FFA has put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help answer questions that Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) employees may have about the SAMHSA CCSP. The questions are grouped in the categories below:

• Applying for a subsidy from SAMHSA CCSP
• Determining eligibility for SAMHSA CCSP
• Requirements after receiving an award

Applying For a Subsidy From SAMHSA CCSP

Q: How do I apply for a subsidy from SAMHSA CCSP?

A: Complete an application for SAMHSA CCSP. SAMHSA employees may obtain an application from the PSC Child Care Coordinator, or on the PSC intranet website, or you may download the application from our FFA’s website by following this link, SAMHSA CCSP Application . In addition to submitting a completed application, you must also submit:

1. A copy of your most recent Individual Federal Tax Return.
2. A copy of your two most recent Statement of Earnings and Leave.
3. A completed copy of OPM Form 1644 signed and dated by your childcare provider.
4. A copy of your childcare provider's license to operate.

Q: When can a new employee apply for SAMHSA CCSP?

A: Immediately, upon joining SAMHSA, 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:

Rebecca Donnelly
Program Specialist
Child Care Center and Subsidy Coordinator
Program Support Center/AOS
US Department of Health and Human Services
5600 Fishers Lane, RM 5B-41
Rockville, MD 20857

Determining Eligibility For SAMHSA 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 SAMHSA to determine which employees who apply for an award meet all of the eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements are:

1. You must be an SAMHSA employee.
2. You must be a full-time or part-time employee.
3. 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.
4. Your child must be a member of a household maintained by you and have the following relationship to you: a) a biological child who lives with you; b) an adopted child; c) a stepchild; d) a foster child; e) a child for whom a judicial determination of support has been obtained; or f) a child who you are the parent or legal guardian of and to whose support you make regular and substantial contributions.
5. Your child must be age 13 or under, or disabled through age 18.
6. Have a total family income (TFI) that does not exceed $50,000 per year. TFI is determined by looking at the adjusted gross income (AGI) as reported on the most recent IRS Form1040 or Form 1040A.

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 no later than May 1 st of each year. If you are deemed eligible to receive the award, you are required to submit copies of the following: your most recent federal income tax return, two most recent pay statements, and a copy of your Childcare Provider’s current license.

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 maximum amount of your award will be $75 per week per child, regardless of income as long as your total family income does not exceed $50,000 annually. If child care costs are less than the maximum amount of the tuition assistance ($75 per week), the tuition assistance will be the lesser.

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 a SAMHSA 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.