Employment Related Day Care Program: Your Guide to Oregon’s ERDC

Navigating child care can be a significant challenge for working families. In Oregon, the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program offers crucial support by helping eligible families afford quality child care, allowing them to maintain employment, pursue education, or engage in essential family well-being activities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the ERDC program, its eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to navigate the application process, including the waitlist.

Understanding the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Program

The ERDC program is designed to assist Oregon families who need financial support to access child care services. Administered by the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), ERDC aims to ensure that parents can work, attend school, or participate in specific programs without the overwhelming burden of child care expenses. It acts as a vital resource, promoting family stability and workforce participation within the state.

Who is Eligible for the ERDC Program?

To qualify for the Employment Related Day Care Program in Oregon, families must meet specific criteria related to residency, employment or education status, child care necessity, and income. Let’s break down each requirement:

Residency:

• Families must reside within the state of Oregon.

Employment, Education, or TANF Receipt:

• Working Families: Parents must be employed. In two-parent households, both parents are generally required to be working.
• Students: Parents attending school or vocational training are also eligible.
• TANF Recipients: Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) automatically meet this requirement.
• Exceptions for Two-Parent Families: Exceptions to the two-parent work/school requirement may be granted in specific situations, such as when one parent cannot provide child care due to a documented medical or mental health condition, or if supervised parental contact is mandated by the state.

Need for Child Care:

• Child care must be necessary to enable parents to work, attend school, or participate in family well-being activities. These activities can include crucial appointments and engagements that support the overall health and stability of the family unit.

Child’s Age and Care Needs:

• Children Under 13: The program primarily serves children under the age of 13 who require child care.
• Children Aged 13-17: In specific circumstances, care may be provided for children aged 13 to 17 if they have special needs or circumstances that necessitate continued child care.

Income Limits:

• Families must meet specific income limits to be eligible for ERDC. These limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level and State Median Income and vary depending on family size and whether it’s the initial application or ongoing benefits. (More details on income limits are provided in the next section).

Approved Child Care Provider:

• It’s important to note that the child care provider chosen by the family must be approved to receive ERDC payments. This approval process is separate from being a licensed child care provider. Families can access a list of approved providers through the DELC.

Alt text: A child engrossed in play with colorful toys in a day care setting, highlighting the nurturing environment supported by employment related day care programs.

Income Guidelines for ERDC in Oregon

The ERDC program utilizes income limits to determine eligibility, ensuring that assistance reaches families with the greatest financial need. These income limits are structured differently for initial applications versus ongoing benefits, allowing families to increase their earnings while still receiving support.

Initial Application Income Limits:

• These limits are in place when a family first applies for ERDC. As of March 1, 2024, the initial income threshold is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This means that to begin receiving ERDC benefits, a family’s income must be below this percentage based on their household size.

Ongoing and Exit Income Limits:

• Once enrolled in ERDC, families can experience income growth without immediately losing their benefits. The ongoing and exit income limits are more generous, set at 250% of the Federal Poverty Level or 85% of the State Median Income, whichever is higher. This structure supports families in their journey toward financial stability, allowing for career advancement without immediate loss of child care assistance.

Income Limit Tables:

• (The original article included income limit tables which would ideally be recreated or linked to for the most up-to-date figures. For this example, we will refer to the concept). It’s crucial to consult the official ERDC program resources for the most current income limit charts, as these figures are subject to change. These charts clearly outline the income thresholds based on family size for both initial and ongoing eligibility.

Alt text: A smiling parent and child, symbolizing the positive impact of employment related day care programs on families, enabling parents to work while ensuring children’s well-being.

How Does the Employment Related Day Care Program Work?

Once a family is approved for ERDC, the DELC directly assists with child care payments. This financial assistance is designed to cover a range of child care needs directly linked to parents’ employment, education, or family well-being activities.

