Students who have young, dependent children in child care may be eligible for the U-M Child Care Subsidy Program, which provides funds to assist students with the cost of licensed child care. Students who wish to apply for the subsidy must meet several eligibility criteria and must submit both a federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and an application for the subsidy.

To be eligible for consideration for the child care subsidy, students must:

 Be enrolled at least half-time in a University of Michigan-Ann Arbor degree program at 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 (below).
• Graduate students with approved detached study status may satisfy the half-time enrollment requirement. 
• Doctoral students who are not enrolled or on detached study, but who are actively pursuing research or completing their Ph.D. dissertation, may be eligible for the subsidy if their academic pursuits are equal to at least half-time enrollment. Doctoral students should complete the Doctoral Student Non-Enrollment Certification Form, below).
• Graduate students appointed as graduate student instructors or graduate student staff assistants should also review the child care subsidy provisions of the GEO contract (see http://www.hr.umich.edu/acadhr/grads/AHR%20GEO%20booklet%20web.pdf).

 Have dependent child(ren) who are 12 years old or younger or dependent child(ren) who have special needs and are under the age of 19.

 Incur child care expenses from services provided by a licensed child care provider. You may apply for the subsidy if you are not currently using a licensed child care provider. 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 percent of each term for which you receive the subsidy.

 Demonstrate financial need for this subsidy (see information on eligibility, below). 

 Be making satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the University of Michigan. 

 Be a single parent or, if married, have a spouse who either is a student (enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program) or is 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. 

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 Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processor (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only). Be sure to list Federal School Code 002325 so that a copy will be sent to U-M.  Note: International students should not complete the FAFSA but should see Step 2c below. 

Note:  If you have already submitted this year’s FAFSA to apply for financial aid, do NOT submit it again.

 Submit to the OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID (OFA):

a.  The appropriate Child Care Subsidy Application (below) 

b.  Copies of your and your spouse's signed previous-year federal income tax returns (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ, or Form 8843) or a Non-Filing Statement (below). (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 both the Child Care Subsidy Application and an International Student Financial Data Form. (International students should not complete the FAFSA.) Note that the International Student Financial Data Form requires the submission of tax return information.

Note:  If you previously submitted any of these forms to apply for financial aid, do NOT submit them again.

For Fall/Winter: Students are encouraged to apply by April 30 for the following fall. Notification will be sent to eligible applicants beginning July 1. This will allow you adequate time to plan and make your child care arrangements. Students who apply after April 30 may be denied funding if all funds have been committed to applicants who applied earlier.

For Spring/Summer: Students are encouraged to apply by March 15. Notification will be sent to eligible applications in April.  This will allow you adequate time to plan and make your child care arrangements. 

Note: Funding for the Spring and Summer terms may be limited. Applicants will be funded on a "first come, first served" basis. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible. Students who apply after March 15 may be denied funding if all funds have been committed to applicants who applied earlier.

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The amount of Child Care Subsidy awarded to eligible applicants is based on applicants' financial need, the number of children they have enrolled in licensed care facilities, their child care expenses, and available funding. Maximum awards for 2011-2012, including Spring/Summer 2012, are shown below:

For one child, the award maximum is $2,250 per term. For two children, the award maximum is $3,300 per term. For three or more children, the award maximum is $4,350 per term. Award maximums for 2012-2013 will be posted as soon as they are available.

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.

You must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy program.  Financial need is calculated as follows:

             Estimated Cost of Attendance
          – Expected Family Contribution/Available Resources
          = 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 your expected family contribution based on your 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.

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Funds are 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.

 • CHILD CARE SUBSIDY APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

• Spring/Summer 2012
• Fall/Winter 2012-2013 (available in early March)

 • OTHER FORMS YOU MAY NEED TO COMPLETE FOR THE CHILD CARE SUBSIDY

•  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

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. You may also visit this page for Frequently Asked Questions about the U-M Child Care Subsidy Program.
 

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