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 average weekly authorized hours, capped at 35 hours (the full-time cap), converted to a monthly number, plus School Closed Hours
| Note: Starting with the October 2023 benefit calculation, the benefit calculation will use 30 weekly hours when the child’s average weekly authorized hours are 20 hours or less (part-time authorization) and 35 weekly hours when the child’s average weekly authorized hours are more than 20 hours (full-time authorization). Any school closed hours (see 16.1.2.2.2) are added to part-time authorizations after the 30 weekly hour conversion. School closed hours are calculated on an hourly amount based on the parent’s approved activity schedule and the child care need schedule. |
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, 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 10/1/2023