Applications open for COVID-19 Caregiving Relief Fund

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted work and school schedules and left many JHU employees with significant challenges related to child care, elder care, remote learning support, and technology equipment expenses. In response, Johns Hopkins University has created a COVID-19 Caregiving Relief Fund.

To participate in the CCRF, an employee must be a full-time, benefits-eligible faculty, staff, or bargaining unit member. Also qualifying are full-time JHU doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, including medical students, house staff, residents, interns, and trainees.

There are two types of awards available: a monthly, recurring caregiving benefit for expenses incurred since Sept. 1 and a nonrecurring technology fund for expenses incurred since July 1 ($1,000 maximum).

The maximum monthly award for caregiving expenses is based on an individual's salary level:

• A person with a salary of up to $50,000 can receive up to $800
• A person with a salary of $50,001 to $100,000 can receive up to $600
• A person with a salary of $100,001 to $175,000 can receive up to $400

All funds are distributed in the form of a reimbursement, with valid documentation of the expense required and validated by Discovery Benefits, the university's third-party vendor. Reimbursements under CCRF are provided tax-free under Section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code. This is a temporary and limited benefit, tied to the national state of emergency due to COVID-19.

For more information and a list of eligible expenses, and to apply for the CCRF, visit the Family & Caregiving Programs page of the Benefits & Worklife website.

For questions about this program, contact the Office of Benefits & Worklife at 410-516-2000 or worklife@jhu.edu.