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TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

14 Note: In addition to the W-2 and the Related Programs described in this Plan, the below programs are anticipated to be funded with TANF and/or MOE funding during the plan period.

Wisconsin Shares Wisconsin uses TANF funds to provide child care subsidies to certain individuals who are not current participants in its W-2 program. These individuals have a need for child care to participate in specific qualifying activities, including other work programs (the DCF- administered Transform Milwaukee Jobs and Transitional Jobs programs, and the DHS- administered FoodShare Employment and Training Program) and basic education, technical college, or employment-skills education programs determined by the child care eligibility agency to promote employment retention (eligibility under these provisions is limited to individuals working at least five hours a week and limited to a maximum of two years). The individual must earn less than 185 percent of the FPL at initial eligibility and less than 200 percent FPL for continuation, and co-payments based on family size and income apply. Starting in state fiscal year (SFY) 2025, provisions set 200 percent as the single initial eligibility and phase-out threshold for Wisconsin Shares subsidies.

2017 Wisconsin Act 59 amended state law to provide that, once eligible, an individual whose income subsequently exceeds 200 percent FPL remains eligible until the individual’s family income exceeds 85 percent of the state median income (SMI). Wisconsin will define exceeding 85 percent of the SMI as the countable gross income for the assistance group exceeding that level for two consecutive months. Depending on family size, 85 percent of Wisconsin’s SMI is estimated to equate to between 205 percent and 299 percent of the FPL. Starting in SFY 2025, the family's copayment increased by $1.00 for every $5.00 by which the family's gross income exceeds 200 percent FPL, increasing $1 for every $3. As a result, the subsidy will scale down with an increase in income rather than sharply dropping at the exit threshold. This policy change is designed to reduce the experience of a “benefit cliff” following an increase in income. Wisconsin implemented the phase-out period for continuing eligibility in 2018. Wis. Stat. § 49.155(1m)(c)1d.

2017 Wisconsin Act 59 also created an asset limit of $25,000 for eligibility in the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program effective November 1, 2017, for new eligibility determinations and reviews on. 2017 Wisconsin Act 269 also created two new asset restrictions for Wisconsin Shares eligibility. Under the Act, an applicant’s family also cannot own more than one home, which is valued at more than two hundred percent (200%) of the statewide median value for homes, excluding the value of agricultural land owned by the family. An applicant’s family also cannot own any number of vehicles with a combined equity value of more than $20,000, except vehicles used for business purposes. DCF established a hardship exemption to the asset restrictions with Wis. Admin. Code § DCF 101.09(3m)(c). This program aligns with TANF Purposes 1 and 2.

Child Welfare Prevention Services Since 2001 (pursuant to an ACF suggestion to align services with TANF purposes 3 and 4), Wisconsin has used federal TANF funds to supplement services to prevent child abuse and neglect in Milwaukee County. Specifically, DCF provides TANF funds through the Brighter Futures program. Brighter Futures supports positive youth development and prevention programs in high-risk communities and high-poverty neighborhoods. This program targets service delivery to the most vulnerable populations which include families from the lowest-