CACFP providers are reimbursed based on the number of meals served to enrolled participants; the rate of reimbursement is based on the eligibility category of each participant enrolled in the program. Congress establishes the reimbursement rates each year.

Program providers submit claims monthly to Bright from the Start to report the number of children/adults enrolled in the center by category (i.e., free, reduced, paid) and the number of meals served. Providers are reimbursed for the meals served using a formula that considers the percentage that can be claimed for children/adults in each category.

Day care home providers are reimbursed on Tier I or II categories. Tier I refers to a day care home that is (a) operated by a provider whose household meets the income standards for free or reduced-price meals, as determined by the sponsoring organization based on a completed free and reduced price application, and whose income is verified by the sponsoring organization of the home (b) located in an area served by a school enrolling elementary students in which at least 50 percent of the total number of children enrolled are certified eligible to receive free or reduced price meals; or(c) located in a geographic area based on census data, in which at least 50 percent of the children residing in the area are members of households which meet the income standards for free or reduced price meals. Tier II refers to a day care home that does not meet the criteria for a Tier I day care home.

Facilities under an administrative sponsor receive their payment from the sponsor after Bright from the Start has issued the reimbursement to the sponsoring organization. Day care home sponsors also receive an administrative reimbursement based on either the number of homes sponsored by the organization, the actual amount of administrative costs or the approved administrative budget. Claim payments are deposited directly into the organization's checking account.

To determine the amount of reimbursement your center might receive, use the Projected Reimbursement Worksheets: