Wisconsin Shares helps eligible families pay for part of their child care costs while they work, go to school, or attend approved job training.
To qualify, you usually must meet income and household rules and choose a child care provider that accepts Wisconsin Shares. You may need to pay part of the cost, called a copayment.
You can apply online through ACCESS, by phone, or through your local agency. Keep copies of your work or school schedule, income information, and any notices you receive.
Help is also available for finding child care providers, understanding grants, renewing benefits, and reporting changes.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin Shares can help eligible families pay for some child care costs while parents work, go to school, or take approved job training.
- Eligibility is based on your household income, family size, need for child care, and whether your provider accepts Wisconsin Shares.
- You can apply online through ACCESS Wisconsin, by phone, or through your local Income Maintenance agency. Be ready to provide proof of income, identity, household members, and work, school, or training schedules.
- You may need to pay part of the cost, called a copayment. The amount depends on your income and family size.
- Report changes to your income, address, household, job, school, or child care provider as soon as possible. Complete renewals on time to keep your benefits.
What Is Wisconsin Shares Daycare Assistance?
Wisconsin Shares is a program that helps eligible Wisconsin families pay for child care. It’s for parents and caregivers who need child care so they can work, go to school, or take part in approved job training.
The program pays part of the cost of care at an approved child care provider. Depending on your family’s situation, you may still need to pay some of the cost yourself.
Wisconsin Shares can also help you find child care providers and learn what changes you need to report, such as a new job, income change, or change in your child care needs.
Who Qualifies for Wisconsin Shares?
You may qualify for Wisconsin Shares based on your income, family size, and other program rules. You must also be working, going to school, or taking part in an approved training program. To get help paying for child care, your child care provider must be part of the Wisconsin Shares program.
Income And Household Rules
To qualify for Wisconsin Shares, your household must meet income limits. You must also have a child who needs care so a parent or caretaker can work, go to school, take approved training, or do another approved activity.
Your eligibility and copayment may depend on:
- How many people live in your household
- Your household income
- Your child’s age
Report everyone who lives with you and all income sources correctly.
| Household factor | Why it matters | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|
| Household size | Helps determine your income limit | List everyone in your household |
| Money from work | Can affect eligibility | Provide pay stubs or other pay records |
| Other income | Some benefits or payments may count | Report all benefits and other income |
| Child information | Shows why child care is needed | Provide details about your child |
Keep your notices and receipts. They can help you plan your budget and meals and report changes.
Contact your agency if your household, income, work, school, or child care needs change.
Work And Training Requirements
You may qualify for Wisconsin Shares child care assistance if you work, go to school, take approved training, or participate in another approved activity.
You will usually need to show that you need child care because of your scheduled activity. You must also report changes as soon as possible. Your local agency can tell you what documents you need, how many care hours may be approved, and what disability-related help is available.
Examples of activities that may qualify include:
- Starting an early shift at a new job
- Taking evening classes for a certificate
- Going to job-search appointments or interviews
- Attending workforce training with required attendance
If you’re in an approved program, keep your schedules, enrollment papers, and pay information. Ask your caseworker how irregular work hours, transportation problems, or required meal programs may affect your approved child care hours. They can explain what to do next.
Eligible Child Care Providers
Wisconsin Shares can help pay for child care only if your child attends an approved provider. You may choose:
- A regulated child care center
- A licensed family child care home
- A certified child care provider
- An approved in-home provider
Your provider must meet Wisconsin Shares requirements and report your child’s attendance correctly.
Before you enroll, ask whether the provider accepts Wisconsin Shares and has an opening for your child. You may also want to review inspection records, staff experience, and daily routines to help you choose care that works for your family.
Choosing an eligible provider can also help you plan your budget. Make sure you understand your copayment and any costs that Wisconsin Shares doesn’t pay.
Wisconsin Shares Income Limits and Copayments
Wisconsin Shares can help lower your child care costs. Whether you qualify—and how much you may need to pay—depends mostly on:
- How many people are in your household
- Your household income
- Your approved need for child care
Your local agency will review your information and let you know if you qualify. If you have a copayment, it’s the amount you pay toward child care costs. In general, families with lower incomes pay less.
To apply or report changes, gather documents such as:
- Recent pay stubs
- Benefit letters
- Information about everyone in your household
Your copayment may change if your income, household size, or child care needs change. Read all notices from your agency carefully. They’ll explain your copayment amount, when it’s due, and how to report changes.
You can also ask your agency about other help, such as budget grants or tax credits.
Work, School, and Training Requirements
Along with income rules, Wisconsin Shares usually requires you to have a reason you need child care. You may qualify if you work, go to school, take job training, or join an approved employment program.
