Effective January 1, 2020, the Welfare Fund is providing a Child Care Benefit, which will reimburse eligible members up to the following maximum annual benefit amounts per household per calendar year, for covered childcare expenses actually paid for a dependent child age 12 or under:

Households with one (1) eligible child would be eligible for a maximum annual benefit of up to $300.

Households with two (2) eligible children would be eligible for a maximum annual benefit of up to $400.

Households with three (3) eligible children or more would be eligible for a maximum annual benefit of up to $500.

Extension of the program beyond the one-year pilot period is subject to review by the Fund.

“Dependent children”, as defined by the Fund, include a member’s natural children, legally adopted children, including children in a waiting period prior to finalization of adoption and dependent stepchildren. Other children who reside permanently with a member in their household and who are chiefly dependent on the member for support are also eligible if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued a certificate of guardianship. (For these children, a statement of dependency must be filed with the Fund office. Foster children are not eligible.)

Eligible Expenses for Reimbursement

To be eligible for reimbursement, childcare expenses must have been incurred for services rendered by a nursery school, preschool, day/overnight camp or similar program or for before¬ school or after-school care. The provider may be a member’s relative who is not their dependent.

Excluded Expenses

• Expenses for services rendered by a member’s eligible dependent.

• Expenses for services rendered by the parent of the child.

How to Obtain the Benefit

Complete a Child Care Reimbursement benefit claim form with supporting documentation, including, proof of payment of covered expenses in the form of a cash receipt, invoice showing payment, canceled check(s) or credit card statement and submit same to the Welfare Fund office. The claim form is available at the Fund office or on-line at www.mightyunionfunds.org

The SSEU Local 371 Welfare Fund cannot provide tax advice with respect to child care reimbursement benefits. You must speak with your accountant or tax preparer for such assistance.