Program Details

Overview

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Welcome to your Wellthy Backup Care benefit! With this benefit, you receive a flexible annual allowance to help you manage family care needs, unexpected schedule disruptions, and academic support. Whether your regular caregiver is unavailable, you need care coverage for your pet, or your child needs academic help, you can draw from your Wellthy Wallet balance to cover it. 

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What’s included with Backup Care? 

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Eligible Disney employees* receive 30 care credits per calendar year. You can mix and match how you use your 30 credit across any of the following needs:

• Child and adult care: When your regular caregiver is unavailable, or when you need temporary care for children (under 18) or adult dependents (disabled or elderly) while you are scheduled to work. 
• Pet care: For temporary dog, cat, or other pet care when you are working. 
• Academic tutoring: When you or your child needs extra academic guidance or subject-matter help. 

*Eligible Disney employees include full-time & part-time employees. 

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Important Rules for Using Your Care Credits

• Your Wellthy Wallet: Every eligible employee gets 30 total care credits per calendar year to divide across child care, adult care, tutoring, and pet care. Unused credits do not roll over to the next year. 
• Who can provide care: For Backup Care, you can choose vetted options through Wellthy’s Care Network (in-home caregivers, daycares, and community programs) or use Out-of-Network options (your own preferred professional caregivers, agencies, or centers). Family members are not eligible out-of-network providers. You may use Backup Care for up to 5 consecutive days at a time.
• Out-of-Network (OON) limit: Up to 5 of your 30 care credits can be used for Out-of-Network (OON) care (which includes Pet Care or centers outside of Wellthy's network). Note: family members are not eligible out-of-network providers. 
• Care credit definition: A care credit is equivalent to a backup care use for a child, adult or pet, as well as an academic support use. 
  
  • A backup care credit includes up to 8 hours of care in a single day. For in-home care, one care credit can be used for up to 3 children; for center-based care, one care credit per care recipient. 
  • If you are using the service for tutoring, 4 hours of tutoring count as one care credit. 

Costs and Coverage

Disney subsidizes your backup care costs to make quality care accessible.

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What am I responsible for?

If you use a provider from Wellthy’s Care Network, you are responsible for a $10 copayment per care credit. 

If you use an Out-of-Network (OON) provider, your $10 copayment will be deducted from your final reimbursement payout. You are eligible for reimbursement up to the following daily rates: 

• Center-based adult or childcare: $150 per backup care day
• In-home adult or childcare: $75 per backup care day
• Petcare: $75 per backup care day

If you use the service for tutoring, 4 hours of tutoring counts as one care credit. And you will be responsible for the $10 copayment per credit used. 

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Real-World Usage Scenarios & Cost Breakdown

To help you understand how your Wellthy Wallet allowance, copays, and reimbursements work in everyday life, here are three common real-world scenarios:

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Scenario 1: Two children for one day

• If you use a center-based provider from the Wellthy Care Network: 
  
  • 2 care credits used (centers charge 1 day per child enrolled).
  • Copay: $20 total ($10 copay x 2 children)
• If you use an in-home care provider from Wellthy Care Network: 
  
  • 1 care credit used (1 in-home sitter covers up to 3 children).
  • Copay: $10 total ($10 copay per care credit)
• If you use an out-of-network (OON) provider, like your own preferred professional caregivers, agencies or centers:
  
  • 1 care credit used (1 in-home sitter covers up to 3 children).
  • Copay: $10 total ($10 copay per care credit) 
  • You will be reimbursed up to $75 per day, with proof of payment. Your copay subtracted directly from your final reimbursement payout. 

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Scenario 2: One child at camp in Wellthy’s Care Network, for five days

• 5 care credits used (1 day per child, per camp day).
• $50 total ($10 copay x 5 days)

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Scenario 3: Two pets for four days

• If you use Pet Boarding:  
  
  • 8 credits used (4 calendar days x 2 pets; facility care is billed per pet).
  • Copay: $80 total ($10 copay x 8 days (4 days for 2 pets), subtracted directly from your final reimbursement).
  • You can be reimbursed up to $600 total, with proof of payment ($75 x 8 days). Your copay subtracted directly from your final reimbursement payout. 
• If you have a Pet Sitter: 
  
  • 4 care credits used (4 calendar days; 1 sitter covers up to 3 pets).
  • Copay: $40 total ($10 copay x 4 days).
  • You can be reimbursed up to $300 total, with proof of payment ($75 x 4 days). Your copay subtracted directly from your final reimbursement payout.  

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How Out-of-Network (OON) reimbursement works:

To submit a reimbursement claim after paying your provider, please make sure your submission includes:

• Proof of Payment: A credit card receipt, cancelled check, or bank transfer confirmation (including digital confirmation screenshots from apps like Venmo or Zelle).
• Caregiver Information: Name and relationship to the member (note: caregivers cannot be a spouse, dependent, grandparent or family member).
• Care Details: Dates of care, total hours provided, and the name of the dependent receiving care.

