Since I also have questions on the same subject, I found this thread while searching and replied.
I see, what you say makes sense. In this case, in order for the mom not to have any earnings, she must have work-related costs. For example, if she pays for toys, and grocery shopping (for child) while she is taking care of the child, there might be no net earnings.
This will not solve the flight ticket problem, but at least his son can submit the payment to his mother in DCFSA. Did I understand correctly?
