$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Wisconsin Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Wisconsin
SSDI in Wisconsin - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Wisconsin - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays a monthly benefit if you worked, paid Social Security taxes, and now have a disability that stops you from working. It is an earned benefit, not welfare, you paid into it. In Wisconsin, the state's Disability Determination Bureau reviews the medical part of your claim for the Social Security Administration.
AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT
$1,630
Average monthly SSDI payment for all disabled workers in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
SUBSTANTIAL WORK LIMIT
$1,690/mo
Earning more than this per month (non-blind) usually counts as substantial work in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
WAIT FOR MEDICARE
24 months
Medicare starts 24 months after your SSDI cash benefits begin
SSA / Medicare rules, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have a disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Have enough recent work history paying Social Security taxes
- Earn below the substantial gainful activity limit ($1,690/mo non-blind, $2,830/mo blind)
- Are not receiving benefits on another person's record that would reduce yours
How to apply
The fastest way to file an SSDI claim and avoid the mistakes that cause denials is through Turnout. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win. We help gather your medical evidence and handle the paperwork Wisconsin's Disability Determination Bureau needs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an SSDI decision take in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's Disability Determination Bureau, which decides the medical part of your claim, generally takes several months for an initial decision. Most first applications are denied nationwide, so a strong, complete application matters.
Does SSDI lead to Medicare in Wisconsin?
Yes. After 24 months of SSDI cash benefits you are enrolled in Medicare. In the meantime, because Wisconsin covers adults up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level through BadgerCare Plus, many people can get health coverage while they wait, unlike in states with a coverage gap.
Can I get SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low you may also qualify for SSI, which adds a federal payment plus a Wisconsin state supplement. This is called a concurrent claim.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Supplemental Security Income in Wisconsin
SSI pays a monthly benefit to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and few resources. In Wisconsin, the state adds its own supplement on top of the federal payment.
Supplemental Security Income in Wisconsin
SSI pays a monthly benefit to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and few resources. In Wisconsin, the state adds its own supplement on top of the federal payment.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability and who have limited income and resources. Wisconsin is one of the states that adds a state supplement on top of the federal payment, and the state (not the Social Security Administration) manages that add-on through the Department of Health Services. If you get SSI in Wisconsin, you also automatically get Medicaid.
FEDERAL PAYMENT
$994/mo
Maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
WISCONSIN SUPPLEMENT
$92.16/mo
State supplement added for an individual living independently, for a $1,086.16 total
WI DHS SSI Benefits, 2026
RESOURCE LIMIT
$2,000
Countable resource limit for an individual ($3,000 for a couple)
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
Who qualifies
- Are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability
- Have limited income from work or other sources
- Have countable resources at or below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple)
- Live in Wisconsin and are a U.S. citizen or qualifying noncitizen
How to apply
The fastest way to file for SSI and get the Wisconsin supplement right is through Turnout. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win. You apply for SSI through Social Security, and Wisconsin automatically adds its state supplement once you qualify.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin add to my SSI payment?
Yes. Wisconsin adds a state supplement to the federal payment, $92.16/mo for an individual living independently, for a total of $1,086.16/mo in 2026. Everyone who qualifies for any federal SSI payment automatically gets the maximum state supplement, and the state raised these amounts 10 percent effective May 1, 2026.
Is there extra help for SSI parents in Wisconsin?
Yes. The Caretaker Supplement pays parents who receive SSI $275/mo for the first eligible child and $165/mo for each additional child. It is added to your monthly state SSI payment.
Do I get Medicaid automatically with SSI in Wisconsin?
Yes. If you receive SSI in Wisconsin you automatically qualify for Medicaid (called SSI Medicaid or Title 19), no separate application is needed.
Government resources
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Veterans Benefits in Wisconsin
VA disability compensation pays a tax-free monthly benefit for injuries or illnesses connected to your military service. Wisconsin adds strong state benefits, including a property tax credit and a state GI Bill.
Veterans Benefits in Wisconsin
VA disability compensation pays a tax-free monthly benefit for injuries or illnesses connected to your military service. Wisconsin adds strong state benefits, including a property tax credit and a state GI Bill.
If you were injured or became ill because of your military service, VA disability compensation pays a tax-free monthly benefit based on your rating. Wisconsin backs that up with some of the strongest state veteran benefits in the country, run by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), including a property tax credit and free tuition through the Wisconsin GI Bill.
