AmeriCorps Child Care Program

AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits Program

The AmeriCorps Child Care Benefit Program is available for qualified, active, full-time AmeriCorps VISTA, NCCC, and State and National Members who need the benefit to serve; eligibility requirements are listed below for each AmeriCorps program. Child care benefits are paid directly to qualified child care providers for all or of part of the member’s child care costs during their active time of service with AmeriCorps; child care benefit payments cannot be paid directly to AmeriCorps members. Child care benefits may not exceed applicable payment rates as established in the state in which the child care is provided under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858c(4)(A)).

Member Eligibility Requirements

AmeriCorps VISTA
The maximum amount of child care assistance a VISTA member can receive is up to $400 per child per month¹. To qualify for the child care benefit, the VISTA member must meet the following requirements:

The VISTA members’ household income must not exceed the limit determined by the state in which the child care is provided; this limit is different for each state and may change annually. In determining household income, the member’s living allowance is disregarded.
The member must not currently receive a child care subsidy from another source.
The member must be the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age 13.
The child must reside with the member.

A VISTA who is approved to receive the child care benefit may apply a portion of the subsidy to cover the cost for child care while the VISTA attends Pre-Service Orientation.

AmeriCorps NCCC
The maximum amount of child care assistance a NCCC member can receive is up to $400 per child per month¹. To qualify for the child care benefit, the NCCC member must meet the following requirements:

The NCCC member’s household income must not exceed the limit determined by the state in which the child care is provided. This limit is different for each state and may change annually. In determining household income, the member’s living allowance is disregarded.
The member must not currently receive a child care subsidy from another source.
The member must be the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age 13.
The child should not be living with the member; the legal guardian or family member with whom the child is living should also be the child care provider.

AmeriCorps State and National
AmeriCorps child care benefits are available to full-time State and National members who qualify. To qualify for the child care benefit, the member must meet the following eligibility requirements:

The State and National member’s household income must not exceed 75% of the state’s median income for a family of the same size; this limit is different for each state and may change annually. In determining household income, the member’s living allowance is disregarded.
The member must not currently receive a child care subsidy from another source at the time of acceptance into the program (including a parent or guardian) which would continue to be provided while the member serves in the program.
The member must be the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age 13.
The child must reside with the member.

Child Care Provider Eligibility Requirements

Child care benefits are paid to qualified child care providers for all or of part of the member’s child care costs during their active time of service with AmeriCorps. Child care subsidy benefits are paid directly to qualified child care providers; child care benefit payments cannot be paid directly to AmeriCorps members. Child care providers must meet eligibility requirements as regulated under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858n (5)); regulations vary by state and are subject to change annually.

AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits Administration

GAP Solutions, Inc. (GAPSI) administers the AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits Program for the Corporation for National and Community Service and therefore members must apply directly to GAPSI for the child care benefit. Interested and eligible members should visit the GAP Solutions, Inc. website at: www.americorpschildcare.com or call toll-free at 855-886-0687 for more information.

Application Process

How do I apply?
Members may apply online with GAP Solutions, Inc. or inquire about hard copy application submittal by visiting www.americorpschildcare.com; required forms and supporting documentation are detailed below.

Member Forms and Supporting Documentation Required:

Application - a completed and signed AmeriCorps Member Child Care Benefits Application.

AmeriCorps Enrollment Letter.

A copy of a birth certificate for each child under 13 who needs child care services.

Legal Custody Documentation - if the member is not the biological parent of the child who needs child care services, the member must submit proof to show parental or guardian status, including: legal guardianship, adoptive parent, foster parent or step parent.

Income and Tax Documentation - official documentation to verify total salaries and wages for all adult members of the household, including 4 weeks of the most recent paycheck stubs, and a copy of the most recent federal income tax return.

Other Income - members must provide proof of all other household income for all household members, including: child support, SSI or other disability income, retirement income, social security benefits, unemployment benefits, alimony, veteran benefits, workers compensation benefits, AFDC and TANF. Additional documentation may be required for any other source of household income in accordance with the CCDF Block Grant program guidelines for the state or territory where the child care services are provided.

Child Care Provider Forms and Supporting Documentation Required:

Application - each child care provider must complete and sign an AmeriCorps Child Care Provider Application.

Taxpayer and Business Documentation – documentation includes the provider SSN or TIN and completed IRS W-9 form.

Certifications - copy of the current child care provider license for each child care provider, or proof that they are licensed, regulated, or in compliance with the state or territory guidelines for an eligible child care provider under the CCDF Block Grant program.

Provider Billing Rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to process my completed AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits Application?
Upon submission of your complete application to GAP Solutions, Inc. you will receive confirmation within 3 business days about the status of your application (incomplete or in review); if you have submitted an incomplete application, you will be notified at that time about what steps or documentation remain outstanding to process your application. Typically it takes about five business days for complete applications to be processed; during high volume times (August – October), it may take up to twelve business days.

What will delay my application from being approved in a timely manner?
Missing documentation from the member and/or provider are common deals in application processing; please refer to the AmeriCorps Child Care Program website at: http://www.americorpschildcare.com/ for a detailed list of required forms and supporting documentation. Common delays occur due to a failure to submit a birth certificate for the child, failure to submit proof of household income, and failure of a child care provider to submit a complete application.

