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Family Care

Child Care Subsidy

The University of Rochester’s child care subsidy was created to help eligible employees with dependent care expenses by granting awards of up to $3,600/year per household.

Eligible faculty and staff whose total household gross income was less than $135,000 in 2022 (amount is subject to annual indexing) may apply for Calendar Year 2024. Awards are provided on an annual basis and follow the calendar year. You must apply each year if you wish to receive a subsidy. Subsidy awards are per family, so only one person need apply if both parents work at the University.

The subsidy is a reimbursement program distributed through the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If you receive a subsidy, you also may be eligible to make additional voluntary contributions on a pre-tax basis to your Dependent Care FSA, up to the total plan maximum of $5,000, or $2,500 for a married person filing separately. Only qualifying child care expenses under the Internal Revenue Code may be reimbursed with the subsidy. Your child care provider must provide a Tax Identification or Social Security number and must report the child care income on their tax return. A discussion of qualifying expenses can be found in IRS Publication 503. Please note: your child care subsidy award as well as any voluntary dependent care FSA contributions will be reported in Box 10 on your W-2. You should consult with your personal tax advisor regarding any tax impact for you, particularly if you do not claim the entire award you receive. Please review IRS Form 2441 with your personal tax advisor in determining how to account for your Dependent Care FSA benefits.

Application Window for Calendar Year 2024 is now closed.

Only new hires and those with a qualifying life event can apply outside of the application window. New Hires have 30 days post hire to submit a child care subsidy application and those with a Qualifying Life Event have 60 days to submit.

Review the 2024 Child Care Subsidy Summary.

For full details view the Family Care FAQs.

Eligibility
  • Regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, non-SEIU staff, Strong Memorial Hospital residents and fellows, and Postdoctoral Associates (job code 0093). Individuals covered by collective bargaining agreements receive benefits in accordance with those agreements (SEIU members are not eligible).
  • Based on IRS publication 503, you have a legal dependent child under age 13 whom you claim as a tax dependent on your federal income tax return (special rules apply for divorced parents), or any other dependent child on your tax return who resides with you and is physically or mentally disabled and will have estimated child/dependent care expenses during the enrolled calendar year or period.
  • You are unmarried, or have a spouse who meets one of the criteria below:
    • Employed at least part-time
    • A full-time student
    • Considered legally disabled
    • Looking for work
  • Have a total household gross income of less than $135,000 in 2022 (amount is subject to annual indexing) for Calendar Year 2024 (line 9 on your 1040).
Subsidy Amounts for Calendar Year 2024
  • Total household gross income is less than $78,000: Subsidy is $3,600/year ($300/month; $150/semi-monthly pay period; $138.46/biweekly pay period)
  • Total household gross income is between $78,000 and $103,999.99: Subsidy is $2,400/year ($200/month; $100/semi—monthly pay period; $92.31/biweekly pay period)
  • Total household gross income is between $104,000 and $134,999.99: Subsidy is $1,200/year ($100/month; $50/semi-monthly pay period; $46.15/biweekly pay period)
How to Apply
  • Eligible employees must complete and submit a child care subsidy application and supporting documentation during the Annual Application Window. Only newly eligible employees or those with a qualifying life event are eligible to apply outside of the Annual Application Window.
  • Application Window for Calendar Year 2024 is now closed.
    • New hires and qualifying events can apply outside of the Annual Application Window as defined for the Dependent Care FSA. New Hires have 30 days post hire to submit a child care subsidy application and those with a Qualifying Life Event have 60 days to submit.
  • Notification of Approval/Denial
    • Notification of approval or denial will be emailed prior to open enrollment
    • Mid-year applicants will be notified within one week of completed application
  • Required Documents for Calendar Year 2024:
    • Application
      • You will need your University Active Directory login to access the application. This application requires Duo two-factor authentication when connecting from outside the University’s networks.
    • 1040 (page 1 and page 2 of your 2022 IRS form 1040 as well as that of your spouse, if filed separately). This is not your paystub, W2 form or tax transcript.
    • Dependent Information Change Request Form if dependent(s) is/are not in HRMS/system. To check if your dependent(s) is listed follow this path in HRMS: Main Menu > Self Service > Benefits > Dependent/Beneficiary Info.
How to Claim a Subsidy
  1. Log into Lifetime Benefit Solutions (LBS). If you have not previously logged into your LBS account, please see new user instructions.
  2. Once you log in, you can confirm your personal information is correct > Accounts > Profile summary. Email familycare@rochester.edu if you have updates.
  3. To set up Direct Deposit, once you are logged in to your online account, hover over your name in the upper right corner and select Banking Cards. Under the Bank Accounts section, select View/Update to enter your updated information. If you do not, you will be mailed a check. We highly recommend direct deposit to receive your funds quicker.
  4. You will need a claim form and a formal receipt, if available. If you do not receive a formal receipt, there is a section on the claim form for your provider to complete. Information needed:
    • Care provider name
    • Social security/tax ID number
    • Dates of service
    • Dependent name(s)

5. You can submit a claim via the Lifetime Benefit Solutions member portal or mobile app. You also can complete a claim form and mail it to Lifetime Benefit Solutions.

