Knowledge Center

Topic

• Can’t I just order a nationwide nanny background check?

  A true, accurate nationwide nanny criminal background check cannot be done, as there is no publicly-accessible central repository for all federal, state and county level felony and misdemeanor convictions. There is one national criminal database created by the FBI, known as the NCIC (National Crime Information Center), but it is not a public record that […]

• Emergency Nanny Income During a Pandemic

  19 March 2020 Summary Over the last several days, attempts to contain and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus have severely disrupted everyday life in the USA. Worries are running the gamut from, “Where can I find toilet paper?” to “I can’t work, I’m not being paid, how can I pay for toilet paper?” […]

• Is it legal for a nanny to be employed by a family office?

  What is a family office? The first step to understanding the difference between being employed by a family and family office employment is to understand the purpose of a family office. A family office may be an advisory firm that focuses on private wealth management or a separate legal entity that has been created to manage often […]

• Why is my nanny an hourly employee? I want to pay her a salary and not worry about tracking hours each week.

  Nannies and other ‘domestic service employees’ are classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as non-exempt workers. The term non-exempt employee refers to a worker who IS subject to the terms of the FLSA regarding such issues as overtime compensation and minimum wage coverage, contemporaneous time tracking record keeping, as well as nanny pay […]

• What about sex offender records?

  We strongly encourage families to order the national sex offender search. This option has been considerably improved in recent years as a result of federal legislation. The economical National Sexual Offender Registry (NSOR) search is recommended as part of any childcare or eldercare background screening to reduce the risk of hiring someone with a prior […]

• About Household Employee Workers’ Compensation Insurance

  Household employee workers’ compensation insurance protects the caregiver and the employer from the expenses and liabilities associated with a work-related accident.  A single accident can leave the household employer liable for thousands of dollars in medical bills.  Don’t assume that this liability is covered under your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy! Last updated June 28, 2024 Most […]

• Do I need to pay my housekeeper or nanny overtime? What about nanny minimum wage?

  The simple answer is yes. Domestic employees specifically are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and have been since 1974. The FLSA establishes: The rules for workers who may be salaried (exempt) and who must be paid overtime (non-exempt). The rules for workers who must be paid no less than minimum wage. State […]

• My wife requires help that I cannot physically provide. Can I hire my daughter as a caregiver?

  Considering hiring a family member as a caregiver for in-home care– whether for a baby or an aging senior? Families often engage a family member to provide elder care services and wish to fairly compensate them for their work. For more information on the rules governing hiring a family member as a caregiver, consult IRS […]

• Our nanny will be driving. How do we check the nanny driving record?

  Driving records are very important, and they reveal more than just how well the nanny drives. A nanny driving background check can speak to the candidate’s judgment, attention to detail, and conformity to rules. DUI’s and speeding tickets will generally give a family pause. Many states have moved to protect the confidentiality of these records in […]

• Background Screening for Senior Home Care

  Our aging parents deal with physical and sometimes mental declines that challenge their ability to completely take care of themselves on their own.  They don’t like the idea of moving out of their homes to a senior care facility.  How will they safely age at home, in a safe and happy environment? Today an estimated […]

• Nanny Transportation Allowance

  Many families find that paying for their nanny’s or senior caregiver’s public transportation pass is a great tax free benefit. Because this is non-taxable, you can provide this nanny transportation allowance without having to pay FICA or unemployment taxes on the value! For 2025, an employer may reimburse the nanny or senior caregiver for mass/public […]

• Senior Companions Minimum Wage Rules by State

  What are the minimum wage rules by state for senior companion caregivers? Employment law, wage and hour law, and payroll tax requirements for privately employed senior caregivers are governed by a complex assortment of Federal and state rules and legislation. The scope of duties is used on the Federal level to distinguish companionship care – […]