Wisconsin Shares Parent and Caregiver Subsidy Change Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Previously, a child’s authorization was based on a specific number of average weekly hours. As of October 1, parents receive a part-time or full-time subsidy amount based on their average weekly child care need.

Watch the Parent Information Video

See the Parent Subsidy Change FAQs below for more details.

Do I need to do anything to receive the additional part-time/full-time funds?

No. You do not need to make any changes to your authorization. These changes will happen automatically using the new method of calculating the Wisconsin Shares subsidy.

My subsidy payment increased, is that correct?

Yes. Your subsidy may have increased due to the change from an hourly amount to a part-time or full-time amount based on your average weekly child care need hours. This change was applied automatically starting with your October benefits.

Can I use the subsidy to cover other fees such as lunch, field trip, late, or other fees?

You can use subsidy to pay for any bill you have with the provider for that child. This includes fees or costs other than attendance, such as food costs, field trip fees, and late fees. Registration fees cannot be requested for those fees, but subsidy funds can be used towards those costs.

If I have additional funds, can I use those funds for another child?

No. Subsidy from one child cannot be applied to another child.

Can I still get extra funds for days/times when school is closed?

Yes. The process for requesting school closed hours has not changed. You may or may not qualify for additional funds, based on your current authorization. If you need more funds for days when school is closed that your subsidy does not already cover, you can contact the local agency to see if you’re eligible for additional funds. Requests can be made in advance if you know they will be needed or within 10 calendar days after the closure. If your child only needs care when school is closed, you will continue to receive only an hourly amount for those days. If your child has a part-time authorization and needs additional funds when school is closed, you will receive hourly school closed funds in addition to your part-time subsidy amount, if you’re eligible.

Should I just pay my child care provider everything that goes on my card?

You need to know what you owe and only pay what the provider charges. Here are some helpful steps:

Make sure you have a Provider/Parent Written Payment Agreement with your child care provider. Review your bill and/or Payment Agreement. This will tell you how much you owe, and when payments are due.
Check your child care balance in EBT Edge or the Parent Portal, so you know how much you have in subsidy.
Pay the provider what you owe.

How do you calculate your monthly payments (including the months with five weeks)?

Each child’s Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy is specific to their age, the family’s income, county or tribe, and other factors. Visit the “Calculating Your Out-of-Pocket Cost” page to learn more about calculating subsidy. Subsidy funds are based on a calendar month, so it does not vary based on the number of weeks in a month.

Go Back to the Subsidy Change Page for Parents/Caregivers