Seeking assistance with food expenses? Wisconsin offers the FoodShare program, commonly known as food stamps, to provide aid to those in need. To apply, you can either visit your local county human services department or submit an online application via the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Remember to bring necessary documents, such as proof of identity, proof of income, and residency. Once your application is processed, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to access your benefits at authorized retailers. Check the FoodShare website for further information and updates.
Wisconsin FoodShare (Food Stamps) Program
The Wisconsin FoodShare (Food Stamps) Program provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy. To qualify for FoodShare, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including income and resource limits.
Eligibility Requirements for Wisconsin FoodShare
- Income: Your gross monthly income must be at or below the income limits set by the USDA. For a household of one person, the gross income limit is $1,743. For a household of two, the limit is $2,362. For each additional person in the household, the limit increases by $619.
- Resources: You must have resources, such as cash, bank accounts, and vehicles, that are below the resource limits set by the USDA. For a household of one person, the resource limit is $2,500. For a household of two, the limit is $3,750. For each additional person in the household, the limit increases by $1,250.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 without dependents are required to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week to receive FoodShare benefits.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident to receive FoodShare benefits.
To apply for FoodShare, you can visit your local county human services office or apply online through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. You will need to provide proof of your income, resources, and other eligibility factors. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Wisconsin FoodShare card that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,743 |
| 2 | $2,362 |
| 3 | $2,981 |
| 4 | $3,600 |
| 5 | $4,219 |
| 6 | $4,838 |
| 7 | $5,457 |
| 8 | $6,076 |
Note: The income limits are subject to change each year. Please visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website for the most current information.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for food stamps in Wisconsin, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Wisconsin resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified noncitizen.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Meet the income and asset limits. The income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level. The asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for households.
Application Process
To apply for food stamps in Wisconsin, you can:
- Apply online at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) website.
- Download a paper application from the DHS website and mail it to your local DHS office.
- Apply in person at your local DHS office.
When you apply for food stamps, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name, address, and Social Security number.
- Your income and asset information.
- Information about your household members.
Application Review
Once you have applied for food stamps, your application will be reviewed by a DHS caseworker. The caseworker will determine if you are eligible for food stamps and how much you will receive in benefits.
The review process can take up to 30 days. If you are approved for food stamps, you will receive a notice in the mail. The notice will tell you how much you will receive in benefits and when you will receive your first payment.
Receiving Benefits
You can receive your food stamp benefits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card is a debit card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Food stamp benefits can be used to purchase most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereal.
Additional Information
For more information about food stamps in Wisconsin, you can visit the DHS website or call the DHS customer service line.
Contact Information
DHS website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/
DHS customer service line: 1-800-334-6674
Resources
Table of Income Limits
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,352 |
| 2 | $1,821 |
| 3 | $2,289 |
| 4 | $2,758 |
| 5 | $3,226 |
| 6 | $3,695 |
| 7 | $4,163 |
| 8 | $4,632 |
Benefits and Maximum Food Stamp Allowances in Wisconsin
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. SNAP benefits can be used to buy food at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and convenience stores. In Wisconsin, the amount of SNAP benefits a household receives depends on its size and income.
Maximum Food Stamp Allowances in Wisconsin
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,121 |
| 6 | $1,292 |
| 7 | $1,463 |
| 8 | $1,624 |
In addition to the basic SNAP benefits, some households may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as:
- Utility allowances: These benefits help households pay for their heating and cooling costs.
- Shelter deductions: These benefits help households pay for their rent or mortgage.
- Earned income disregards: These benefits allow households to keep more of their earned income when calculating their SNAP benefits.
To apply for SNAP benefits in Wisconsin, you can:
- Apply online at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
- Apply in person at your local county human services office.
- Call the Wisconsin FoodShare Helpline at 1-800-362-3002.
When you apply for SNAP benefits, you will need to provide information about your household income, expenses, and assets. You may also be asked to provide proof of your identity and residency.
Eligibility for Food Stamps in Wisconsin
To be eligible for food stamps in Wisconsin, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Wisconsin resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified noncitizen.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Meet the income and asset limits.
The income and asset limits for food stamps in Wisconsin are as follows:
| Household Size | Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,817 per month | $2,500 |
| 2 | $2,436 per month | $3,750 |
| 3 | $3,054 per month | $5,000 |
| 4 | $3,673 per month | $6,250 |
| 5 | $4,292 per month | $7,500 |
| 6 | $4,910 per month | $8,750 |
| 7 | $5,529 per month | $10,000 |
| 8 | $6,147 per month | $11,250 |
Applying for Food Stamps in Wisconsin
To apply for food stamps in Wisconsin, you can either apply online or in person at your local county human services office.
To apply online, you will need to create an account on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Once you have created an account, you can log in and complete the online application.
To apply in person, you will need to visit your local county human services office. You can find the address of your local office on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Renewal Process for Food Stamps in Wisconsin
Your food stamps benefits will expire every six months. To renew your benefits, you will need to submit a renewal application.
You can renew your benefits online or in person at your local county human services office.
To renew your benefits online, you will need to log in to your account on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website and complete the online renewal application.
To renew your benefits in person, you will need to visit your local county human services office and complete a paper renewal application.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the food stamps program in Wisconsin, you can contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at 1-800-334-6154.
Hey folks, thanks for sticking with me through this guide on how to get food stamps in Wisconsin. I know it can be a lot to take in, but hopefully, it’s given you a better understanding of the process. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local food stamp office. And remember, this information can change, so be sure to check back here again later for any updates. Keep your head up, and remember, you’re not alone. Together, we can make sure everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.