Wisconsin residents are set to get an additional $155 million in federal food assistance funds this month. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that the extra assistance will be available to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in March. The boost in benefits is part of a nationwide effort to help families and individuals facing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extra funds will be automatically added to SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. DHS encourages those who are eligible for SNAP to apply.
Food Stamp Benefits in Wisconsin
The FoodShare program in Wisconsin provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The amount of benefits a household receives is based on its size, income, and other factors. In general, a household of one person can receive up to $250 per month, a household of two people can receive up to $471 per month, and a household of three people can receive up to $696 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of four people is $835 per month.
To be eligible for FoodShare in Wisconsin, a household must meet certain income and asset limits. The income limit for a household of one person is $1,777 per month, and the income limit for a household of two people is $2,390 per month. The asset limit for a household of one person is $2,250, and the asset limit for a household of two people is $3,250.
To apply for FoodShare in Wisconsin, you can submit an application online or at your local county human services office. You will need to provide proof of your income, expenses, and assets. Once your application is approved, you will receive a FoodShare card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Additional Food Assistance Programs in Wisconsin
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: The WIC program provides food assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of five. WIC benefits can be used to purchase food items such as milk, fruits, vegetables, and cereal.
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): The SFMNP provides vouchers to low-income seniors that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets.
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP provides emergency food assistance to low-income individuals and families. TEFAP food is distributed through food banks, soup kitchens, and other community organizations.
FoodShare Benefit Amounts in Wisconsin
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $471 |
| 3 people | $696 |
| 4 people | $835 |
Eligibility Criteria for Additional Food Stamps
To determine eligibility for additional food stamps in Wisconsin, you must meet specific criteria set by the state and the federal government. Here’s an overview of the eligibility requirements:
- Income: Your household income must meet or fall below certain limits, which vary based on household size. Wisconsin follows the federal income guidelines for food stamps eligibility.
- Assets: You must meet specific asset limits. In Wisconsin, the asset limit is $2,750 for households with one or more members who are elderly or disabled, and $5,500 for all other households.
- Employment: Able-bodied adults between 18 and 49, without dependents, must meet work requirements to receive food stamps. They must either be working or participating in a work program.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees, are eligible for food stamps. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
- Residency: You must live in Wisconsin and provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, to apply for food stamps.
- Student Status: Full-time students are generally not eligible for food stamps unless they meet certain exceptions, such as being enrolled in a work-study program or having dependents.
- Wisconsin residents are eligible to apply for extra food stamps if they meet certain income and asset guidelines.
- Households with a combined gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level qualify.
- Households with assets, such as savings and checking accounts, below a specific limit are also eligible.
- Contact Local County Office: Visit the local county office responsible for administering food assistance programs. The office can be found using the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
- Submit Application: Obtain an application form from the county office or download it from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Fill out the application accurately and completely.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Attach necessary documents to support the information provided in the application, such as proof of income, residency, and assets.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the local county office in person, by mail, or through an online portal if available.
- Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): This program provides nutritious food and nutrition education to pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age 5.
- School Meals: Wisconsin offers free or reduced-price meals to students in public schools and certain private schools.
- Community Food Pantries and Programs: Various food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs are available throughout Wisconsin to assist those in need.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP is the largest federal nutrition assistance program that provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP provides emergency food assistance to low-income individuals and families through a network of food banks and pantries.
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): SFMNP provides eligible seniors with coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers’ markets.
- Foodshare Wisconsin: Foodshare Wisconsin is a statewide network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,947 |
| 2 | $2,607 |
| 3 | $3,267 |
| 4 | $3,928 |
| 5 | $4,588 |
| 6 | $5,248 |
| 7 | $5,909 |
| 8 | $6,569 |
| Each Additional Person | $660 |
Food Stamps Assistance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a provision in place to provide additional support to individuals and families in need of food assistance. Let’s delve into the details and understand how to apply for extra food stamps in Wisconsin.
Eligibility Criteria
Application Process
To apply for extra food stamps in Wisconsin, individuals can follow these steps:
Additional Support
In addition to extra food stamps, Wisconsin provides other forms of assistance to eligible individuals and families:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,830 |
| 2 | $2,464 |
| 3 | $3,098 |
| 4 | $3,732 |
| 5 | $4,366 |
| 6 | $5,000 |
| 7 | $5,634 |
| 8 | $6,268 |
Note: Income limits are subject to change based on federal guidelines. Please refer to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website for the most current information.
Additional Food Assistance Programs Available in Wisconsin
While the extra Food Stamps might not be available this month in Wisconsin, there are several other food assistance programs that can provide financial aid to eligible individuals and families. These programs aim to alleviate food insecurity and ensure access to nutritious meals:
Additionally, Wisconsin offers the following food assistance programs specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of certain populations:
| Program | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| School Breakfast and Lunch Program | Students from low-income families | Free or reduced-price meals at school |
| Summer Food Service Program | Children and teens from low-income families | Free meals at designated sites during the summer months |
| Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) | Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 6 who are at nutritional risk | Monthly packages of nutritious food |
Hey folks, thanks for dropping by and checking out all the information we have to share. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you still have any questions or crave more knowledge, be sure to come back and visit us again. We’ll be here, ready to provide you with the latest scoop on all things Wisconsin and food stamps. Until next time, keep calm and keep eating!