Backup Care Reimbursement

Backup Care Reimbursement

At Care, we want you to have care you trust when you need it most. That’s why we offer reimbursement for Backup Care when you choose to use someone in your personal network. When your regular care is unavailable and you need to work, use a neighbor, family member, sitter, or center and get reimbursed through Care.

Eligibility for Backup Care reimbursement

How do I know if I have reimbursement for Backup Care?

Log in to your Care.com account and go to the Book backup care section. Look for Child care reimbursement, Adult care reimbursement, or Pet care reimbursement. If you don’t see any of these options, your employer does not offer this benefit.

What type of care qualifies for reimbursement? 

Backup Care reimbursement should only be used to help with the cost of short-term care for you dependents when you are working and your regular care is not available. Claims are subject to audit and may be shared with your employer for compliance verification. 

When can I use reimbursement for Backup Care?

Reimbursement for Backup Care is there to help cover your costs after you’ve already received care from someone in your personal network. You don’t have to book anything through the Care.com platform. Simply use a caregiver from your personal network and submit for reimbursement within 30 days.

Do I need to let you know in advance that I’m using reimbursement for Backup Care? 

No, you are not required to notify use in advance of care taking place. You will have 30 days after the care takes place to submit the claim. 

How to submit a claim

What kind of information do I need to provide to submit a claim? 

You will need to provide the following information to submit your claim:

  • Date and time of care 
  • The care provider’s name, address, and phone number 
  • Your full name plus your loved one’s or pet’s full name 
  • Receipt for care that took place, if available
  • The amount you paid for care 
  • Direct deposit information 

My caregiver/center provided their own receipt. What information should it contain? 

The receipt will need to contain the following information: 

  • The care provider’s name, address, and phone number 
  • Your full name plus your loved one’s or pet’s full name.
    • Note: Your name should match the name of the person who is entitled to the benefit. If you receive Care for Business benefits through your employer, it should have your name. If your partner or spouse receives Care for Business benefits through their employer, it should have their name. 
  • Your child’s age, if submitting for child care 
  • Type of service and number of hours provided 
  • Date of service 
  • Hourly rate and total amount paid, if applicable 
  • Signature of provider and date signed

What if I don’t have a receipt? 

If you do not receive a receipt from your caregiver/center, you can download a sample receipt and use that for your claim.

What if something changes after I’ve submitted a claim? 

In the case of child or adult claims, you can edit or delete your claim at any time before it has been approved for payment. Login to your Care.com account, and select Child care reimbursement, or Adult care reimbursement, then Reimburse Me For Backup Care then View Claims. Select Edit next to the claim you want to change or delete. If you delete a claim, the Backup Care utilization day will be added back to your account to be used at a later date. 

For pet claims, you cannot make changes after submission. If there is an error, you’ll receive an email notification with a phone number and email address to contact The Care Team. Once our team receives the needed additional information from you, The Care Team will update your claim and re-submit for processing.

Understanding the reimbursement process

How do I get reimbursed for care? 

Log in to your Care.com account and select Child care reimbursement, Pet care reimbursement, or Adult care reimbursement. Follow the steps and information request, including a valid receipt. If you’re submitting for multiple dates, please only enter consecutive dates of care. For example, if you used several weeks of care but this did not include the weekends, you’ll need to enter each week separately. Select whether you prefer to be reimbursed through direct deposit or a mailed check. Your claim must be submitted within 30 days of care. After you submit a claim, your Backup Care balance will be deducted the appropriate number of days. Once a claim is approved, you will receive your company specific reimbursement via mailed check or direct deposit. 

How long does it take to receive payment for a reimbursement claim? 

Your claim will go through an initial approval process to ensure all the correct information is provided and the claim is valid. Once your receipt is approved, Care.com will send you a reimbursement via direct deposit or by mailed check. Reimbursement is typically issued within 2-4 weeks of claim approval.

What are some reasons my claim could be rejected?

In most cases, claims are rejected either because the information provided was incomplete, didn’t match the receipt, or the receipt was illegible. If you follow the instructions carefully on claim submissions, your claim will very likely get approved!

Understanding your payout amount

What copay amount will I be responsible for? 

Your copay will be the same amount as your in-center copay, as stated in your employer’s policy. Your copay amount will be shown at checkout and deducted from any reimbursement. 

Is there a maximum daily amount I can claim for? 

Yes there is. You can find your maximum daily amount on the checkout confirmation page.