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Are host families required to pay their au pair a weekly stipend? Read on for all the details!
The minimum stipend amount is $195.75*, which is set by the State Department and calculated with a formula using the federal minimum wage and a housing credit.
Au pairs must be paid on a regular weekly schedule, not bi-weekly or monthly.
You must document this transaction using a receipt tracking system.
The stipend cannot be withheld for any reason, including a car accident, outstanding telephone bill, lost time due to illness or other damages, nor can the stipend be pro-rated for any reason.
You will be asked in the host family app to confirm each month that the weekly stipend is being paid.
Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required weekly stipend minimum of $195.75; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per 24-hour period; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks.
*Note that any change in the stipend formula including a change to the federal minimum wage will result in an increase in the stipend, even if this change occurs during an existing program year.
For host families in Massachusetts: please review additional program costs and requirements here.
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