Wisconsin Department of Children and Families - Division of Early Care and Education
Bureau of Child Care Subsidy Administration
Wisconsin Shares Handbook
The variables described below are components of the subsidy calculation. When these factors change, the subsidy amount may also change (see 18.6).
The family’s Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is based on the Assistance Group (AG) size and household income
The AG’s Copayment Period (see 18.4)
Monthly Authorized Hours: The approved weekly authorized hours, capped at 35 hours (the full-time cap), converted to a monthly number, plus school closed hours
| Note: The benefit calculation uses 30 weekly hours to determine the subsidy amount when the child’s weekly authorized hours are 20 hours or less (part-time authorization) and 35 weekly hours when the child’s weekly authorized hours are more than 20 hours (full-time authorization). Any school closed hours (see 16.1.1.4.2) are added to part-time authorizations after the 30 weekly hour conversion. School closed hours are calculated for individual days based on the parent’s child care need (see 16.1.1.4.2). |
Copayment Type (see 18.3)
Capped Subsidy: The subsidy is capped at the lowest of the following three (3) amounts:
Initial Hourly Amount (hourly maximum from the Wisconsin Shares County and Tribal Subsidy Maximum Rates (see 18.5.1) multiplied by the monthly hours of care);
Monthly Provider Price; and
Monthly maximum from the Wisconsin Shares County and Tribal Subsidy Maximum Rates (see 18.5.1).
Above Full-Time Hours: The number of average weekly hours above 50 and up to 75 per week (see 16.1.1), converted to a monthly number. This additional amount is added after the capped subsidy comparison.
Out of State Accredited Adjustment: The Agency Rate and Agency Ceiling in the CSAW Benefit Calculation are increased by 10% for out-of-state providers whose accreditation is accepted by YoungStar.
For further details on the subsidy calculation, see the CSAW User Guide - Benefit Calculations.
This section last updated 11/1/2024