What is the WI Shares Child Care Subsidy Program?

The Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program invests in eligible working families to help make quality child care more accessible and affordable by covering a portion of their monthly child care costs.

How do I apply for a Child Care subsidy?

You can apply online via the ACCESS portal or in person at your local Income Maintenance Agency. If you live in Milwaukee County you can apply online or by calling (888) 947-6583. 

How long does it take to receive a subsidy?

The date we get your application is called your application filing date. Wisconsin is required by law to give you a decision about whether you can get help from the program you’re applying for within 30 days of your application filing date.

What does the application process look like?

You’ll need to first set up an account online (if you haven’t done so already) in the ACCESS portal.

If you apply for the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program, you’ll need to complete an interview with an income maintenance or tribal agency worker before we make a decision about whether you can get help from these programs. During the interview, a worker will provide information about the program you’re applying for, review your application information, and ask for more information if needed. Your agency will call you to complete the interview.

Once your interview is completed, you’ll need to select a child care provider that accepts subsidies (if you don’t have one already). The best way to get connected with a provider is by calling the Supporting Families Together Associated at (888) 713-5437 or emailing info@supportingfamiliestogether.org. 

To find childcare providers in your area you can use the public search website childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov.

Once you have selected a childcare provider, you will need to request an Authorization for Childcare subsidy. You will provide your child care provider's name and address, your approved activity schedule, and the times that your child will need child care to your local agency worker. This information will be used to create your authorization.

For families living in Milwaukee County, once you have been found eligible for child care subsidy, contact:

Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA). Call 1.888.947.6583: Select option one (1) for Child Care. You will be provided with two options. Select the second option (2) about requesting an authorization.

If you have an ACCESS account, you can use the same log-in information to access the MyWIChildCare Parent Portal. In the Parent Portal, you may schedule an appointment for a worker to contact you at your scheduled time or request an authorization. When a worker receives your request for an authorization, they will either call you or message you back in the MyWIChildCare Parent Portal. You may also set up text message alerts through the Parent Portal when a local agency worker sends you a message.

Once approved, your benefits will be issued on a Childcare EBT card - you can use this card to pay your provider directly. 

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

It’s much faster to apply when you have your documents ready. Put the kids to bed, pull out your phone or computer and get started! As a reminder, you’ll need to bring original or copies of your documents to your application interview.

Proof of Applicant’s Identity (only one of the following)

• Driver’s License

• Photo ID Card

• U.S. Passport

Proof of Social Security for children only

• Social Security Card

Proof of Child’s Age/DOB

• Birth Certificate

Proof of U.S. Citizenship for children only (only one of the following)

• Passport

• Birth Certificate

• Naturalization Certificate

Proof of Wisconsin Residency/Address (only one of the following)

• Utility Bill

• Lease Agreement

• Mortgage Statement

Proof of Earned Income

• One month of paystubs for any members of the household contributing to income

Who do I contact about my application status?

Please contact your local Income Maintenance office to check the status of your application.

If you have any additional questions, or would like to chat with a Mirza Applications Specialist, please email support@heymirza.com.