|
FFA
has put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) to help answer questions that USDA employees
may have about the Farm Service Agency's (FSA's)
CCSP. The questions are grouped in the categories
below:
Applying
For an AWARD From FSA-WDC's CCSP
Q:
How do I apply for an award from FSA-WDC's CCSP?
A:
Complete an application for FSA-WDC'S CCSP. USDA
employees may obtain an application from the USDA
intranet website (FASTNET), or you may download
the application from our website by following
this link, FSA-WDC USDA CCSP
Application. In addition to submitting a completed
application, you must also submit:
- A copy of your 2006 Individual
Federal Tax Return.
- A copy of your two most recent
Statement of Earnings and Leave.
- A completed copy of OPM
Form 1644 signed and dated by your childcare
provider.
- A copy of your childcare provider's
license to operate.
Q:
When can a new FSA National Office employee apply
for FSA-WDC's CCTAP?
A: Immediately, upon joining the Agency, as
long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q:
Where should I send my application to be processed?
A:
If the application is mailed, it should be mailed
to the following address:
First
Financial Associates
USDA FAS/FSA CCTAP
7079 Hayden Quarry RD
Lithonia, Georgia 30038
Determining
Eligibility For USDA FSA-WDC
CCSP
Q:
What factors will FFA consider to determine if
an employee is eligible to receive an award?
A:
FFA will follow the guidelines established by
USDA to determine which employees who apply for
an award meet all of the eligibility requirements.
The eligibility requirements are:
- You must be an FSA Washington,
DC Office employee.
- Have a child enrolled in,
or will be enrolled in, a licensed childcare
facility, or with a licensed childcare provider
(licensed and/or regulated by the State and/or
local authorities where the service is provided.
- You must be the parent or
legal guardian (grandparent or other guardian)
of a child age 13 or under, or disabled child
through age 18.
- Have a total family income
(TFI) that does not exceed $46,999 per year.
Q:
Once I have been determined eligible to receive
an award, do I have to submit a new application
each year?
A:
No. However, you will need to re-certify your
eligibility. If you are deemed eligible to receive
the award, you are required to submit copies of
your income tax return each year on or before
May 1 to re-certify eligibility.
Q:
Will I be notified that I am eligible to receive
an award?
A:
Yes, FFA will mail award letters to all employees
determined to be eligible to receive an award.
In addition, FFA will notify all employees who
were determined not to be eligible to receive
an award, and provide the reason(s) for such determination.
Q:
What will be the amount of the award?
A:
The amount of your award will be determined based on your total family income.
Assistance amounts range between amounts associated with each level of the family TFI, as listed in the
box below. Assistance amounts are payable per employee,
not per child.
| Level |
Total Family Income ...(See 1/) |
Maximum Monthly Assistance Per Family will equal ...
(See /2 and /3) |
1 |
$44,000 - $46,999 |
$83.00 |
2 |
$41,000 - $43,999 |
$166.00 |
3 |
$38,000 - $40,999 |
$249.00 |
4 |
$35,000 - $37,999 |
$332.00 |
5 |
Under $34,999 |
$415.00 |
1/ Total Family Income. For Total Family Income, see line 22 on
IRS Tax Return Form 1040 for 2006, or line 15 on IRS Tax Return Form 1040A. FFA will need a copy of the
employee's Tax Return Form 1040 or 1040Afor tax year 2006 if filing a joint return or if filing as
Single-Head of Household. If the employee and their spouse file separate tax returns, then a copy of both
tax returns will be required. If the 2006 tax forms are not available, the employee may submit tax returns
from tax year 2005, but FFA will require a copy of the 2007 tax returns by May 1, 2008.
2/ These assistance amounts will be reduced by any subsidies
paid by a State and/or local Government for child care services involving the child or children for whick the
employee is employee is requesting CCSP assistance.
3/ FSA's monthly assistance amounts apply to total cost of child
care, not cost per child. If your monthly child care costs are less than the monthly assistance amount you
qualify for based on TFI above, then the lesser amount will be paid to the provider by FFA.
Requirements
After Receiving an Award
Q:
Once I receive an award letter, what should I
do next?
A:
You must fully complete, sign, and date the Award
Acceptance Agreement included with your award
letter and return it to FFA.
Q:
How do I notify FFA of the amount incurred for
childcare charges for each month?
A:
You must send FFA an USDA
FAS/FSA CCSP Monthly Invoice which shows
the total charges incurred for services rendered
for childcare services. The charges should be
stated as weekly totals, and the weekly totals
should be added to get the total for each month.
You and your Childcare Provider must sign the
invoice for each month. If you have more than
one (1) Childcare Provider, you must submit a
separate invoice for each Childcare Provider.
|