6. On the Home page of the LBS site you will see the section “I Want To:” where you will start your claim. Select “Reimburse Myself” and move through the steps to upload your documentation.

7. LBS will email status updates throughout the process once you submit your claim.

Claim Details
  • The University of Rochester Child Care Subsidy will be distributed through the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). More about the Dependent Care FSA here.
  • Lifetime Benefit Solutions (LBS)  administers dependent care claim reimbursements for the University of Rochester Child Care Subsidy Program based on the same rules and regulations governing Dependent Care FSAs.
  • Claim forms and other important information can be found here.
  • You are not required to make voluntary, pre-tax contributions to your Dependent Care FSA. However, if you receive the University of Rochester Child Care Subsidy, you also may be eligible to make additional contributions to your Dependent Care FSA from your wages on a pre-tax basis. The IRS maximum amount you may contribute to a Dependent Care FSA, including both the University Child Care Subsidy and voluntary, pre-tax contributions, in 2024 is $5,000 for individuals or married couples filing jointly, or $2,500 for a married person filing separately. Please note: your child care subsidy award as well as any voluntary dependent care FSA contributions will be reported in Box 10 on your W-2. You should consult with your personal tax advisor regarding any tax impact for you, particularly if you do not claim the entire award you receive. Please review IRS Form 2441 with your personal tax advisor in determining how to account for your Dependent Care FSA benefits.
  • Postdoctoral Associates are not eligible for Dependent Care FSA’s. Please refer to the benefits summary for more details.
  • Funds are made available on a pro-rated basis throughout the program year. For example, if approved for an annual subsidy of $2,400, $200/month; $100/semi—monthly pay period; $92.31/biweekly pay period would become available each pay period.
Important to Know About Dependent Care FSA Plans
  • Each new calendar year starts a new plan year. The funds contributed to your Dependent Care account are only eligible to reimburse services in that same calendar year.
  • After the end of the year, you have 120 days to submit a claim for the prior year.
  • Any funds remaining in your account after the 120 day year end submission period will be forfeited and no longer available.
  • Child Care Subsidy Award payments stop as of your termination date or change to an ineligible status. You will have until April 30th following the end of the plan year to submit eligible expenses incurred during the previous plan year. The amount available for reimbursement is limited to the amount credited to your Dependent Care FSA, less any prior reimbursements.

Lifetime Benefit Solutions administers the University of Rochester Dependent Care FSA Plan and they are here to help you with your questions.  You can contact them via a toll free 800 customer service number or email as follows:

Toll-Free:  1-800-327-7130

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. EST

Email: LBS.CustomerService@LifetimeBenefitSolutions.com

Additional Child Care Benefits

Child Care at Work

The Children’s School at URMC, the University of Rochester’s on-site day care facility run by KinderCare Learning Centers. Call (585) 273-3677 for space availability and pricing.

Child Care Tuition Discount

Through this discount program at KinderCare locations locally and throughout the country, employees and students can save 10% on full-time, part-time, and drop-in tuition for children ages six weeks to 12 years at KinderCare’s 1,500+ child care centers or 450+ before- and after-school sites nationwide.

Care.com

Free Premium Care.com Memberships are available to support the diverse care needs of our employee population. Eligibility for this benefit includes regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, non-SEIU staff, Strong Memorial Hospital residents and fellows, and Postdoctoral Associates (0093). SEIU members are not eligible. Premium members can search the site and contact providers for child care, elder care, pet care, and household tasks. Plus, eligible employees for Care.com may advertise on the site to request services ranging from babysitting to running errands. Discounts for travel, home improvements, insurance, and more are also available through LifeMart by Care.com simply by accessing your free membership account.

Review the 2024 Care.com and Backup Care Summary.

Backup Care by Care.com

The University of Rochester now offers eligible faculty and staff access to Subsidized Backup Care through Care.com when there is a temporary disruption in normal care arrangements for children or adults. Eligibility for this benefit includes regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, non-SEIU staff, Strong Memorial Hospital residents and fellows, and Postdoctoral Associates (0093).

Care.com screens qualified caregivers to help you find in-home backup emergency care for children and adults, or in-center backup care for children. There is also the option to use Personal Network Backup Care, which allows you to identify and use care providers that you select on your own, and be reimbursed for their services.

Start your request for Backup Care online, through the Care.com app, or by calling 855-781-1303.

