- [Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK)](invalid URL)
Early Learning Hubs and 211Info ([211info.org](invalid URL)) can also provide support in accessing various programs and benefits to meet your child care needs.
If approved for ERDC, will I have to pay anything?
Yes, ERDC is a subsidy program, meaning that while it covers a significant portion of child care costs, most families will have a copayment. The copayment is a portion of the child care cost that the family is responsible for.
- As of August 2023, the average ERDC copayment was just over $10 per month.
- Currently, copayments cannot exceed 7% of a family’s monthly income, ensuring affordability and accessibility to child care services.
ERDC Waitlist Resources
For further information and support regarding the ERDC waitlist and related resources, please refer to the following documents:
ERDC Waitlist One-Pager:
- [English](invalid URL) | [Spanish](invalid URL) | [Russian](invalid URL) | [Chinese (Traditional)](invalid URL) | [Vietnamese](invalid URL)
ERDC Family Resource Guide:
- [English](invalid URL) | [Spanish](invalid URL) | [Russian](invalid URL) | [Chinese (Traditional)](invalid URL) | [Vietnamese](invalid URL)
211 and Early Learning Hubs: Your Local Support Networks
For personalized assistance and information about child care resources in your area, contact:
211Info:
- Dial: 211 or 1-866-698-6155
- Text: “children” to 898211
- Email: [email protected] (response within 24 hours)
- Website: [211Info](invalid URL)
Early Learning Hub Finder:
- [DELC’s Early Learning Hub Finder](invalid URL) (Open DELC’s Early Learning Hub Finder)
By utilizing these resources and understanding the details of the ERDC program, Oregon families can effectively navigate their options for accessing crucial child care support.
