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435 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 6: Non-financial eligibility payment. This cost is called the copay. The caretaker’s copay is listed every month on their Child Care Billing (CCB) form. The copay is not increased during the 12-month certification period but may increase at renewal due to increased income or a change in the household. For Standard ERDC, the copay is calculated based on EDG size and countable income. For Categorical ERDC and Expanded Child Welfare (EXP-CW), the copay is set at $0. SNAP This does not apply to the SNAP program. For deductions of dependent care expenses, click here for Expenses and deductions. TANF This does not apply to the TANF program.

TANF JOBS Support Services does not allow payments for child care. ERDC Requirement to pay copay or make other satisfactory arrangements Families receiving ERDC are required to pay a portion of their child care costs, called a copay, directly to their child care provider. If a family does not pay their copay or make other satisfactory arrangements, their request to continue ERDC benefits may be denied at renewal or reapplication —except for those eligible under Categorical ERDC or EXP-CW. Families approved for Categorical ERDC or EXP-CW at renewal or reapplication will qualify regardless of an unpaid copay, as long as all other eligibility requirements are met.

Satisfactory arrangements Satisfactory arrangements may include bartering or income in-kind. For example, a caretaker could provide child care for their provider’s child(ren) instead of paying their copay. Caretakers and providers are encouraged to put any agreement in writing and to request a receipt when copay arrangements are made, whether the payment is in cash or through bartering. A receipt can help the caretaker clear future Copay Not Met instances. In situations where there are multiple providers caring for the child(ren), a primary provider is designated. The primary provider is the one who provides the most care. The Copay is usually paid to the primary provider but may be split between the primary provider and secondary provider in some cases. If the caretaker’s copay is higher than the billed amount or the ERDC-allowed maximum, the caretaker may owe less than their full copay. The Direct Pay Unit (DPU) will determine the final amount owed and may change the primary provider designation or divide the copay on future billing forms among all the providers who bill for care.

Report of unmet copay and DPU actions The provider has up to 60 days after the (Child Care Billing) CCB form is processed to notify DPU if the copay or satisfactory arrangements have not been made. If not reported within 60 days, DPU will consider the copay requirement met.