100% MONTHLY RATE
$3,938.58
Tax-free monthly VA compensation for a veteran rated 100% disabled, alone, in 2026
VA.gov Disability Compensation Rates, 2026
WISCONSIN TAX CREDIT
100% of taxes
Refundable state credit equal to property taxes paid on the home of a 100% P&T veteran
WI DOR / WDVA Property Tax Credit, 2026
WISCONSIN GI BILL
8 semesters
Full tuition and fees at UW System and technical colleges, up to 8 semesters or 128 credits
WDVA Education Benefits, 2026
Who qualifies
- Served on active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves
- Have a current condition connected to your service
- Received a discharge other than dishonorable
- Are a Wisconsin resident for state benefits like the property tax credit and GI Bill
How to apply
The fastest way to file a VA disability claim and pursue the rating you earned is through Turnout. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win. For state benefits, your County Veterans Service Officer can help you claim the property tax credit and GI Bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit?
It is a refundable state income tax credit equal to 100 percent of the property taxes paid on your primary Wisconsin home. To qualify you generally need a 100 percent service-connected disability rating, or 100 percent based on individual unemployability. You must get a verification certificate from WDVA the first year you claim it.
Is the Wisconsin GI Bill separate from the federal GI Bill?
Yes. The Wisconsin GI Bill is a state-funded program that remits full tuition and fees at any University of Wisconsin System or Wisconsin Technical College System school, for up to 8 semesters or 128 credits. You can use it alongside the federal GI Bill.
Does Wisconsin tax military retirement pay?
No. Wisconsin fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax, regardless of your age or disability status.
Government resources
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Healthcare Advocacy in Wisconsin
Medicare is federal health coverage for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities. Wisconsin's free SHIP counseling can help you pick the right plan and cut your costs.
Healthcare Advocacy in Wisconsin
Medicare is federal health coverage for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities. Wisconsin's free SHIP counseling can help you pick the right plan and cut your costs.
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and for some younger people with disabilities. The choices, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, and Medigap, can be confusing. In Wisconsin, free and unbiased help is available through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run as the Medigap Helpline by the Board on Aging and Long Term Care.
ELIGIBILITY AGE
65
Most people qualify for Medicare at age 65
Medicare.gov, 2026
AFTER SSDI
24 months
Younger people on SSDI qualify for Medicare after 24 months of benefits
SSA / Medicare rules, 2026
FREE STATE COUNSELING
1-800-242-1060
Wisconsin's Medigap Helpline gives free, unbiased Medicare counseling
WI Board on Aging and Long Term Care, 2026
Who qualifies
- Are 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or long-term legal resident
- Have received SSDI for 24 months
- Have ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) or end-stage renal disease
- Want free help comparing Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap plans
How to apply
The fastest way to sort out your Medicare options is through Turnout. Medicare advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you. For plan comparisons and enrollment questions, Wisconsin's Medigap Helpline counselors are free, do not sell insurance, and can walk you through your choices.
Frequently asked questions
What is SHIP called in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin the SHIP program operates as the Medigap Helpline (1-800-242-1060), run by the Board on Aging and Long Term Care. Counselors are certified, free, and not connected to any insurance company.
Can Wisconsin help pay my Medicare costs?
Yes. Wisconsin administers the Medicare Savings Programs through ForwardHealth, its Medicaid system, which can cover Part B premiums and other costs for people with limited income. SHIP counselors can help you apply.
Is Medigap different in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin is one of three states with its own standardized Medigap plan design instead of the federal letter plans. The Medigap Helpline can explain how Wisconsin's Basic and Cost-Sharing plans work.
Government resources
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Education Advocacy in Wisconsin
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal plan for a public-school student with a disability. Wisconsin sets firm timelines for evaluating your child and putting supports in place.
Education Advocacy in Wisconsin
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal plan for a public-school student with a disability. Wisconsin sets firm timelines for evaluating your child and putting supports in place.
If your child may have a disability that affects learning, they have the right to a free evaluation and, if eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a written plan of special education and services. In Wisconsin, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) sets the timelines schools must follow, and you are an equal member of the IEP team.
EVALUATION TIMELINE
60 days
Wisconsin schools must decide eligibility within 60 calendar days of your written consent to evaluate
WI DPI / Wis. Stat. 115.78, 2026
IEP DEADLINE
30 days
After a child is found eligible, the IEP must be developed within 30 calendar days
WI DPI Evaluation Timeline, 2026
NOTICE TIMELINE
15 days
Schools have 15 business days to respond to a referral with notice about evaluation
WI DPI Evaluation Timeline, 2026
Who qualifies
- Is a child or youth enrolled in or eligible to enroll in a Wisconsin public school
- May have a disability that affects learning or access to school
- Has been referred in writing by a parent, teacher, or other person
- Needs specially designed instruction to make progress
How to apply
The fastest way to prepare for an evaluation or IEP meeting is through Turnout. Our advocates prepare with you and join IEP meetings so you are not alone at the table. You start the process by giving your school district a written referral requesting a special education evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
How fast must a Wisconsin school evaluate my child?
