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The Child Care Subsidy Program provides funds to students with children to assist in meeting the cost of licensed child care.
Information about the Program
Who may apply
How to apply
How much is the subsidy award?
How eligibility for the subsidy is determined
Receiving the subsidy funds
If you have questions or need assistance
WHO MAY APPLY:
To be considered for the Child Care Subsidy, a student must meet ALL the following criteria:
- Be enrolled at least half-time in a University of Michigan-Ann Arbor degree program at either the undergraduate, graduate, or professional level, or be enrolled in a non-degree program with a defined educational objective. Please note:
- Students who are not in a degree program must complete a Non-Candidate for Degree Questionnaire (download from this site; see right).
- Graduate students with approved detached study status may satisfy the half-time enrollment requirement.
- Graduate students who are not enrolled or on detached study, but are actively pursuing research or completing their dissertation, may be eligible if their academic pursuits equate to at least half-time enrollment (must complete the Child Care Subsidy Graduate Student Non-Enrollment Certification Form; see right).
- Have dependent child(ren) 12 years old or younger or dependent child(ren) with special needs under the age of 19.
- Incur child care expenses from services provided by a licensed provider. You may apply even if you are not currently using a licensed child care provider.
> For Fall/Winter: If you are awarded a subsidy and you are not using a licensed child care provider, you must change to a licensed care provider within 30 days of the beginning of the term for which you are awarded the subsidy. (Note: Certain care facilities administerd by school districts are not required by law to be licensed. However, because of level of care standards imposed by the school district, these facilities meet the licensing requirements for the Child Care Subsidy.)
> For Spring/Summer: If you are awarded a subsidy and you are not using a licensed child care provider, you must change to a licensed care provider and use the licensed provider's services for at least 75% of each term for which you receive the subsidy. (Note: Certain care facilities administerd by school districts are not required by law to be licensed. However, because of level of care standards imposed by the school district, these facilities meet the licensing requirements for the Child Care Subsidy.)
- Demonstrate financial need for this subsidy (see below).
- Be making satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the University of Michigan.
- Utilize child care services because you are a single student, or if married, because your spouse is either a student (enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program) or employed outside the home for a minimum of 20 hours per week. You may be asked to document your spouse's employment or student status.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applying for Fall/Winter 2008-2009:
Students are encouraged to apply by April 30, 2008, so that eligibility can be determined and notification sent to you in starting July 1, 2008. This will allow you adequate time to plan and make your child care arrangements. Students who apply after April 30, 2008, may be denied funding if all funds have been committed to applicants who applied earlier.
To apply:
Submit to the FEDERAL PROCESSOR:
The 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to list Federal School Code 002325 so that a copy will be sent to U-M. The FAFSA must be completed ONLY by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International students should not complete the FAFSA (see Step 2.c. below).
Note: If you submitted this form previously to apply for assistance through the Office of Financial Aid, do NOT submit it again.
2. Submit to the OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID (OFA):
a. The Fall/Winter 2008-2009 Child Care Subsidy Application.
b. Copies of your and your spouse's signed 2007 federal income tax returns (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ, or Form 8843) or a 2007 Non-Filing Statement.
Submit the Non-Filing Statement if you/your spouse were not required to submit tax returns based on IRS income requirements.
c. International students only: Submit to OFA the 2008-2009 International Student Financial Data Form. International students should not complete the FAFSA.
Note: If you previously submitted the above forms to apply for assistance through the Office of Financial Aid, do NOT submit them again.
HOW MUCH IS THE SUBSIDY AWARD?
The amount of Child Care Subsidy awarded to eligible applicants is based on their financial need, the number of children they have enrolled in licensed care facilities; their child care expenses, and available funding.
Fall/Winter 2008-2009:
- For one child, the award maximum is $2,015 per term.
- For two children, the award maximum is $3,020 per term.
- For three or more children, the award maximum is $4,030 per term.
A term is Fall term, Winter term, or Spring/Summer term (the combined Spring half-term and Summer half-term). Applicants will be notified in writing of their eligibility for the subsidy and the amount they will receive. The subsidy amount cannot exceed the cost of your licensed child care.
HOW ELIGIBILITY FOR THE SUBSIDY IS DETERMINED :
You must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy program. Financial need is calculated as follows:
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Estimated Cost of Attendance |
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Expected Family Contribution/Available Resources |
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Demonstrated Financial Need |
Estimated Cost of Attendance: This estimated amount includes tuition, fees, an allowance for books and supplies, a reasonable allowance for living expenses, and child care expenses as reported on the Child Care Subsidy Application.
Expected Family Contribution/Available Resources: The Office of Financial Aid calculates this estimated amount from the information you submit on the Child Care Subsidy Application, your tax returns, and the FAFSA or International Student Financial Data Form. The calculation is based on such items as your earnings; checking, savings, cash, and money market accounts; investments and real estate holdings other than your family's primary residence; business equity; untaxed income; income from assistantships; and other financial aid you are receiving through your academic department and the Office of Financial Aid.
RECEIVING THE SUBSIDY FUNDS:
Funds will be disbursed through the University Payroll System in the form of a check payable to you or, if you have authorized direct deposit (click on Direct Deposit from the Student Business page of Wolverine Access), funds will be deposited to your bank account.
A copy of a child care contract or other documents verifying your child care expenses and your provider's state licensure will be required prior to disbursement of funds.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ASSISTANCE:
If you need assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or if you have questions about the Child Care Subsidy, staff members in the Office of Financial Aid can assist you.
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