How much is the au pair weekly stipend? – The minimum weekly stipends are listed below. Host families and au pairs may agree to higher amounts, but no au pair should be paid below the minimum for their program.
- Au Pair – $195.75
- Extraordinaire – $300.00
When is the first stipend paid? – Day one of an au pair’s first pay week is the day they arrive to orientation (typically a Monday). The first payday should occur within the first seven days of an au pair’s arrival to the U.S.Au pairs are to be paid their full stipend beginning with week one. Payday may be any day of the week as long as it remains consistent. For example, if an au pair arrives to orientation on a Monday and the host family chooses Friday as their payday, they are paying for the week in progress (Mon-Sun).How you will get paid until you have a bank account – You may receive your stipend (weekly pay) in cash until you open a bank account. Or your host family may take you to the bank with your first stipend so you may use that to open the account. When paying in cash, it is recommended that you keep a log to prevent any misunderstandings.
Opening a Bank Account
When to open your bank account –
- It is possible to open a bank account before you get your Social Security Number. If the bank employee you are dealing with is unfamiliar with the process, you may need to speak with a manager.
- Some au pairs choose to wait until after they have their Social Security Number, to open a bank account. The process to get your Social Security Card can be found here.
Banks that are good for au pairs –
What to bring to open your bank account – The documents required will vary by bank, but this is a list of what you may need. Check the bank website for their specific requirements.
- Your passport
- Your country driver’s license and international driver’s permit
- Your Social Security Card (if you have it)
- Your participation letter
- Your DS-2019 form
- Money to open the account