You have 30 days from the date of care to submit your reimbursement request. Once the appropriate documentation is submitted, a Backup Care Specialist will review it and if approved, you’ll receive your reimbursement within 5–7 business days.

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Getting Started

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Activate your Wellthy account 

1. Click ‘Activate my account’ above to get started.
2. You’ll be redirected to log in seamlessly through SSO/MyID—no password creation required!
3. Once authenticated, you’ll return to Wellthy to answer a few quick questions and finish setting up your profile.

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Tips for first-timers!  

If you think you’ll use this benefit at some point, register in advance to save time when you actually need care! Get ahead of emergencies and proactively: 

• Enroll your care recipients into Wellthy’s Backup Care program
• Add your banking and credit card information into your Wellthy Wallet
• Add any preferred providers to your Backup Care Circle to have on speed dial
• Put in a backup care request for upcoming care needs
• Explore additional Wellthy family support benefits

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How do I get in touch with Wellthy?

Backup Care Specialists are available 24 hours, 7 days/week if you need to request care. When you’re logged in to your Wellthy account, you can message our team on our digital platform. To schedule Backup Care over the phone, please call (877) 588-3917. If you haven’t set up Backup Care or need a helping hand getting set up, please email us at support@wellthy.com. 

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Wellthy Care Network and Providers

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What kinds of providers will I find in Wellthy’s Care Network?

All types! Wellthy’s Care Network is designed to offer a wide range of solutions tailored to your unique situation. Whether you're looking for convenient local providers, in-home support, enriching activities for your kids (think Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA programs, arts and crafts, and more!), reliable babysitters, nannies, private caregivers, or trusted daycare options (both centers and home-based), Wellthy has you covered. Explore the possibilities and find the perfect fit for your family!

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Will I have options, or will I have to use a certain provider?

You will not be required to use a particular provider for backup care. Wellthy has created a Care Network of different types of vetted options for you to choose from and our Backup Care Specialists are here to help you find the best-fit provider with availability. You can also use your own out-of-network providers (who are not your regular caregivers) for backup care. Proof of payment and documentation that care took place will be required to receive reimbursement.

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How do I know that the providers in Wellthy’s Care Network are high-quality, safe, and reliable?

Wellthy’s Care Network of backup care options are vetted providers that go through a rigorous screening process. 

• Center-based care: Wellthy verifies state and federal licensing, considers online reviews across multiple platforms and calls providers to confirm best fit.
• Community-based activities and programs: Similar to the above, Wellthy assesses online reviews, contacts providers to ensure good fit, and checks licensing where applicable.
• In-home providers: A thorough review of past experience and comprehensive background checks (criminal, sex offender, SSN trace, global watchlist) is conducted.

Please note: Wellthy does not directly employ or oversee any provider within an employee’s personal network. If employees use a caregiver or center from their out-of-network, they are fully responsible for all vetting and verifying. Wellthy does not take responsibility for the final selection, whether they are sourced by Wellthy, the family, or through other means.

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What type of providers are available for tutoring? 

Wellthy partners with best-in-class academic support providers to give you direct access to personalized, high-touch tutoring— no research, no vetting, no homework for parents required. 

To access tutoring support, log into your Wellthy account and click 'Academic Support.' Learn more about our partners and specific coursework or curriculum available. You can enroll a student into Academic Support by answering a few questions (i.e. high school graduation year, what the student needs support with, and how many hours they would like to use. From there, you’ll get a personalized recommendation to the right provider. 

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Tax Considerations

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Is Backup Care a taxable benefit? 

Yes, Backup Care–child, adult and pet–is considered taxable in accordance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines. Your taxable amounts will be based on the fair market value of care for child, elder, and pet, minus your copay for in-network care or allowable reimbursement for out-of-network care, calculated using the following daily rates:

• Child & Adult: In-Network Care: $195
• Child & Adult: Out-of-Network, Center-Based Care: Actual cost of care, up to $150
• Child & Adult: Out-of-Network, In-Home Care: Actual cost of care, up to $75
• Pet Care: $75

Wellthy will report to Disney backup care uses and costs associated through this program.

• Child Care: Reimbursements above the $7,500 IRS Dependent Care limit–are taxable.*
• Adult & Pet Care: All usage is taxable. 

*Highly compensated employees, as defined by the IRS, may be taxed on combined Backup Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) reimbursements exceeding $1,000. Amounts above this threshold will be treated as taxable income and reflected in payroll accordingly.

• These types of amounts are considered taxable by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines and these amounts will show up in your paycheck as imputed income. Your pay will be subject to imputed income. For questions specific to your paycheck and how back up care as imputed income is reported on your paycheck, please contact Disney Global HR Operations at 1-321-939-7000.

Please note that Wellthy is not qualified to provide personal tax advice. For guidance on your specific tax situation, we recommend consulting a tax advisor.

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Can I request a summary of my backup care uses? 

Yes, Wellthy Wallet makes it easy to see your current and future credit balances for backup care and academic support. If you need more detail into each backup care use, you can visit your Backup Care Dashboard and click on past events to view a summary of the care provided, including the date and time, care recipients, provider details, and a breakdown of costs.

