In Wisconsin, FoodShare benefits (formerly known as food stamps) provide monthly funds to buy groceries. To qualify, you generally must meet income and resource limits, and be a resident of the state, a U.S. citizen, or a qualified non-citizen. Income limits vary depending on household size and resources, which include things like cash, bank accounts, and certain vehicles. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at your local county human services office. If approved, you’ll receive a QUEST card, which works like a debit card at authorized retailers.
Wisconsin Food Stamp Program
The Wisconsin Food Stamp Program, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides food assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. The program helps them buy food at authorized retailers.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for SNAP benefits in Wisconsin, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Wisconsin resident.
- Meet income and asset limits.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant.
- Have a Social Security number.
Income Limits
Your household’s gross income must be at or below the following limits to be eligible for SNAP benefits:
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,839 |
| 2 | $2,463 |
| 3 | $3,087 |
| 4 | $3,711 |
| 5 | $4,335 |
| 6 | $4,959 |
| 7 | $5,583 |
| 8 | $6,207 |
| For each additional household member | Add $624 |
Asset Limits
Your household’s total assets must be at or below the following limits to be eligible for SNAP benefits:
| Household Size | Asset Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | $2,500 |
| 3 or more | $5,000 |
Vehicles are excluded from the asset limit.
Applying for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can:
- Apply online at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
- Visit your local Department of Health Services office.
- Call the FoodShare Helpline at 1-800-362-3002.
You will need to provide the following information when you apply:
- Your name, address, and phone number.
- Your Social Security number.
- Information about your income and assets.
- Proof of Wisconsin residency.
Once you have applied, your application will be processed, and you will be notified of the decision within 30 days.
Benefits
If you are approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. You can use your EBT card to buy food at authorized retailers.
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive each month depends on your household size and income.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $922 |
| 2 | $1,390 |
| 3 | $1,858 |
| 4 | $2,326 |
| 5 | $2,794 |
| 6 | $3,262 |
| 7 | $3,730 |
| 8 | $4,198 |
| For each additional household member | Add $468 |
Contact Information
For more information about the Wisconsin Food Stamp Program, you can:
- Visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
- Call the FoodShare Helpline at 1-800-362-3002.
Eligibility Requirements for Food Stamps in Wisconsin
To be eligible for FoodShare benefits in Wisconsin, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Income: Your gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. For a household of one, this means you must earn less than $1,353 per month. For a household of four, this means you must earn less than $2,769 per month.
- Assets: Your countable assets must be less than $2,250 for a household of one or $3,250 for a household of two or more. Countable assets include things like cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds.
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 must work at least 20 hours per week to be eligible for FoodShare benefits. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you are pregnant, disabled, or caring for a child under the age of 6.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen to be eligible for FoodShare benefits. Qualified non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
In addition to these general requirements, there are also some specific eligibility requirements for certain groups of people. For example, elderly and disabled people may be eligible for FoodShare benefits even if their income and assets are above the limits. And college students may be eligible for FoodShare benefits if they meet certain criteria.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for FoodShare benefits, you can apply online or at your local county human services office. You will need to provide proof of your income, assets, and other information. Once your application is processed, you will be notified of your eligibility status.
Income Limits for FoodShare Benefits in Wisconsin
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,353 |
| 2 | $1,821 |
| 3 | $2,289 |
| 4 | $2,769 |
| 5 | $3,237 |
| 6 | $3,718 |
| 7 | $4,186 |
| 8 | $4,667 |
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Wisconsin
Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provide financial assistance to help low-income households buy the food they need. In Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services (DHS) is responsible for administering the SNAP program. To apply for food stamps in Wisconsin, you can either:
- Apply online at the Access website.
- Apply in person at your local DHS office.
To apply, you will need to provide the following information:
- Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or state ID card
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs, Social Security award letters, or unemployment benefits statements
- Proof of expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and child care costs
- Proof of residency in Wisconsin, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
Once you have submitted your application, DHS will review it and determine your eligibility for food stamps. If you are approved, you will receive a Wisconsin QUEST card, which you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of food stamps you receive will depend on your household size and income.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,478 |
| 2 | $1,983 |
| 3 | $2,488 |
| 4 | $2,993 |
| 5 | $3,498 |
| 6 | $4,003 |
| 7 | $4,508 |
| 8 | $5,013 |
To learn more about the SNAP program in Wisconsin, you can visit the DHS website or call the FoodShare Helpline at 1-800-362-3002.
Benefits and Services of the Food Stamp Program in Wisconsin
The Food Stamp Program, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families across the United States, including in Wisconsin. Here are some of the key benefits and services offered by the Food Stamp Program in Wisconsin:
Nutritional Assistance
- Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card: SNAP recipients receive an EBT card, which works like a debit card, to purchase food items at authorized retailers.
- Monthly Food Benefits: SNAP benefits are issued monthly based on household size and income. The amount of benefits can vary, but they are designed to help supplement the household’s food budget.
- Variety of Food Options: SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wide range of food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and grains.
Economic Impact
- Economic Stimulation: SNAP benefits have a positive impact on the local economy. When recipients spend their benefits at authorized retailers, it increases sales and supports jobs in the food industry.
- Reduced Food Insecurity: SNAP benefits can help reduce food insecurity among low-income households. Access to nutritious food can lead to improved health outcomes and better overall well-being.
Eligibility Requirements
- Income and Asset Limits: To be eligible for SNAP benefits in Wisconsin, households must meet certain income and asset limits. Gross income cannot exceed 130% of the federal poverty level, and net income must be at or below 100% of the poverty level. Asset limits also apply, with variations for different household circumstances.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults aged 18 to 49 without dependents are subject to work requirements to maintain SNAP eligibility. They must work a certain number of hours per week or participate in a workfare program.
- Other Eligibility Factors: Citizenship status, residency, and disability status can also impact eligibility.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits in Wisconsin (2023) Household Size Maximum Monthly Benefits 1 person $281 2 people $516 3 people $741 4 people $935 5 people $1,114 6 people $1,285 7 people $1,453 8 people $1,619 Note: Benefit amounts may vary depending on household circumstances and other factors. Eligibility and benefits are determined by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Hey, thanks for sticking with me through all that. I know, government programs can be a real headache to figure out. But hopefully, this article cleared things up a bit. If you still have questions, I suggest reaching out to your local human services office. They’ll be able to give you more personalized guidance. In the meantime, feel free to browse my other articles. I cover all sorts of topics, from budgeting to job searching to parenting. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, drop me a line. I’m always happy to help. Thanks again for reading, and I hope to see you back here soon!