The number of child care hours you can get is usually based on your work, school, training, travel, and sleep schedules, when needed. If your schedule changes, report it as soon as possible so your child care assistance can meet your family’s needs.
Wisconsin Shares can help pay for child care while you build job skills or finish school. When planning care, make sure your provider’s hours fit your routine. Allow extra time for travel, appointments, and unexpected changes.
Documents Needed to Apply for Wisconsin Shares
To apply for Wisconsin Shares, you may need documents that show who’s in your household, how much money you earn, and why you need child care.
Try to gather clear, up-to-date documents, such as:
- A photo ID, like a driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs, self-employment records, or benefit letters
- Documents for your child, such as a birth certificate, Social Security number, or custody papers
- Your work, school, or training schedule
- If you’re self-employed, information about your business and how you find customers
If you don’t have a document, ask your employer, school, or the agency that issued it for a copy. Keeping copies of your documents can make it easier to update your case later.
How to Apply for Wisconsin Daycare Assistance
You can apply for Wisconsin Shares online, by phone, or through your local income maintenance agency.
To apply online, use the ACCESS website. You can also call your county or tribal agency for help with your application. If you want help in person, ask for an appointment.
Have your household, income, work, school, and child care information ready. Answer all required questions carefully. If you don’t understand a question, contact your local agency or use the help resources on ACCESS before you submit your application.
What Happens After You Apply for Wisconsin Shares?
After you apply for Wisconsin Shares, your local agency reviews your household, income, work or school schedule, and child care needs. You may need to complete an interview or provide documents to confirm your information. Check your mail, email, and MyACCESS account often so you don’t miss any deadlines.
- A worker may review your pay stubs and work or school schedule.
- You may get a request for documents or other proof.
- You’ll receive a notice telling you whether you qualify and how much you may need to pay.
- Keep track of renewal dates so your benefits can continue.
If you’re approved, you’ll get information about what to do next. Save all notices in a safe place and set reminders to check your mail and MyACCESS account.
Find Wisconsin Shares Child Care Providers
Use Wisconsin’s child care search tools to find providers that accept Wisconsin Shares. Before choosing a provider, check that they’re eligible, nearby, open when you need care, and have space available. After you choose a provider, work with them and your local agency to enroll your child.
Provider Search Tools
To find a Wisconsin Shares child care provider, start with the state’s online Child Care Finder. You can search for licensed and certified programs by location, hours, children’s ages, and services offered.
Use the filters to narrow your choices. Then read each program’s details before you call or visit. Think about what works best for your family’s schedule and needs.
Look for things like:
- A center close to home or work with early drop-off
- A home-based provider with a smaller, more personal setting
- Child care prices and payment options
- Inspection reports and safety information
You can also contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for help finding care. Keep notes about openings, transportation, costs, and questions you want to ask each provider.
Eligibility And Enrollment
Before choosing a child care provider, make sure your family qualifies for Wisconsin Shares and that the provider accepts the program.
You can apply online through ACCESS Wisconsin or through your local Income Maintenance agency. Be ready to provide proof of:
- Income
- Household size
- Work, school, or approved training
- Your child’s identity
Ask providers if they’re regulated, enrolled with Wisconsin Shares, and available when you need care.
After you’re approved, report changes right away, such as changes to your income, address, work hours, or family members. Pay attention to enrollment deadlines.
If you’re worried about costs, contact your agency to ask about copayments, payment rules, and local resources that may help.
Choose Safe Licensed Child Care
Choosing a licensed child care provider in Wisconsin can help protect your child’s health, safety, and growth. Licensed providers must follow rules for staff training, supervision, building safety, and emergency plans.
Before you enroll your child, compare programs, visit in person, and ask questions.
Look for:
- Clean, bright rooms and secure entrances
- Caring adults who speak kindly and patiently with children
- Toys, meals, and outdoor play areas that are right for your child’s age
- A posted license, inspection information, and emergency plans
Wisconsin also requires background checks for certain child care staff.
Trust what you see and feel during your visit. If a program seems rushed, unsafe, or unfriendly, keep looking. Taking time to visit can help you find a place where your child feels safe and cared for.
Using Wisconsin Shares for Different Care Settings
Once you find child care that feels safe and supportive, Wisconsin Shares may help pay for it. You may be able to use Wisconsin Shares at participating licensed child care centers, certified family child care homes, and some regulated group care programs.
Before choosing a provider, ask if they accept Wisconsin Shares and make sure they’re enrolled in the program. Licensing and certification can help you understand a provider’s safety rules, oversight, and the number of children they can care for.
Your county or tribal agency can help you learn which care options may work for your family. When planning your budget, remember that you may have a parent payment. You may also need to pay separately for transportation, meals, or activities.
