The Air Force (AF) Subsidy Program is a financial assistance initiative aimed at supporting military families in managing child care costs, particularly when on-base child care facilities are unavailable or insufficient. This program partially subsidizes the weekly child care fees for eligible families utilizing approved off-base child care providers.
Program Overview
The AF Subsidy Program is designed to bridge the gap between the higher costs of civilian child care and the fees typically charged at on-base facilities. Eligible families pay an amount comparable to what they would at a base child care facility, with the subsidy covering the difference.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AF Subsidy Program, families must meet specific criteria:
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Employment Status: Both parents or guardians must be employed full-time, or one must be a full-time student while the other is employed.
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Military Affiliation: The program is available to active-duty Air Force personnel, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, and, in certain cases, Air National Guard and Reserve members on active duty status.
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Child Care Provider: Families must use approved off-base child care facilities that participate in the subsidy program.
Application Process
Eligible families should contact their installation’s Child and Youth Programs (CYP) point of contact to initiate the application process. Required documentation includes:
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Completed enrollment forms with the selected child care provider.
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Verification of income, such as Leave and Earnings Statements (LES).
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If applicable, proof of full-time student status.
The installation’s Family Child Care (FCC) coordinator will guide families through the necessary steps and ensure all paperwork is completed accurately.
Benefits of the Program
The primary advantage of the AF Subsidy Program is the reduction of out-of-pocket child care expenses for military families. By subsidizing the cost difference between civilian and military child care rates, the program alleviates financial burdens, allowing families to access quality child care services without compromising their budgets.
FAQs
Q1: What is the purpose of the AF Subsidy Program?
A1: The program aims to make child care more affordable for military families by subsidizing the cost of off-base child care services when on-base options are unavailable.
Q2: Who is eligible for the AF Subsidy Program?
A2: Eligibility extends to active-duty Air Force personnel, DoD civilians, and certain Air National Guard and Reserve members on active duty, provided they meet specific employment and child care provider criteria.
Q3: How do I apply for the subsidy?
A3: Contact your installation’s Child and Youth Programs point of contact or Family Child Care coordinator to begin the application process and submit the required documentation.
Q4: Are there specific child care providers I must use?
A4: Yes, the subsidy applies to approved off-base child care facilities that participate in the program. Your FCC coordinator can provide a list of eligible providers.
Q5: Does the subsidy cover the full cost of child care?
A5: No, the subsidy covers the difference between the on-base child care fee (based on your total family income) and the higher cost of the off-base provider. Families are responsible for paying the on-base equivalent fee.
