Yearly Archives: 2013

How to Get Your Social Security Card

SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

The Social Security Administration will issue a “Valid for Work Only With DHS Authorization” social security card to any au pair/companion participating in a Department of State authorized au pair program. To apply for a restricted working social security card, an au pair must go in person to the local social security office in her community. (Find the closest social security office). She must wait at least twelve days after her arrival in the United States and bring the following documents:

  • Valid passport
  • DS 2019 form
  • White I-94 card
  • Proof of identification that is at least one year old (e.g. passport, driver’s license, birth certificate)

Social Security will verify the au pair’s status with SEVIS before a social security card number can be assigned.

If there is a discrepancy with information, the social security office may deny the au pair a social security card and would request a manual verification of data, which would take additional time.

If the social security office says that they cannot issue a social security card and returns the application and documents, please call Evelyn Blum at Au Pair in America, (800) 928 -7247, ext. 5027, or e-maileblum@aifs.com for further assistance.

MONDAY – FRIDAY:09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Except Federal Holidays

Already have a driver’s license from another state? Here’s how to transfer to a Pennsylvania Driver’s License

Bring current State Driver’s License to DMV with Social Security card and Passport.  Bring two proofs of residency (bank, credit card statements; any mail delivered to host family address); a letter of participation from me; and a check or money order for $29.50.  You must go to an office that offers an eye exam.  You will receive a temporary driver’s license; and a permanent license will be mailed to you at your home address.

Taxes Are Due April 15th

Here are some of the basic questions:

Who is supposed to file taxes? – All au pairs who made $3800  or more in the calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31.)  For au pairs who made less than $3800, you don’t need to file.

Will all au pairs have to pay something? – No, it depends on when you arrived and how much money you earned last year.

When are 2012 taxes due? – April 15, 2013

Where can I get the tax form? –  1040NR-EZ Form

Where can I get the instruction booklet? – 1040NR-EZ Booklet

Where can I get detailed information and see a sample au pair tax form? – APIA Tax Info for Au Pairs

Easter and Springtime Ideas for Kids!

March 26, 2013

I realize it snowed yesterday but I believe if you “think spring” it will come!  Here are some great ideas to plan with the kids!

Click Here for Easter and Srpingtime Fun for Kids! http://pinterest.com/tbaupair/easter-and-spring-fun-for-kids/ for Easter and Srpingtime Fun
Filed under

FREE ITALIAN WATER ICE

Free Italian Ice on the 1st Day of Spring

IceCollageOn Wednesday, March 20, noon-9pm, all Rita’s Italian Ice locations will give each customer a FREE regular size Italian Ice. What a sweet way to start the season!

What is Italian Ice?
From the Rita’s website:
“Rita’s signature product is our Italian Ice, which is much smoother than a snow cone and combines ice with real fresh fruit; made fresh daily at each location and served within 36-hours of mixing. Trans-Fat Free and made fresh daily in dozens of deliciously refreshing flavors.”

There are Rita’s locations in Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Havertown & more.  Check here on their website to find the nearest one for you.

**Contest** – The first au pair in my cluster to send me a message (email or Facebook) telling me their favorite flavor of Italian Ice will win a gift card for a sweet treat.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

Friday (March 8th) is International Women’s Day! This day helps to jumpstart the month of March, which has now been named National Women’s History Month in the United States . International Women’s Day is celebrated in 176 countries and allows women worldwide to connect, celebrate and honor womens past, present, and future.

On this day women will “Celebrate, Commit, and Connect.” They’ll celebrate like never before ~ connect as only women do ~ and commit to improve in 3 areas of their lives:
1. Personal ~ improve their personal health and well being, and their businesses as employees, business owners, entrepreneurs.
2. Family ~ help their families be healthier and prepare for the future right now.
3. Country ~ let their voices be heard: to speak up, to make positive changes in their communities/countries.

Au Pair in America is an organization fully commited to enriching the lives and minds of young women and this day is highly regarded within the organization.

Young women from all over the globe, ages 18 -26, come to America to live with an American family and learn about American culture. The Au Pair in America cultural exchange program provides a platform to really the change lives of the young women that participate. Fanny Carvajal-Delgado, one of our former au pairs from Costa Rica, has said “Working as an aupair with Au Pair in America is a life changing experience. It has changed my life, the way I value my family and friends, the way I see the world and the way I think about myself, in a positive way.  I will never be the same person ! When I finished the program I was more mature, Independent and responsible.”

In recognition of International Women’s Day, below are some ways you can celebrate this day as well as National Women’s History month in your lcoal community:

  • Register to vote
  • Attend an event promoting women’s health, equality or safety
  • Thank a woman who has been a positive influence in your life
  • Support a program that provides business training for women in developing countries
  • Make a doantion that provides education for girls

To find for an International Women’s Day event in your area, go to www.internationalwomensday.com!

WINTER FUN

Getting Outfitted for Snow Tubing

skipic_group

Our  snow tubing trip is just over a week away. Now is the time to buy your snow clothes, if you don’t already have some.  If you wait too late in the snow season, it can be hard to find some of these items.

Below is a list of the basic outerwear you want to have to stay dry and warm.  You could probably find some of these things in your host family’s closet 🙂 —

For Skiing/Snowboarding/Snow tubing

  • Waterproof Snow Pants
  • Gloves, hat, scarf and jacket (which you should already have)
  • Waterproof Boots (for snow tubing)

Snow pants can be found at places like Sports Authority, Dick’s, Modell’s and REI; as well as online retailers.  You can usually find an adult pair for $25-$40.  Many of you (au pairs in my cluster) are small enough that you could buy a pair of XL snow pants in the boy’s department.  Those will cost you less and can sometimes be found at places like Target, KMart and WalMart for $15-$25.

pic_tubing6