DCAP and Employer-Sponsored Assistance

Dependent Care Assistance Plans

Some companies offer a DCAP program, which allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 of their pre-tax salary per year to pay for dependent care expenses. There are certain restrictions that apply -- e.g., unspent funds are usually not refundable to the employee. Speak with the benefits coordinator at your workplace for more details on the plan.

Employer-Sponsored Assistance

Many employers now offer some form of employer-sponsored child care assistance to their employees. Some examples of assistance include:

• Matching funds or subsidy programs that are paid for by the employer for employees' child care needs. This is offered as an employee benefit.
• Work and family resources, offered through the HR department, that may include enhanced child care referral services, elder care, and work/life issues.
• Employer funding for camp programs for employees' children during school and summer vacations.
• Some employers offer on-site care for mildly ill children and emergency back-up care.

For other examples, please call or e-mail us.