Cultural Arts Stipend Program
The Child Care Funds (CCF) offer the Cultural Arts Stipend Program (CASP), which is designed to inspire creativity and self-expression in children and teens through music, dance, theater, visual arts and other artistic activities. Members may receive full or partial reimbursement for their children’s classes in the arts, education or recreation. To qualify for reimbursement, the selected programs must meet the criteria outlined below. To contact the Child Care Funds, visit our webpage for more information.
In order to receive the reimbursement, you must submit your online reimbursement before the deadline. Once submitted, allow six weeks for processing.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
The 1199SEIU Child Care Funds (CCF) Cultural Arts Stipend Program (CASP) benefit reimburses you for the full or partial cost of your child’s arts and education expenses.
In order to receive the reimbursement, you must submit your online reimbursement request before the deadline. Once submitted, allow six weeks for processing.
1. What is the CASP benefit?
CASP allows you to receive reimbursement from CCF for the full or partial cost of your child’s classes in the arts, education or recreation.
2. What is the CASP reimbursement amount?
The reimbursement amount for all approved members is up to $1,200.
- If the program cost exceeds $1,200, you are responsible for the remaining balance.
- If the program cost is less than $1,200, we will reimburse only the exact cost of the program.
3. How do I use my CASP benefit?
- Choose a licensed provider who is not a summer camp provider.
- Pay the provider directly.
- Collect all the required documents.
- Log into MyAccount, select the “CCF Online” tab and click “CCF Benefits Management” to submit your reimbursement request. You can also check the status of your reimbursement request.
4. What are the program requirements?
Visit our web page for program requirements.
5. When can I use my CASP benefit?
CASP is a year-round benefit available for recreational, educational or artistic programs that are not classified as “summer programs,” or that do not run exclusively during the summer.
6. Are receipts required in order to receive reimbursement?
Yes. Your CASP receipts must be dated between January 1 and December 31 of the current year. See examples of acceptable receipts/proofs of payment.
7. What other documents do I need to submit?
Visit our web page for program requirements.
8. Can I use multiple providers with CASP?
Yes. Collect your receipts and submit as a single total. Note that no more than two separate payments will be processed.
9. What is the deadline for submitting my reimbursement request?
All reimbursement requests must be submitted online by October 15.
10. Can I use a CCF-contracted provider with CASP?
No. If you received CASP, you may not enroll with a Cultural Arts Program (CAP) CCF-contracted provider unless you request to switch to the CAP benefit. You must email your request to CCFRegChanges@1199Funds.org.
11. Can I use an unlicensed provider?
No. CCF will not reimburse you for payments made to unlicensed providers.
12. Can I split the CASP benefit between siblings?
No. This benefit may only be used for the child who was awarded the CASP benefit.
13. Can I use CASP with a sleep-away program?
No. CASP is for day programs only.
14. Can I still receive reimbursement if I am on unpaid leave?
No. You are not eligible to receive benefits while on unpaid leave.
15. Can I still submit my reimbursement request if I am on disability, workers’ compensation or paid maternity leave?
Yes. Submit a copy of your most recent disability or workers’ compensation pay stub and a copy of your last regular pay stub. Your benefits will continue up to a maximum of 26 weeks while you are on leave. If you do not have a pay stub, submit a letter from your employer stating that you are still employed at your institution and when your disability or other paid leave began.
16. When I check my reimbursement request status, a status of “Pending” is listed. What does that mean?
Your reimbursement requires a change or further research, which we are working on.
17. What does “Received” mean?
- Your reimbursement request has been received. If supporting documents are required and also received, money will be loaded to your Wisely PayCard in approximately six weeks.
- If supporting documents are required but were not uploaded, you will receive an email informing you of the missing item(s).
18. What does “Processed” mean?
Your reimbursement has been approved and sent for payment. You should expect a check or an upload to your Wisely account within two to four weeks (after processing is complete).
19. What can I do if my reimbursement is not uploaded to my Wisely PayCard?
Visit the Wisely website or call Wisely Customer Service at (866) 313-6901.
20. What should I not do if I received CASP?
- Do not enroll with a Cultural Arts Program (CAP) CCF-contracted provider.
- Do not submit payment to a contracted provider.
- Do not make changes to your benefit unless you have submitted a request and received approval.
- Do not submit your documents one at a time. Instead, gather and upload all required documents in a single submission.
21. Can I switch to CASP if I was awarded another benefit?
Yes. You may switch to CASP as long as you have not utilized the benefit that you were originally awarded. Please note that approval to switch depends on program availability and deadlines. To request a switch, submit your request to CCFRegChanges@1199Funds.org. You must wait for approval before proceeding.
22. What happens if I give false information on a CCF claim?
If you provide false or misleading claim information, you may be subject to a suspension of CCF benefits and be required to repay any reimbursements you were ineligible to receive.
Examples of Acceptable Proof of Payment for CASP
Below are sample documents showing acceptable proof of payment. Regardless of the format you submit, your proof documentation must include all items outlined in these sample documents.
| PROGRAM GUIDELINES | |
|---|---|
| CASP is not intended for summer camp or sleep-away programs. | Selected providers must have a tax identification number, established course descriptions and a fee schedule. |
| Receipts must be dated between January 1 and December 31 of the current year. | CASP may be used in combination with the Holiday Program, winter and/or spring sessions. |
| CASP cannot be split between siblings. | The reimbursement rate is $1,200. Up to two different providers can be used. |
| Accumulate your receipts and submit as a single total. Note that no more than two separate payments will be processed. | Members are responsible for any program amount that exceeds $1,200. |
| Your selected provider must have been in existence for more than two years with an established arts, recreational or educational program. | Select a provider that offers age-appropriate programming to children ages 5 through 17. |
| REQUIRED DOCUMENTS | |
|---|---|
| Completed CASP Form: Must be signed by the member.* |
Program Brochure: Must include the program outline. |
| Fee Schedule: This is required as a separate document if it’s not included in the program brochure. |
Student’s Enrollment Form: Must be signed by the member. |
| Proof of Payment: Submit only one: canceled check (front & back); official receipt/letter from the provider; credit card/bank statement; Zelle payment confirmation (Zelle receipts must include the provider’s name, child’s name, date(s) and amount(s) paid). |
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*Online submission by the member serves as their electronic signature.