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‍Backup Care Allowance

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‍If I have care credits left over at the end of the year can I roll them over to the next year?

No, unused care credits do not roll over. You’ll receive a new set of credits each year based on Disney’s program. 

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What if my spouse/partner and I work for the same company?

You and your partner are both eligible for your individual allowance. Each employee would need to set up their profile within the Wellthy platform.

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How can I use my allowance for multiple kids or needs?

You can flexibly divide your 30 annual care credits across backup care and academic support. Here are some examples as to how care credits are deducted based on different needs:

Backup care for 2 children

• In-home care (1 caregiver for both kids) = 1 care credit
• Center-based care (both kids at a center) = 2 care credits (centers charge per child)

Backup care for 3 children

• In-home care (1 caregiver for all 3 kids) = 1 care credit 
• Center-based care (all 3 kids at a center) = 3 care credits (centers charge per child)

Tutoring support for teenager

• 4 hours of tutoring = 1 care credit
• 8 hours of tutoring = 2 care credits

Please note: These are general examples, and provider requirements may vary. Wellthy will share credit deductions before you book care.

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Cancellation Policy

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Please note that cancellation policies vary per provider. Wellthy will provide clear expectations around each of the providers cancellation policies when booking care so you know in advance.

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If you need to cancel backup care more than 24 hours before the scheduled care start time:

As long as the cancellation occurs within the provider’s cancellation policy, you can ask your Backup Care Specialist to cancel or contact the provider directly to cancel. 

• You will not be charged a care credit.
• In some cases, providers may request payment in advance of care to hold the spot. Wellthy will provide clear expectations around each of the providers cancellation policies when booking care so you know in advance. 
• Backup Care Specialists will request a refund from the provider; however, a refund is not guaranteed.

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If you need to cancel backup care less than 24 hours before the scheduled care start time:

You can ask your Backup Care Specialist to cancel or contact the provider directly to cancel.

• You will be charged for one care credit
• In some cases, providers may request payment in advance of care to hold the spot. Wellthy will provide clear expectations around each of the providers cancellation policies when booking care so you know in advance.

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‍What if the provider cancels my confirmed reservation?

Your Backup Care Specialist will make every effort to secure care for you promptly. In these situations, we encourage you to leverage your own out-of-network providers for added support.

If care was not secured after the cancellation:

• You will not be charged for a care credit
• All payments will be refunded back according to the type of payment made.

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FAQs 

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Can Wellthy’s Backup Care Specialists find and schedule backup care for me?

Yes! Backup Care Specialists are here to help you find and secure care when you need care. They can also proactively help you build a list of potential options for when the time comes — this is called building your Backup Care Circle. Backup Care Specialists are available 24 hours, 7 days/week. You can message us directly through the platform or call (877) 588-3917.

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What’s a Backup Care Circle? And how do I build a Backup Care Circle? 

A Backup Care Circle is like a ‘speed dial’ of your friends, preferred and vetted providers. It’s a great planning tool you can turn to when you have to schedule an urgent or planned backup care need. On your dashboard, click “Build your Backup Care Circle.” From there you will be given options to add your own providers (friend, neighbor, babysitter, etc. — not available for Backup Care reimbursement.) or choose from Wellthy’s Care Network (for Backup Care needs). 

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Can I provide feedback about my care experience using Wellthy’s Care Network?

Once the care event is completed, connect with your Backup Care Specialist for any immediate feedback you would like to share. You will also receive a Wellthy survey by email.

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Is backup care only for when I am at work?

Yes, backup care helps you cover unexpected gaps in your regular care, allowing you to come to work without needing to use your sick leave or vacation time.

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Can I utilize backup care for my loved one who has different abilities (e.g., neurodivergence, physical limitations, etc.)?

Yes, Wellthy can help locate appropriate options for your loved one with diverse needs.

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If my child is sick, can I use backup care?

Yes, you can use backup care when your child is sick, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most group care settings, like daycare centers, programs, and clinics, won’t accept children who are minorly ill or have an injury (e.g., fever above 100°F, a mild cold, cough, sniffles, or a minor injury) 
• In-home care can be a great option as long as the caregiver understands your child is mildly ill and the caregiver is comfortable with your child’s condition.

In these moments your out-of-network providers are also great options. We encourage families to tap into your out-of-network providers and proactively build their Backup Care Circle when possible. Don’t forget, Backup Care Specialists are here to help you build a reliable backup care plan for your family!

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What kind of tutoring support is available with Wellthy’s Academic Support? 

Wellthy partners with top educational providers to offer personalized, 1-on-1 support for students from Pre-K through graduate programs. Support spans foundational homework help, subject-specific tutoring, and advanced admissions coaching across all major exams (including SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT). Specialized, tailored instruction is also available for neurodivergent students and learners with different learning styles. 

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What is the cost of tutoring? 

You can apply your annual allowance of 30 care credits toward academic tutoring. Tutoring is calculated at a rate of 4 hours of tutoring = 1 care credit. You are responsible for a simple $10 copayment per care credit used.