Resources

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Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

This is a way to set aside pre-tax money to pay for dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before and after school programs, and child daycare. Call 877-FSAFEDS (372-3337) or go to www.FSAFEDS.com for more information. If you are not a federal employee, you can reach out to your human resources department to see if your employer offers a flexible spending account that you can use for child care costs.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Depending on your income, you may qualify for a tax credit. Due to the American Rescue Plan of 2021, the child tax credit was increased to $3,000 per child ($3,600 per child under the age of 6). Beginning in July 2021 and continuing for the rest of 2021, the IRS is paying half of the credit due to a household via monthly payments. These monthly payments arrive around the 15th of every month. You can find more information about the Advanced Child Tax Credit Payments here. Please see IRS Publication 503 at www.irs.gov, or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 regarding any tax related questions you may have. You can also talk with a tax professional to determine what will work best in your situation.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services - Children

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is a great resource that covers a wide range of topics. Information on their website includes links about child care and early learning, Children's Health Insurance Program or CHIP, clearances and background checks, and early intervention services. Please visit their website at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Children/Pages/default.aspx for more information.

Early Learning Resource Center

Located at 415 N Main St in Wilkes-Barre, this organization offers child care referrals and information on how to help paying for child care costs. This includes information about the subsidized child care program. They can be reached via phone at 570-704-5333 or toll-free at 1-833-229-6925. They can also be reached via email at elrcregion11@cscinc.org.

Luzerne County Assistance Office

This office can provide local assistance information about a wide variety of services in Luzerne County. Their phone number is 570-826-2100, and their toll-free number is 1-866-220-9320. Please see www.dhs.pa.gov for additional information about available assistance and to file an application for help.

Paid Parental Leave - FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ONLY

If you are a federal employee, you may be eligible for up to twelve weeks of paid parental leave. If you think that you may be eligible for the program or have additional questions, please contact your supervisor. Each federal agency may have different requirements to be eligible for the program.