Skip to main content
Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs Postdoc
  1. HOME
  2. Postdoctoral Scholars
  3. Childcare Reimbursement & Dependent Care Programs

Childcare Reimbursement & Dependent Care Programs 

The new PX Collective Bargaining Agreement, ratified on December 9, 2022, establishes Childcare Reimbursement and Dependent Care Programs. 

 

Childcare Reimbursement Programs (effective October 1, 2023) 

The Childcare Reimbursement Programs are University programs that provide funds for qualified child care related costs.

Postdoctoral Scholars will submit documentation for eligible expenses in order to receive the reimbursement. Instructions for how to submit the documentation are forthcoming.  To receive notification and updates regarding these programs, please sign up for the UCSD postdoc listserve. 

Childcare Reimbursement Program

  • Expenses must be incurred October 1, 2023 or after to be eligible
  • Applicable to children aged 12 and under
  • Starting at $2500 per calendar year (January 1- December 31)
  • For Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellows and Paid Directs:
    • If external grant or felowship provides the benefit but it is less than the contractual amount, the University will supplement

Professional Travel Childcare Expense Program

  • Expenses must be incurred October 1, 2023 or after to be eligible
  • Same $2500 allotment as Childcare Reimbursement 
  • Can be used for the following while on University-approved travel: 
    • Extra childcare while away on approved travel 
    • On-site childcare while on approved travel 
    • Transportation of child and/or caregiver to approved travel location 
    • Food and lodging, if needed, for child and/or caregiverShipping of breastmilk home for child while on approved travel 

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Program (DepCare)

The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Program (DepCare) is a federal program which allows employees to place funds in a pre-tax account for the purposes of paying childcare costs as determined by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations and documented in the University’s plan documents. 

Effective: January 1, 2023 (must enroll during PIE or Open Enrollment) 

Eligibility: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employees (3252, 3255, 3256) with at least 50% time appointment. 

Benefit: Eligible postdoc may contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year.  

Information: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/other-benefits/flexible-spending-accounts/depcare-fsa.html