The VA Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) is a vital initiative designed to provide financial relief to eligible Veterans Affairs (VA) employees struggling with the costs of childcare. Rooted in Public Law 107-67, enacted on November 12, 2001, this program allows federal agencies, including the VA, to utilize allocated funds to assist their workforce with childcare expenses. This support comes in the form of direct subsidies paid to qualified, licensed childcare providers, effectively reducing out-of-pocket childcare costs for participating VA employees.
This program is specifically for full-time VA employees who have been employed for a minimum of 60 calendar days. It is crucial to understand that the VA childcare subsidy is not paid directly to the employee but is instead channeled directly to the childcare provider. The Office of Management, Planning & Analysis (MP&A), within HRA/OSP, oversees the operational aspects of the Child Care Subsidy Program, ensuring its smooth functioning and adherence to regulations.
The core purpose of the VA Child Care Subsidy Program is to ease the financial strain of childcare expenses for VA employees. It is available to all permanent full-time VA staff members, including those stationed in U.S. territories, who meet specific total family income (TFI) criteria and utilize services from a qualified licensed childcare provider. Currently, the eligibility threshold for total family income is set at $149,001.
The amount of childcare cost covered by the VA subsidy is determined by the employee’s total household income, as detailed in the table below:
| Total Household Income | % of Total Child Care Cost Paid by VA |
|---|---|
| Under $34,999 | 45 |
| $35,000 – $49,999 | 40 |
| $50,000 – $59,999 | 35 |
| $60,000 – $79,999 | 30 |
| $80,000 – $149,000 | 25 |
| $149,001 and above | 0 |
| Maximum subsidy benefit for each household is $416.66 per month. |
For VA employees interested in applying for the Child Care Subsidy Program or seeking further information, the VA Childcare website, accessible through the VA intranet, is the primary resource. Alternatively, individuals can reach out to their local Human Resources Work Life Benefits Team for assistance. It is important to note that paper applications are not accepted for this program; all applications must be submitted electronically.
If a VA Child Care Center is not conveniently located, the program allows the use of any state-licensed and/or state-regulated childcare facility, providing flexibility for employees in choosing suitable care arrangements.
To complete the application process for the VA Child Care Subsidy Program, several forms and documents are required. These include:
- VA Form 0730a, VA Child Care Subsidy Employee Application (electronic version via CCRMS)
- VA Form 0730b, Child Care Provider Information (to be completed by the provider)
- Copy of the childcare provider’s state license or regulatory documentation
- Schedule of childcare fees from the provider for each child
- Copy of the most recent SF-50, Notice of Personnel Action
- Copies of the last two (2) Earnings and Leave (E&L) Statements
- Signed and dated copies of the previous year’s Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040), including for spouse if applicable
- Copy of the most recent year’s W-2 Form(s)
- Marriage License, Domestic Partner Registration, or Civil Union Registration, Divorce Decree with a raised seal (if applicable)
- State Birth certificate with a raised seal or HR Specialist verification
- Foster care or Adoption documentation (if applicable)
- Medical Certification for disabled children between 13 and 17 years (yearly update required)
By providing this subsidy, the VA demonstrates its commitment to supporting its employees in balancing their professional responsibilities with family needs, ensuring a more secure and stable environment for VA personnel and their families.
