Child Care Benefit for DC 37 Members

DC 37 negotiated a child care benefit in the most recent 2021- 2026 economic contract.  The Fund opened as of 10/1/25.  The benefits are as follows

• $500/ year for licensed care reimbursement including center, afterschool or summer camp.
• $250/year for informal care from a friend, relative or neighbor.
• Only one type of care may be reimbursed. Please select either licensed or informal, not both.
• The benefit is per member, not per child.  After the fund has been in operation for several quarters, the Trustees will evaluate whether to increase the benefit amount or frequency. If that occurs I will be in touch with all prior applicants.
• Grandparents are NOT eligible to claim for a grandchild  unless you have kinship care, foster care, legal guardianship documentation. The parent may claim informal reimbursement if the grandparent is the one caring for the child.

The two forms are attached (see below this paragraph). If you have child care costs that occurred after October 1st, 2025, for a child under age 13, please choose one of the forms, fill it out and save it with your name on it, and send it back at childcareinfo@dc37.net 

Forms:
1. Child Care - Licensed Care Reimbursement Form 12-16-25
2. Informal Care Affadavit 12-9-25

The benefit is once per year, on a rolling calendar basis from when you apply. Once the Fund has been open for some time the Trustees will evaluate the utilization and whether the benefit may be improved.

You can also mail it back if that is easier, and I can mail it to you if you do not have access to a printer.

For licensed care, please attach the receipt along with the form. It should have the Tax Id of the provider, or include that on your form.

For informal care, please have the bottom part of the form notarized. 

The process is faster if your child is already enrolled in DC 37 Health and Security plan as a dependent. Even if your child is covered by the other parent's health insurance, it is important to have the child enrolled, as a secondary benefit for drug, dental, optical plans. There is also a $10,000 life insurance policy for named beneficiaries.  https://www.dc37.net/wp-content/uploads/benefits/health/pdf/EnrollmentForm2025.pdf  send to eeu@dc37.net

The program is in soft launch right now, not on the website, but PLEASE share the blank form with any of your co-workers with children under the age of 13.

DC 37 knows the cost of child care is tremendous. We are constantly advocating for improved access and affordability.

Further DC 37  Child Care Trust Fund
212-815-1100