Financial assistance for caregiving, remote learning, and technology expenses due to COVID-19

The JHU COVID-19 Caregiving Relief Fund offers financial assistance to eligible employees and students incurring new caregiving, remote learning, and technology expenses as a direct result of COVID-19.

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 benefit for caregiving expenses and remote learning support (based on an individual's salary level) and a nonrecurring fund for technology expenses ($1,000 max).

The maximum monthly award for caregiving expenses is as follows:

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

Eligible expenses for caregiving (child care and elder care) and educational and remote learning support (tutoring, e-learning coaches, learning pods, drop-off learning centers, speech therapy, occupational therapy, incremental increases to Wi-Fi service) must be incurred on or after Sept. 1, 2020. In a two-parent household, both parents must be working or studying in order to be eligible for caregiving reimbursement.

Technology equipment expenses (tablet, computer, laptop, printer, webcam, speaker, microphone, headphones, blue-light glasses, screen protector, and Wi-Fi extenders) directly related to remote learning for dependent children must be incurred on or after July 1, 2020.

To begin the CCRF application process, log into the Benefits portal to initiate a life event. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to file a claim for reimbursement through Discovery Benefits (a WEX company), the university's third-party vendor. Be sure to include all required documents.

For more information, a list of eligible expenses, and instructions on how to apply for CCRF and submit a claim for reimbursement, visit the Family and 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.

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.