Your benefit includes:

  • Ten Backup Care days per year
  • In-home or center-based care for children and in-home adult care
  • Care.com Backup Care specialists to assist in locating screened and qualified caregivers
  • Personal Network use (using a caregiver outside of the Care network) with reimbursement
  • Pay for caregivers with a flat hourly co-pay based on your salary (Care.com will bill your credit card after service delivery)

To ensure that you’re prepared when the unexpected occurs, we recommend you register with Care.com well before any need arises. Sign up now and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a backup plan when you need it.

Review the 2024 Care.com and Backup Care Summary.

For full details view the Family Care FAQs.

Dependent Care FSA

A dependent care flexible spending account enables eligible employees to set aside a portion of each paycheck, tax free, to pay for dependent care expenses.

For Expecting and New Parents

Fertility Benefits

Certain University health insurance plans offer packages of infertility benefits for University employees to choose from with a lifetime maximum of $60,000 for fertility treatment (medical and Rx). For more details, contact the Excellus Dedicated Care team for plan information by email at EROC.SelectDedicated@excellus.com or by phone at (800) 659-2808. You can also contact the UR Specialty Pharmacy dedicated call line at (585) 273-4767 or via email at specialtypharmacy@urmc.rochester.edu for assistance with fertility-related Rx questions and pharmacy options.

Preparing for Baby and Leave Options

The birth or adoption of a child is an exciting and life-changing experience. Our helpful guide will help you understand the leave options available to you as a new parent, and link you to helpful resources for before and after your baby arrives including lactation services and support.

Dependent Term Life Insurance Coverage

If you elect Group Universal Life (GUL) insurance, you also may elect group term life insurance for your dependent child. No evidence of insurability is required if elected within 90 days of a family status change (which includes the birth or adoption of a child). Children are eligible from live birth to age 26. An employee’s first eligible newborn child is automatically covered for $2,500 for 31 days from the child’s live birth.

Resources for Parents

Dependent Tuition Benefit

If one of your dependent children is ready to attend college, the University offers a dependent children tuition waiver benefit.

Summer Sports Camps

For children ages 6 to 18, a variety of sports camps are offered through the University’s Athletics & Recreation Department over the summer.

Beyond the Classroom

This information resource on parenting and child care is available to University employees provided by KinderCare.

Care Resource Center

Get family and work/life related webinars, podcasts, guides, articles, and more at the Care Resource Center  provided and hosted by Care.com.

LifeMart by Care.com

Discounts for travel, home improvements, tutoring, and much more are available through LifeMart by Care.com simply by accessing your free membership account. Eligibility for this benefit includes regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, non-SEIU staff, Strong Memorial Hospital residents and fellows, and Postdoctoral Associates (0093). SEIU members are not eligible.

Elder Care

Care.com

Free Premium Care.com Memberships are available to support the diverse care needs of our employee population, including care for adults and elders. Eligibility for this benefit includes regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, non-SEIU staff, Strong Memorial Hospital residents and fellows, and Postdoctoral Associates (0093). SEIU members are not eligible. Premium members can search the site and contact providers for elder care, along with child care, pet care and household tasks.

Review the 2024 Care.com and Backup Care Summary.

Backup Care by Care.com

The University of Rochester now offers eligible faculty and staff access to Subsidized Backup Care through Care.com when there is a temporary disruption in normal care arrangements for adults. Eligibility for this benefit includes regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, non-SEIU staff, Strong Memorial Hospital residents and fellows, and Postdoctoral Associates (0093).

Care.com screens qualified caregivers to help you find in-home backup emergency care for adults. There is also the option to use Personal Network Backup Care, which allows you to identify and use care providers that you select on your own, and be reimbursed for their services.

Start your request for Backup Care online, through the Care.com app, or by calling 855-781-1303.

Your benefit includes:

  • Ten Backup Care days per year
  • In-home or center-based care for children and in-home adult care
  • Care.com Backup Care specialists to assist in locating screened and qualified caregivers
  • Personal Network use (using a caregiver outside of the Care network) with reimbursement
  • Pay for caregivers with a flat hourly co-pay based on your salary (Care.com will bill your credit card after service delivery)

To ensure that you’re prepared when the unexpected occurs, we recommend you register with Care.com well before any need arises. Sign up now and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a backup plan when you need it.

Review the 2024 Care.com and Backup Care Summary.

For full details view the Family Care FAQs.

Leave Options

Learn about options available to help you take time needed to care for a family member.

Wellness Support

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employees and their household members can turn to EAP for help with many personal and work-related issues including family/marriage/relationship issues, child/adolescent issues, parent/child problems, becoming a parent and much more. The EAP program also hosts events and seminars on topics including caring for aging parents and coping with work and family stress.

Well-U

The University’s health and wellness program, Well-U, is designed to inspire employees to engage in healthy habits and have numerous programs to explore to help live your best life in and out of work.

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