Emergency
If you have a legal or serious medical problem, notify your Community Counselor. If your Community Counselor is not available and you cannot wait for her return, call the 24-hour emergency service at 1-800-928-7247.
Au Pair Social Security Card
You can apply for your Social Security (SS) card four days after arriving in the US. Use the Social Security Office locator to find the closest office and to confirm its hours of operation.
Required documents:
- Application For a Social Security Card Form SS-5 (In box 5 for citizenship information, check off “Legal Alien Allowed To Work.”
- Unexpired passport with visa
- I-94 (you need to print this from the CBP website)
- DS-2019
TIP: When your SS card comes in the mail, save the envelope. You can use this as a proof of residency document.
Au Pair Driver License and Identification Card
- How to obtain a Maryland Driver’s License
- 3 Hour Alcohol Awareness Classes
- MVA SAVE Document Verification (do this before going for written test)
- Add Emergency contacts to your driver’s license
- Driver’s License Handbook – Audiobook
- Driver’s License Handbook – Audiobook
- Driver’s License Handbook – English
- Driver’s License Handbook – Spanish
- Driving School – Best Driving School (Charles County)
- Driving School – College of Southern Maryland
- Driving School – Driver’s Ed of Southern Maryland (St. Mary’s County)
- Maryland International Driver Law – Print and keep in your car at all times
- Maryland Motor Vehicles Administration
- MD Online Practice Test
- Maryland MVA Practice Test App for Droid (free)
- Maryland MVA Practice Test for iPad (free)
- How to obtain a Maryland Identification Card
Au Pair Education Options
Au pairs should complete 6 credits, 8 CEUs or 72 hours. Au pairs intending to extend should plan to earn their credits, CEUs or hours well before the end of their year. ***Note*** The UCLA Extension program is the only online course currently accepted by the Dept of State.
- Education Requirement Explained
- Anne Arundel Community College
- APIA Advantage – UCLA Extension Program
- College of Southern Maryland
- College of Southern Maryland ESL Program
- LADO College
- Learning Across America (Study and Travel BMCC)
- University of the Virgin Islands (Weekend classes in DC)
- NOTE – The Department of State views our program as a cultural exchange experience and an au pair going to a campus over the length of a semester alongside her American Peers facilitates this while promoting the spirit of the program.
Au Pair Health Care
APIA’s health (medical) insurance plan is administered by Cultural Insurance Service International (CISI) and is part of Aetna. Questions? Call 203-399-5130 or email Claimhelp@culturalinsurance.com
If you are sick, find an urgent care centers or doctors’ offices that takes your insurance. Tell them you have Aetna, when you call to make your appointment or check-in at the office.
Other low-cost health services:
- Greater Baden Medical Services (locations in Leonardtown, LaPlata and Brandywine
- Calvert County Health Department
- Charles County Heath Department
- St. Mary’s County Health Department
- University of Maryland Dental School
Au Pair Money Matters and Taxes
Au pair stipend is taxable. Taxes are due in April each year for money earned in the prior calendar year. I suggest you set money aside each week to save for this responsibility.
Au Pair Travel Inside the US
Travel/Tour Companies & Resources
Travel Links for Au Pairs
- Automatic Revalidation Policy (Carry for travel in to Canada, Mexico & the adjacent islands in year two)
- FlixBus
- Cheap Flights
- Best Bus
- Hostelling International
- Metro Website
- Super Shuttle
- The Jane Hotel, New York
- Traveling to NYC on an Au Pair Budget
- Vamoose Bus
Places to Stay (good reviews from past au pairs)
- Hostelling International
- NY Loft Hostel
- The Jane Hotel, New York