How to Apply: Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Oregon Employment Related Day Care Program.

What is the Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Program?

The Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program helps families who are working or in school pay for child care, including registration fees. This program helps low-income families afford quality child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. ERDC is a subsidy program, which means families still pay part of the child care cost based on their income and family size. The state pays your child care provider directly on your family's behalf.

How do I apply for the Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Program?

There are 3 ways to apply for ERDC:

• Apply Online at Benefits.Oregon.gov: Create a ONE Online account if you're a first-time user, or use your existing login if you previously received benefits
• Call for Help: 1-800-699-9075 to get assistance with your application (Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM - call early morning for shorter wait times)
• Visit in Person: Go to your local Oregon DHS office and be prepared to be interviewed the same day

Important Note: Due to limited funding, Oregon ERDC currently has a waitlist. Some families may skip the waitlist if they meet certain requirements (see FAQ section below).

How long does it take to receive funds from the Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Program?

Processing times vary depending on whether you're placed on the waitlist or qualify to skip it. If you qualify to skip the waitlist and are approved, benefits can start as early as the date you complete your interview and provide all needed documents. You will receive a decision notice telling you if your benefits were approved or denied. The state pays your provider directly - you don't receive cash. If you're placed on the waitlist, you'll be selected on a first-come, first-served basis when funding becomes available.

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Apply online at Benefits.Oregon.gov, call for help, or visit your local Oregon DHS office

Step 2: Complete a required interview with a DHS worker (same day if applying in person, or by phone if applying online)

Step 3: Provide all required documents during or after your interview

Step 4: Choose an approved child care provider and provide their information to your worker

Step 5: Wait for your worker to review your application and make a decision

Step 6: Receive your decision notice with approval or denial information

Step 7: If approved, start using child care and pay your family co-payment directly to your provider

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child Information (required for all applications):

• Birth certificates for all children needing care
• Social Security cards for all children
• Current immunization records (shot records)

Parent/Guardian Information (required for all applications):

• Driver's license or picture ID
• Social Security cards for all adults
• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail showing your address)

Income Verification (must show at least ONE document for each type):

• Current pay stubs (one full month)
• Employer statement for new jobs or income changes
• Self-employment records and most recent tax return
• Unemployment benefits statements
• Child support documentation
• Any other income sources

Work/School/Training Verification (provide what applies to your situation):

• Work schedule from employer (only if working)
• School enrollment and class schedule (only if attending school)
• Job training program documentation (only if in training)
• Job search documentation (only if looking for work)

Child Care Provider Information (required for approval):

• Name and contact information of chosen child care provider
• Provider must be licensed or legally operating and able to accept ERDC payments

Special Circumstances (only if applicable):

• Court-ordered child support documentation
• Foster care or adoption records
• Child Welfare documentation
• Disability documentation for children with special needs

Common FAQ's

1. Can I skip the ERDC waitlist? Yes, you may skip the waitlist if you are:

• Reapplying for ERDC within two months of benefits ending
• Currently receiving or recently received TANF or TA-DVS benefits
• Referred by Child Welfare division
• Eligible for a contracted slot (like Head Start programs)

2. How much will I have to pay? You pay a co-payment directly to your child care provider each month. The amount depends on your income, family size, and number of children needing care. Lower-income families pay less.

3. What ages of children can get help? Child care may be approved for children from birth to age 13. Children with disabilities may qualify up to age 19.

4. Can I choose any child care provider? You can choose from licensed child care centers, licensed family child care homes, or legally operating providers (including relatives who meet requirements). Providers must be able to accept ERDC payments.

5. What if I'm on the waitlist and my situation changes? If your circumstances change and you think you might qualify to skip the waitlist, you should reapply right away.

Who do I contact about my application status?

For General Program Information: Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) Website: Oregon.gov/delc

For Applications and Eligibility: Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)

Phone: 1-800-699-9075 (Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM)

Website: Benefits.Oregon.gov

For shorter wait times, call early morning (7-8 AM), especially Tuesday mornings

Alternative Contact Options:

• Use your ONE Online account at Benefits.Oregon.gov
• Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app
• Visit your local DHS office
• Call 2-1-1 for general assistance

For People with Disabilities or Language Support:

Oregon Department of Human Services Language Services

Phone: 503-269-0902 or 711 TTY

Email: oemslanguage.services@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Additional Resources:

• Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 1-855-673-2372
• Find Child Care Providers: Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency
• Report Child Abuse: 1-855-503-7233

Last updated July 14, 2025