Childcare is expensive and many student parents rely on family and their support circle to help care for their children. Many students don't know that they can ask the financial aid office to consider the cost of childcare during class time, study time, field work, internships, and commuting time, when determining the amount of financial aid they can receive.
In order to request that the financial aid office consider the cost of childcare in financial aid, the student can submit a Dependent Care Allowance Request for childcare. Most schools require that the student provide supporting documentation confirming the cost of childcare.
If you provide child care for a student parent who is asking for a Dependent Care Allowance, you may be asked to provide documentation explaining your relationship to the student and the amount of money you are being paid to provide childcare. Many schools require financial documents, such as receipts or canceled checks, so the student needs to check with the financial aid office to learn about their requirements.
Through SwiftStudent, you can customize and download a Letter of Support for a Dependent Care Allowance Request for free. For details on why, when and how to submit a Letter of Support for a Dependent Care Allowance Request please view the Table of Contents below. Once you read your options and understand your next steps, select the green "Create My Document" button above.
Table of Contents
School financial aid offices can consider the cost of childcare during class time, study time, field work, internships, and commuting time, when determining the amount of financial aid they grant to a particular student. To start this process, the student needs to submit a Dependent Care Allowance Request and documentation to support their cost of childcare.
There is no guarantee that submitting a Dependent Care Allowance Request will result in more financial aid. Every student's situation is different and it is important for them to explore all of their possible financial aid options.
A Letter of Support for a Dependent Care Allowance Request can come from any individual a student pays to care for their children while the student attends school-related activities, such as studying, class time, or commuting time. The financial aid office needs to confirm the cost of childcare to process the student's request.
If the student uses a business (such as a day care or after care program), proof of registration, cost information or receipts may be enough for the financial aid office to evaluate their request. Letters of support are best for less formal arrangements, such as with baby-sitters or family members.
The SwiftStudent template will prompt you to add information most financial aid offices require. As part of your letter, you will need to include:
Names and ages of children requiring care
How much the student pays you to provide childcare, and the payment schedule
Your relationship to the student
Your contact information, in case the financial aid office needs additional details
Deadlines vary by school, so it's best to have the student confirm the institution's deadline.
You should give your letter to the student, and they will submit it to the financial aid office. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
Some financial aid officers may call to verify the information submitted in the letter. Please share the best contact information for the financial aid office to reach you. Delays in confirming information will delay processing of a student's request.
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