How to Keep Your Wisconsin Shares Benefits
To keep your Wisconsin Shares benefits, stay in contact with your county or tribal agency and report changes as soon as they happen. You must also complete renewals, respond to noticess and continue using an eligible child care provider.
Here are some simple ways to stay on track:
- Open all mail from your agency and watch for renewal deadlines.
- Put important dates, appointments, and deadlines on your calendar.
- Keep proof of income, work or school schedules, child care information, and other documents in a safe place.
- Make sure your child care provider remains eligible and available for your child.
- Report changes quickly, such as a new job, changes in income, a new address, changes in household members, or changes in your child care needs.
If you have questions or receive a notice you don’t understand, contact your county or tribal agency right away. They can explain what you need to do to keep your benefits.
Report Changes to Wisconsin Shares
Report changes to your Wisconsin Shares case as soon as they happen. This helps make sure your benefits are correct and that you still qualify.
Report changes such as:
- People moving into or out of your household
- Changes in income or employment
- Changes to your work or school schedule
- Changes in your child care provider
- A new address
- Changes in child support
You can report changes through your ACCESS account, by contacting your local agency, or by following the instructions in your benefit notices.
Keep documents that support the changes you report, such as pay stubs or letters from your employer. Reporting changes quickly can help prevent overpayments, delays, or reductions in benefits.
Your agency will review the changes and may ask for more information or proof. If you aren’t sure whether you need to report a change, contact your agency right away.
Renew Your Wisconsin Shares Benefits
To keep getting Wisconsin Shares child care help, you must renew your benefits when your agency asks you to.
Watch for letters, emails, or messages in your online account. Make sure you respond by the deadline.
Before you start your renewal, gather:
- Recent pay stubs or work schedules
- School or job training information
- Your current household income and address
- Information about your child care provider and your child’s attendance
Send any proof your agency asks for as soon as possible, even if nothing has changed.
If you have questions, contact your local agency early. They can explain the forms, deadlines, and documents you need.
Renewing on time can help prevent a gap in your child care benefits.
Other Wisconsin Child Care Programs and Grants
In addition to Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies, you can look for grants that help child care providers. These grants can help providers improve their spaces, create more child care openings, or provide better care. Visit Wisconsin’s child care resources to learn about programs that may help your family.
Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy
Wisconsin Shares helps eligible families pay for child care while parents work, go to school, or take part in approved job training.
You may qualify based on your household income, family size, and work, school, or training activities.
You can apply online or through your local income maintenance agency.
If approved, you can choose a child care provider that accepts Wisconsin Shares and works with your schedule.
You may need to pay a monthly copayment.
Keep documents ready, such as proof of income and proof of your work, school, or training schedule.
Child Care Provider Grants
Child care providers in Wisconsin may be able to get grants and other support to improve their programs, offer more child care spaces, and strengthen their businesses.
Funding may be available for:
- Building repairs or safety upgrades
- Classroom supplies and learning materials
- Staff training and professional development
- Licensing costs
- Hiring and keeping qualified caregivers
Before you apply, check who can apply, when applications are due, and what documents you need. Create a clear budget that explains how the funding will support lasting improvements to your program.
For current grant opportunities and help with applying, contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency or the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wisconsin Shares Help Pay for Overnight or Weekend Child Care?
Yes. Wisconsin Shares may help pay for child care at night or on weekends if you work, attend an approved activity, or meet other eligibility rules.
Contact your local agency to ask about available providers, approved hours, copays, and any paperwork you need.
Does Wisconsin Shares Cover Summer Camp or School Break Programs?
Wisconsin Shares may help pay for summer camp and care during school breaks if the program is approved. Coverage, hours, and copays can vary. Contact your local agency to ask whether a specific camp or program is eligible and whether any camp grants are available.
Can Grandparents Receive Payment for Providing Child Care?
Grandparents may be paid for child care if they meet the program’s rules, become approved providers, and care for an eligible child. Requirements vary by location, so check your local child care assistance program for enrollment steps and any rules about caring for relatives.
What Should I Do if My Provider Charges More Than Wisconsin Shares Pays?
If your provider charges more than Wisconsin Shares pays, you may have to pay the difference. Ask your provider if they offer payment options, or contact your local agency for help finding a provider that accepts the Wisconsin Shares payment rate.
Is Wisconsin Shares Available to Families Moving to Wisconsin?
Yes. You can apply for Wisconsin Shares after you move to Wisconsin, establish residency, and meet the program’s eligibility rules. Contact your local county agency as soon as possible for help applying.
Conclusion
Wisconsin Shares can help you pay for child care while you work, go to school, or build a more stable routine for your family. If you qualify, gather the required documents, choose an approved child care provider, and report changes on time. Be sure to renew your benefits before the deadline. If your job, income, household, or child care needs change, contact your local agency as soon as possible. You can also look into other child care resources for extra support.