Wisconsin Department
of Children and Families - Division
of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Child Care Subsidy Administration
Wisconsin Shares Handbook
CSAW
will only assign an Assistance Group (AG) to a higher Copayment Period
(Gradual Phase Out or Exit period) at the AG’s annual renewal. If an AG’s
FPL decreases, CSAW will reassign the AG to a lower Copayment Period at
any time without regard to the renewal date. If the AG moves to a lower
Copayment Period, the AG’s copayment per hour will remain capped at the
lower level (as applicable for GPO) until the AG’s next renewal.
| Example 1 (GPO to Stabilization): At renewal in February, Jack’s income places his AG at 192% FPL. CSAW assigns Jack’s AG to the Gradual Phase Out period. In April, Jack’s employer cuts his work hours to part-time. The resulting income loss places his AG at 115% FPL. CSAW determines Jack’s copayment per hour at the 115% FPL copayment level and reassigns Jack’s AG to the Copayment Stabilization period. Even if Jack’s work hours increase back to full-time, Jack’s AG will remain in the Copayment Stabilization period until his next annual renewal. His AG’s copayment per hour will also be capped at the 115% FPL copayment level until his next annual renewal. |
| Example 2 (Exit to GPO): LaQuisa’s income places her AG at 205% FPL at renewal in October. CSAW assigns LaQuisa’s AG to the Exit period. In November, LaQuisa starts a new job. Her new income places her AG at 192% FPL. CSAW decreases LaQuisa’s copayment per hour to the 190% FPL copayment level and reassigns LaQuisa’s AG to the Gradual Phase Out period. If LaQuisa’s income increases after this, CSAW will increase her copayment per hour. However, CSAW will not reassign her AG to the Exit period and will not increase her copayment per hour beyond the 200% FPL copayment level until her next renewal. |
| Example 3 (Exit to Stabilization): At renewal in July, Mai’s income places her AG at 206% FPL. CSAW assigns Mai’s AG to the Exit period. In September, Mai loses her job, and her AG’s income decreases to $0. Mai’s worker offers her the Approved Activity Search period (ACTS), which she accepts. CSAW reduces Mai’s copayment per hour to the 65% FPL copayment level and reassigns Mai’s AG to the Copayment Stabilization period. In November, Mai starts a new job, and her AG’s income increases to 210% FPL. Mai remains in the Copayment Stabilization period, and her copayment remains at the 65% FPL copayment level until her next renewal. |
This section last updated 12/1/2022