Childbirth Accommodation & Childcare Reimbursement

Important COVID-19 Information

In recognition of the childcare issues faced by many graduate student employees during the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we now have permission from UCOP to provide childcare reimbursements that adhere to the minimum requirements of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as to who qualifies as a “childcare provider” for purposes of reimbursement.

Please visit the IRS website for additional information

For the 2021-2022 academic year, graduate student employees and those on fellowship will be permitted to seek reimbursement for childcare provided by a friend or relative living in the same household as the graduate student if they are not:

  • A person for whom the grad student (or the grad student’s spouse if filing jointly) can claim as a dependent;
  • The grad student’s child who was under age 19 at the end of the year, even if the child isn’t the grad student’s dependent;
  • A person who was the grad student’s spouse any time during the year; or
  • The parent of the grad student’s qualifying person if the qualifying person is the grad student’s child and under age 13

As required by the IRS regulations, for purposes of reimbursement, all childcare providers who are individuals must have a valid taxpayer identification number or social security number. If the care provider is an organization, the organization must have a valid employer identification number. Summer session 2022 appointments do not qualify for this exception.

Childbirth Accommodation and Childcare Reimbursement Funding Program

Childbirth Accommodation Petition Form

In accordance with the University of California’s contract with UAW, salaried ASEs (Teaching Assistants and Teaching Associates) appointed for a minimum of 25% time for the duration of the quarter, are eligible for up to eight weeks of childbirth leave. This benefit is also extended to Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs) appointed for a minimum of 25% time for the duration of the quarter. The maximum of eight weeks paid leave extends only during the time a student holds an eligible position.  

As of Fall 2021, expectant mothers holding UCI Fellowships, Graduate Division Endowed Fellowships, or fellowships offered by academic departments and centers at UCI are now eligible for up to eight weeks of childbirth leave. The maximum of eight weeks paid leave extends only during the time a student holds an eligible fellowship.   Most extramural fellowships will defer to university policy and should also fund up to eight weeks of childbirth leave, and funding should be requested from the fellowship grantor, and do not need to apply for Childbirth Accommodation Funding.

Please note: A central childbirth accommodation fund has been established to pay the salaries/stipends of these eligible students during the time they are on leave, and fee remissions are not covered by the central account. If applicable, fee remission support will remain being charged to the fellowship or hiring department (Teaching Assistants and Teaching Associates, or GSR) during the paid leave.

The contract between the University and the UAW also provides for a systemwide childcare reimbursement program for eligible ASEs (including hourly ASEs, i.e. Readers and Tutors) appointed for a minimum of 25% time for the duration of the academic quarter. The reimbursement limit is $1100 per quarter for eligible childcare expenses incurred during the ASE’s appointment period during the academic year.  During the summer, the reimbursement limit is $1100 irrespective of the number of summer sessions in which an ASE is employed. A central childcare reimbursement fund has been established to pay for reimbursable childcare expenses.  Reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than the last day of the following term.

The University of California has extended the childcare reimbursement program to eligible Graduate Student Researchers appointed for a minimum of 25% time for the duration of the academic quarter.  Eligible GSRs may be reimbursed up to $1100 per quarter for eligible childcare expenses.  During the summer, the reimbursement limit is $1100 for the entire duration of the summer period between July 1 – September 30.  Reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than the last day of the following term.

At UCI, certain graduate student fellows who meet minimum criteria are eligible for the childcare reimbursement program.  An eligible fellow may receive up to $1100 per quarter for eligible childcare expenses incurred during the academic year.  During the summer, the reimbursement limit is $1100 for the entire duration of the summer period from July 1-September 30.  Reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than the last day of the following term.

An eligible fellow is a registered graduate student with a university-administered fellowship who has (a) qualified dependent(s).  To be eligible for the program, the university-administered fellowship must cover the full amount of California resident fees and tuition, and provide a minimum stipend of $6,000 for the quarter to be reimbursed.  During the summer, the fellowship must provide a minimum stipend of $6,000. 

Additional Forms and Resources

 

Questions?

Please contact the Graduate Division here Fee Remission, Employment, Fellowship and Childcare Program Inquiries


The University of California, Irvine, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.