Covered Child Care Hours:

• Work or School Hours: ERDC covers the hours parents are actively engaged in work or attending classes.
• Meal Breaks at Work: Recognizing the realities of work schedules, ERDC also includes meal times taken during work hours.
• Travel Time: Crucially, travel time between the child care provider and the parent’s workplace or school is also covered, acknowledging the logistical aspects of managing work and child care.
• Night Shift Sleep: For parents working night shifts, ERDC can extend to cover sleep hours, ensuring adequate rest and well-being.
• Study Hours: Students receiving ERDC benefits can also have child care costs covered for study hours, supporting their academic success.
• Family Well-being Activities: This broad category encompasses appointments and activities essential for family health and stability, ensuring comprehensive support.

Payment Structure:

• ERDC operates as a subsidy program. While it significantly reduces child care costs, families may still be responsible for a copayment. As of August 2023, the average copay was a modest amount, and copays are capped at a percentage of a family’s monthly income, ensuring affordability.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care:

• ERDC offers flexibility in child care arrangements. Notably, families can choose to have a family member, friend, or neighbor become their paid child care provider, provided they meet the DELC’s approval criteria. This option can be particularly beneficial for families seeking culturally familiar or more personalized care settings.

Alt text: A dedicated daycare provider engaging with children in a learning activity, illustrating the quality care facilitated by employment related day care programs.

Navigating the ERDC Waitlist: What Families Need to Know

Due to increased demand and funding limitations, the ERDC program has implemented a waitlist. It’s important for families to understand how this waitlist operates and what it means for accessing child care assistance.

Waitlist Activation:

• The waitlist was activated in November 2023 in response to a surge in program enrollment, which exceeded available funding.

Impact on Current ERDC Recipients:

• Crucially, if you are already receiving ERDC benefits, the waitlist does not affect you. Your benefits will continue uninterrupted, provided you recertify on time.

Waitlist Placement for New Applicants:

• New applicants for ERDC will generally be placed on the waitlist. However, certain categories of families are exempt and may skip the waitlist, allowing them to access benefits more quickly.

Waitlist Exemption Categories:

• TANF/TA-DVS Recipients: Families currently or recently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) are prioritized.
• Child Welfare Referrals: Families referred by the Child Welfare Division of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are also exempt.
• Recent ERDC Re-applicants: Families reapplying for ERDC within two months of their previous benefits ending can skip the waitlist, ensuring continuity of care.
• ERDC Contracted Slots: Families eligible for an ERDC contracted slot, such as those within Baby Promise or specific Head Start programs, can also bypass the waitlist. These slots are part of DELC’s partnerships with high-quality child care settings in specific Oregon regions.

Wait Time Expectations:

• It’s important to be prepared for a potentially extended wait. Families may remain on the waitlist for an estimated 18 months, or possibly longer, depending on funding levels and program capacity. Movement off the waitlist is contingent on significant caseload reduction or increased program funding.

ERDC Waitlist FAQs: Answers for Oregon Families

Understanding the nuances of the ERDC waitlist is crucial for families seeking child care assistance. Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

Can any families skip the waitlist?

• Yes, as detailed above, specific categories of families are eligible to bypass the waitlist. These exemptions are in place to prioritize families with the most pressing needs and ensure program continuity for those already connected.

Can I still apply for ERDC if I am not currently receiving it?

• Absolutely. You are encouraged to apply for ERDC even with the waitlist in effect. Upon application, you will be screened to determine if you qualify for a waitlist exemption. If you are not initially exempt, you can proceed with the full eligibility process to confirm your waitlist status or potential exemption.

How do I apply for ERDC and join the waitlist?

• Applying for ERDC and getting placed on the waitlist (or screened for exemption) is a straightforward process:
  • Online: Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services benefits portal at Benefits.Oregon.gov.
  • Local Office: Visit or call your local ODHS office. You can find contact information through the ODHS office finder.
  • Phone: Call the toll-free number: 1-800-699-9075.
  • When applying for ERDC, you can also apply for other support programs like SNAP food benefits and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) simultaneously, streamlining the application process for multiple assistance programs.

