Wisconsin child care subsidy program raises income eligibility limit

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- A Wisconsin program designed to help families afford child care is becoming more accessible.

Earlier this month the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program increased its income eligibility limits. Local leaders say it will help more area families afford child care and help boost the community.

The Wisconsin Shares program assists working families with daycare by covering a portion of the cost.

Starting July 1, the program's income eligibility limit went from 185% of the federal poverty level to 200% of that level.

"That income limit now for a family of 3 is $4,303 a month ... so it went up about 300 dollars," said Lorie Graff, La Crosse County's Human Services Section Manager of the Economic Support Program.

Graff says the increased eligibility will allow more families to focus on other needs.

"Getting that assistance to help with child care frees up money for other things that they need to pay for, their groceries and other bills so definitely is going to be a huge boost for families," she said.

In recent years, the cost of child care has skyrocketed. One national nonprofit found that in 2023 the average price of one child being in care was more than $11,000.

Andrea Pierson, who is the coordinator for Healthy Families at La Crosse's Family and Children's Center, says families often struggle with finding child care because of the associated costs.

"Parents have to think about whether it's worth it for them to work if they're having to fork over so much money for child care," she said.

Now she says more families won't have to make those tough decisions.

"The hope is that parents will be able to have a career and also have a place for their child to be watched and cared for during the day," she said.

In recent months, Graff says the county has seen an increase in families applying for Wisconsin Shares. Now with the increased eligibility, she believes not only will families benefit, but so will the community at large.

"So the more families that can apply and be eligible for the Wisconsin Shares program, the better," she said. "It strengthens families, it makes sure their children are in quality care. All things that make the community better."

You can find out more about Wisconsin Shares here .

To apply for the program, visit this website. You can also call the Western Region for Economic Assistance at 1-888-627-0430 to apply or ask questions.

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