How the Waitlist Works

Some families can skip the waitlist including:

Families reapplying for ERDC within two months of benefits ending

Families getting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Families getting Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS)

Families who got TANF or TA-DVS within 3 months of applying for ERDC

Families referred by the Child Welfare division of the Oregon Department of Human Services

Families eligible for an ERDC contracted slot

These exemptions were previously established in Oregon rule.

Yes, you can still apply for ERDC. When the waitlist is active, you will be screened to see if you can skip the waitlist when you apply. If you are eligible to skip the waitlist, you will go through the ERDC eligibility process. If you are not eligible to skip based on the initial screening, you can continue through the full ERDC eligibility process to double check whether you can skip the waitlist. If you are still not eligible to skip, you will be given a spot on the waitlist.

You can apply in the following ways:

Visit Benefits.Oregon.gov

Go to or call your local office

Dial 1-800-699-9075

You can apply for ERDC and be screened to skip or join the ERDC waitlist in the following ways:

Visit Benefits.Oregon.gov

Go to or call your local offic e

Dial 1-800-699-9075

When you apply for ERDC, you can also apply for other benefits like SNAP food benefits and Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).

Baby Promise and specific Head Start programs are considered ERDC contracted slots. ERDC contracted slots mean that DELC contracts with specific partners to hold slots for children receiving ERDC. These contracted slots are located in high-quality child-care settings in specific regions in Oregon.

Step 1: Apply – You can apply for ERDC and other benefits like SNAP food benefits and Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) for yourself and other members of your household the following ways:

Visit Benefits.Oregon.gov

Go to or call your local office

Dial 1-800-699-9075

Step 2: Provide Verification – Required verification like pay stubs or proof of income will need to be submitted as part of the application. You can view examples of verification found on this program checklist . If you are unsure of what to provide, you can submit verification after your interview.

Step 3: Complete an interview – An interview is required to receive ERDC benefits. You can complete the interview when your application is submitted or you will be contact by phone or mail with an appointment time.