What are the steps for applying for ERDC?

• Step 1: Apply: Submit your application through one of the methods listed above.
• Step 2: Provide Verification: You will need to provide documentation to verify your eligibility, such as pay stubs or proof of income. A program checklist provides examples of required verification. Verification can be submitted after your initial application if you are unsure what to provide immediately.
• Step 3: Complete an Interview: An interview is a mandatory step in the ERDC application process. Interviews can be conducted when you submit your application or scheduled by phone or mail.

What is an ERDC contracted slot?

• ERDC contracted slots are part of a DELC initiative to partner with specific high-quality child care programs, like Baby Promise and certain Head Start programs. DELC contracts with these partners to reserve slots specifically for children receiving ERDC, ensuring access to quality care in designated regions of Oregon.

What to expect while on the waitlist?

• If placed on the waitlist, you will receive a notification including your waitlist number, information about your right to appeal, and resources for alternative child care options.
• Regular communication will be provided while you are on the waitlist.
• When funding becomes available, families will be selected from the waitlist based on their application date, with the earliest applicants prioritized. Selected families will receive a notice inviting them to reapply for ERDC 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 waitlist. While it indicates your initial place in line, a lower number does not guarantee immediate access to ERDC. Waitlist numbers are not adjusted as families are removed from the list, and circumstances can change, potentially qualifying families for exemptions regardless of their number.

Am I guaranteed a spot on ERDC if I’m on the waitlist?

• No, waitlist placement does not guarantee ERDC benefits. The waitlist duration is expected to be at least 18 months, and actual access to ERDC depends on funding availability and program capacity. When invited to reapply from the waitlist, eligibility will be reassessed based on your current income and family circumstances.

Once pulled off the waitlist, will I need to reapply?

• Yes, reapplying is necessary when you are invited off the waitlist. This ensures that your eligibility is reassessed based on your current situation when funding becomes available.

If my circumstances change while on the waitlist, should I reapply?

• Yes, absolutely. If your circumstances change and you believe you may now qualify for a waitlist exemption (e.g., TANF receipt, Child Welfare referral, etc.), you should reapply immediately to ensure your eligibility is re-evaluated.

What if I already get ERDC and am concerned about the waitlist?

• If you are currently receiving ERDC, the waitlist has no direct impact on your ongoing benefits. Continue to recertify on time to maintain your eligibility and avoid any disruption in your child care assistance. You will also bypass the waitlist if you reapply within two months of your benefits ending.

How can I find a child care provider if approved for ERDC?

• (The original article does not provide specific guidance on finding a provider. This would be an area to expand in a truly helpful and SEO-optimized article, potentially linking to provider search resources).

Will I have to pay anything if approved for ERDC?

• As ERDC is a subsidy, most families will have a copayment, but these are designed to be affordable. The average copayment is low, and the maximum copay is capped at a small percentage of your monthly income.

Resources for Families Seeking Employment Related Day Care Assistance

Navigating child care resources can be complex. Here are key resources to support Oregon families:

ERDC Waitlist Resources:

• ERDC Waitlist One-Pager: Provides a concise overview of the waitlist. Available in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese.
• ERDC Family Resource Guide: A comprehensive guide for families utilizing or seeking ERDC. Available in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese.

211 and Early Learning Hubs:

• These organizations offer localized support and information on child care resources.
  • 211 Info:
    • Dial 211 or 1-866-698-6155
    • Text “children” to 898211
    • Email [email protected]
    • Website: 211Info
  • Early Learning Hub Finder: Locate your local Early Learning Hub through DELC’s finder: DELC Early Learning Hub Finder.

By understanding the Employment Related Day Care program and utilizing available resources, Oregon families can access crucial support for child care, enabling them to thrive in their careers and build stable futures.