MIT offers a portable child care benefit that may be used to reimburse costs associated with child care for infants and children under age 13. The benefit is administered through separate programs for postdoctoral associates and postdoctoral fellows:
- Postdoctoral associates: Portable Child Care Subsidy (PCCS) Program, administered by MIT Human Resources. Contact MIT Benefits with questions.
- Postdoctoral fellows: Portable Child Care Subsidy Program for Postdoctoral Fellows (PCCS-PDF), administered by the Office of the Vice President for Research. A link to apply is sent out each fall to all fellows. Contact MIT Postdoctoral Services with questions.
Apply to the relevant program according to your primary appointment title (postdoctoral associate or postdoctoral fellow). If you are not sure of your primary appointment, ask your key administrative contact in your DLCI or postdocservices@mit.edu.
Eligibility
Both programs follow the eligibility guidelines (household and income) set by MIT Human Resources. Eligibility for the subsidy is based on:
- Household income
- Number of children under the age of 13
- Spouse/partner working at least 20 hours outside the home, being a full-time student, or having a disability
More information for associates and fellows, including eligibility and a benefit determination calculator, can be found on HR’s PCCS page. Although the application and reimbursement process for postdoctoral fellows are separate from the employee program, the eligibility and benefits determination follow the same requirements.
Subsidies to eligible postdocs may range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year, depending on income and family size.
Apply for the Benefit
- Postdoctoral associates: Apply during Open Enrollment through your individual open enrollment portal at atlas.mit.edu.
- Postdoctoral fellows: For the 2026 subsidy, apply by October 31, 2025, through this form.
Using the Benefit
Reimbursable child care costs include day care, emergency care, nannies and day camps. Reimbursements can be made for licensed caregivers only.
- Postdoctoral associates: Follow reimbursement procedures set by MIT Human Resources.
- Postdoctoral fellows: Submit receipts to Postdoctoral Services for reimbursement.
Taxes on the Benefit
- Postdoctoral associates: Any subsidy above $5,000 is taxable.
- Postdoctoral fellows: The entire amount of the benefit is taxable.