Finding child care and finding affordable child care are a difficult part of being a parent. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends families pay no more 7% of their income on child care. Currently families in Walla Walla County spend between 15%-20% of their income on child care.
Using websites like the Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center and Child Care Check can be helpful to find child care.
When it comes to making child care more affordable, families most often think of Working Connections Child Care Subsidy, or Head Start and ECEAP programs. More information about state subsidies and Head Start/ECEAP programs in our area can be found here. In this post we will be talking about options for families not eligible for those programs.
Tax Credits
There are three tax credits available related to children and child care related costs: the earned income tax credit, child tax credit and the child and dependent care tax credit. More information about these tax credits are available here. When filing your taxes, remember these tax credits.
Military Divisions and Department of Defense Child Care Subsidies
Several military divisions and the Department of Defense offer child care subsidies. The best way to find out about these subsidies is to ask your supervisor and/or human resources contact. To see examples of the different divisions check out the web page from Child Care Aware.
The Army Corps of Engineers is a large employer in our area and they do offer a child care subsidy benefit for their employees. Learn more about how to apply here . The child care provider you are already using may qualify for this program. More information for providers here.
Federal Department Child Care Subsidies
There are several federal agencies and departments that offer a child care subsidy benefit. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a child care subsidy benefit, and our local Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center falls under the Department of Veterans Affairs. The best way to find out about these subsidies and your eligibility is to ask your supervisor and/or human resources contact. An overview of the program is available here, and specific forms needed are available here.
Military Veteran Child Care Subsidies
Veterans may be able to qualify for the child care benefits as Department of Veterans Affairs employees. The best way to find out about these subsidies and your eligibility is to ask your case manager, outreach coordinator or local Child Care Subsidy Point of Contact. An overview of the program is available here, and specific forms needed are available here.