How can I find out more about State Benefit Limits and why is it so difficult to figure out my own eligibility?
Each of the 50 states and 5 territories establishes their own regulations for implementing the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 and each state and territory can change these requirements whenever it wants. Some states publish information on public websites however the information is often lengthy and unclear. GAP Solutions, Inc. has information on the eligibility requirements for each state and is your resource for determining your eligibility and rate; please contact GAP Solutions, Inc. for assistance in the application process and with questions about eligibly.

Can I use a family member for child care?
It depends on the state in which the care is provided; some states allow a relative to serve as an approved provider and some states do not. Please note, providers may not live in the same household as the member and child.

How many child care providers can I use if I am approved for the benefit?
Members may have multiple providers and additionally, child care providers may change at any time. ALL providers must go through the application process and become approved providers before consideration for reimbursement for the members child care needs.

My spouse is unemployed but looking for work; am I eligible for the benefit?
You may be eligible for a partial benefit for 90 days; please contact GAP Solutions, Inc. for assistance in the application process and with questions about eligibly.

My spouse is self-employed and does note have a standard salary check to verify income; what documents are acceptable to provide to document self-employment?
GAP Solutions, Inc. will work with you to find a way to document the income of your spouse.

What if the Monthly Child Care Benefit is Less Than the Provider's Monthly Charges?
The AmeriCorps member is responsible for paying all child care charges in excess of the child care subsidy benefit amount. The child care benefit cannot exceed the prevailing rate established by the state or territory where the child care services are provided.

I am a VISTA that attended PSO and put my child in child care; can I get reimbursed?
If your application is approved you may submit the invoices and attendance records for your child while you attended a PSO. If approved, the cost of that child care will be deducted from the $400 per child per month maximum for that month in which you attended the PSO.

My spouse is employed part-time; am I eligible for the benefit?
You may qualify for a part time child care benefit; full benefits however cannot be provided if the spouse has a part time job.

How does my provider receive the child care benefits each month?
Child care providers are paid in accordance with the member’s approved award rate and after completed documentation has been submitted to GAP Solutions, Inc. demonstrating the child care services needed and delivered for the previous month; please note, providers are not pre-paid for child care services. The member or the child care providers must submit a completed AmeriCorps Child Care Program Monthly Attendance Log which is available at: http://www.americorpschildcare.com/Forms.aspx. The member and the child care provider must sign and certify each invoice and monthly attendance log to confirm the following before processing:

The child’s attendance for each day, each week and each month.

The total charges for child care services rendered during each week and the total for the month.

The child care provider is an eligible provider in accordance with the CCDF Block Grant program guidelines for the state or territory where the child care services were provided.

In addition, the member must sign and certify the following:

The member is still an active participate in the AmeriCorps Program and that
nothing has changed in regards to their total household income that will impact their eligibility in accordance with the CCDF Block Grant program guidelines for the state or territory where the child care services were provided.

When is my child care provider’s invoice due to GAPSI?
To ensure all invoices are paid in a timely manner, attendance sheet should be submitted to GAPSI by the 7^th of every month.

How long will it take to process my provider’s invoice?
Typically it takes about 15 days for invoices to be processed; during high volume times (August – October), it may take up to 30 days.

What will delay my providers invoice from being paid in a timely manner?
Failure to provide a complete and accurate application and invoice are the most common delays in processing provider payments.

My child care provider has not been paid; what can I do?
First, ask your child care provider if they have done the following:

Has your provider submitted a complete application?

Has your provider submitted the monthly attendance verification?

Has your provider submitted an invoice?

Second, contact GAP Solutions, Inc. for an explanation.

My provider is unsure, confused or has questions about the application process; how can I help my provider?
Ensure you provider has an understanding of the AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits Program, eligibility requirements, and payment procedures. It is important that providers understand their responsibilities in the application process and the ongoing requirements for benefits payment.

My provider is requiring that I pay child care up front; what can I do?
Providers are not pre-paid for child care services rather they are paid after completed documentation has been submitted to GAP Solutions, Inc. demonstrating the child care services needed and delivered for the previous month. It is recommended that members are clear and in agreement with what requirements their child care provider may have of them for payment before having the provider come on as an ‘approved provider’ with the AmeriCorps Child Care Benefits Program. Remember, you as the member are responsible for paying all child care charges in excess of the child care subsidy benefit amount awarded.

I am beginning another term of service with AmeriCorps, do I have to reapply?
Yes. Members starting another term of service with AmeriCorps are required to reapply however there may be instances where supportive documentation from your previous application is still adequate. Please contact GAP Solutions, Inc. to find out which documents you are required to resubmit along with your new application.

Who can I Contact to ask Additional Questions about the AmeriCorps Child Care Program?
You may contact GAP Solutions, Inc. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST to ask questions about the AmeriCorps Child Care Program in general or inquire about your child care benefits. GAP Solutions, Inc. may be contacted via email at: AmericorpsChildCare@gapsi.com or by toll-free telephone number at 855-886-0687.

Downloadable copies:
List of individual/state territory CCDF Plans (PDF)
Child Care Fact Sheet (PDF)

¹State Benefit Limits - Child care subsidy benefits may not exceed applicable payment rates as established by the state in which the child care is provided under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858c(4)(A)). The maximum child care subsidy provided by the Corporation for an AmeriCorps VISTA or NCCC member is up to $400 per child. When determining rates, states consider such factors as the number of hours a day a child is in care, age of child, provider licensing, etc.