FAmily Resources
All parents have questions about their children’s behavior, growth, and development. The challenges of parenting seem never-ending and constantly evolving. We provide resources for parents that answer many of the questions that will inevitably arise when raising children. Find out about joining Parent Information and Action Center for the answers you are seeking.
Parent Information and Action Center
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Tax Credits for Families
Tax season
Do you fear doing your taxes or feel that it is a chore? It doesn’t have to be scary or take a lot of work. If you prepare ahead of time, you will find it easy to do. Make sure you’re aware of the tax credits available for families that can lower your taxable income.
Resources:
April 15 will be here before we know it, and many people will be scrambling to file their taxes. Do you know what this means for your family? There are many credits taxpayers may take for various life events that often go overlooked. Below are just a few credits specifically for families, taken from the Internal Revenue Service website (www.irs.gov).
Helping Families Put Money in Their Pockets!
You could get up to thousands of dollars in tax credits for you and your family. Whether or not you owe income tax, if you work and have children you could qualify for:
- Up to $2,100 from the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit;
- Up to $4,824 from the federal Earned Income Credit; and
- Up to $1,000 per child from the federal Child Tax Credit. And this year, 3 million more children will be eligible for the Child Tax Credit - so don't miss out!
To get these credits, you must file a tax return.
Find out where you can get FREE help with your taxes:
Call the IRS toll-free at (800) TAX-1040 or (800) 829-1040
Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov
Military Operation Child Care
Website: http://www.naccrra.org/MilitaryPrograms/
WHO is eligible to participate?
Families/child guardians of National Guard and Reserve Service members activated/deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism are eligible to participate during the period of the Military Parent's deployment period and for 30 days after the return of the Military Parent.
Families/child guardians of deployed Active Duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who are unable to access care on military installations are eligible during the deployment period and for 60 days after the return of the Military Parent.
Note: The subsidy program is intended to help support military spouses' employment, education, or special medical circumstances. Subsidies will only be provided to single parent families, families with a working spouse, or one who is enrolled in school. It will also be provided to families where the spouse is looking for work for a period of 60 calendar days.
While They're Activated/Deployed
Operation: Military Child Care (OMCC) is a Department of Defense(DoD) initiative to support the child care needs of military parents who are activated/ deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
WHY is Child Care needed?
When Military Parents are activated/ deployed, their need for child care often increases and so do their out-of-pocket child care expenses.
HOW does Operation: Military Child Care support Activated/Deployed parents?
This initiative helps eligible military families locate affordable child care options in local communities. Military families who are using licensed/legally operating community-based child care programs and providers will pay reduced fees. Military families living near installations will be referred to on-base child care programs.
HOW much will fees be reduced?
Fee reductions will vary for each family depending upon Total Family Income (TFI), geographic location, Military Service/DoD child care fee policies, and available funding. Family circumstances are considered when determining fees.
HOW do you apply for Operation: Military Child Care reduced fee child care?
Military member, spouse, or legal guardian contacts Child Care Aware toll-free at 1-800-424-2246 or via the web at www.childcareaware.org.
Staff from the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) collects information from the Military Member, family member, or legal guardian to determine eligibility and child care needs. Callers also receive tips on selecting quality child care.
Callers who need child care will be linked to their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for referrals to legally operating child care program(s) in their area or to the nearest military installation.
Callers with children already enrolled in a legally operating child care program, may submit an online application for reduced child care fees. Click here to process an online application (Note: applications will also be accepted by mail or fax).
The child care providers or child care centers will be required to submit an application to determine if they are legally operating. (Note: applications will also be accepted by mail or fax).
Applications will be processed within 1 to 5 business days after receipt of the families' and provider's application. The reduced fee becomes effective after application processing.
Fee reductions will vary depending upon Military Member's Total Family Income (TFI), geographic location, Military and DoD child care fee policy, and funding availability.
NACCRRA will pay the "fee offset" directly to the provider. Service Members will pay their "reduced fee" directly to their child care provider.
Note: Operation: Military Child Care services are not an entitlement and are subject to geographic availability of care and DoD and Military Service Funding.
For more information contact:
The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA)
Call Toll-Free: 1-800-424-224
Website: www.childcareaware.org
Questions? Send an e-mail to: omcc@naccrra.org
NACCRRA publications