Once you give written consent to evaluate, the school district has 60 calendar days, not school days, to complete the evaluation and decide whether your child is eligible for special education.
How do I start the IEP process in Wisconsin?
Send a written referral to your school district asking for a special education evaluation, and include your child's name and why you believe they may have a disability. The district then has 15 business days to send you notice about the evaluation.
What happens after my child is found eligible?
The IEP team, which includes you, must develop the IEP and determine placement within 30 calendar days of the eligibility decision.
Government resources
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BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Medicaid program is called BadgerCare Plus, part of the ForwardHealth system. It covers children, parents, pregnant people, and adults with low income.
BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Medicaid program is called BadgerCare Plus, part of the ForwardHealth system. It covers children, parents, pregnant people, and adults with low income.
In Wisconsin, Medicaid for most people under 65 is called BadgerCare Plus, part of the ForwardHealth system run by the Department of Health Services (DHS). It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health care, and more, usually at little or no cost. Wisconsin stands out: it did not formally expand Medicaid, but it still covers adults up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level, so unlike many states, Wisconsin has no coverage gap.
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
$1,330/mo
Monthly income limit for an adult (100% FPL, household of 1), effective February 1, 2026
WI DHS BadgerCare Plus FPL Guidelines, 2026
FAMILY OF 4 LIMIT
$2,750/mo
Adult income limit for a household of four (100% FPL)
WI DHS BadgerCare Plus FPL Guidelines, 2026
PROGRAM SIZE
~1 million
BadgerCare Plus is Wisconsin's largest Medicaid program, with roughly 1 million members
WI DHS Medicaid Enrollment Data, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults ages 19 to 64 with income at or below 100% FPL, with no asset test
- Children with household income up to 306% FPL
- Pregnant people with income up to 306% FPL
- Parents and caretaker relatives with income at or below 100% FPL
How to apply
Apply online through ACCESS Wisconsin at access.wi.gov, by phone at 1-800-362-3002, by mail, or in person at your local agency. Have ready your income, Social Security numbers, and household details. Wisconsin must decide most applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based Medicaid), and coverage can be backdated up to 3 months.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin's Medicaid for most people under 65 is called BadgerCare Plus, and the whole system is branded ForwardHealth. For people 65 or older or with disabilities, it is often just called Medicaid and has asset limits.
Does Wisconsin have a Medicaid coverage gap?
No. Even though Wisconsin did not formally adopt ACA Medicaid expansion, it uses a Section 1115 waiver to cover childless adults up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. That means Wisconsin is the only non-expansion state without a coverage gap.
Is there an asset test for BadgerCare Plus?
No, not for children, pregnant people, parents, or income-based adults. Asset tests only apply to the Elderly, Blind, or Disabled Medicaid and long-term care programs.
Government resources
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FoodShare (SNAP) in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's SNAP program is called FoodShare. It helps you buy groceries with money loaded each month onto a Wisconsin QUEST card.
FoodShare (SNAP) in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's SNAP program is called FoodShare. It helps you buy groceries with money loaded each month onto a Wisconsin QUEST card.
FoodShare is Wisconsin's name for SNAP, or food stamps. It helps people with low income buy the food they need, with benefits loaded each month onto a Wisconsin QUEST card you use like a debit card at grocery stores and many farmers markets. It is run by the Department of Health Services through county and tribal agencies. Wisconsin uses broad-based categorical eligibility, so most households can qualify with income up to 200 percent of the poverty level and no asset test.
GROSS INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Wisconsin's broad-based categorical eligibility sets the gross income limit at 200% of the federal poverty level
WI DHS FoodShare Eligibility, 2026
MAX BENEFIT, FAMILY OF 4
$994/mo
Maximum monthly allotment for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states in FY2026
USDA FNS FY2026 COLA
APPLICATION DECISION
7 or 30 days
Expedited applications are decided within 7 days; standard applications within 30 days
Federal SNAP rule (7 CFR 273), 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross monthly income at or below 200% FPL
- Most households with no asset limit under broad-based categorical eligibility
- People who work, are retired, are unemployed, or have a disability
- U.S. citizens and qualifying immigrants who live in Wisconsin
How to apply
Apply online through ACCESS Wisconsin at access.wi.gov, by phone, by mail, or at your county or tribal agency. Have ready proof of income, housing costs, and Social Security numbers. Most applications are decided within 30 days, or within 7 days if you qualify for expedited service.
Frequently asked questions
What is SNAP called in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare, and benefits are loaded onto a Wisconsin QUEST card. The benefits and shopping rules are identical to SNAP in any other state.
Does Wisconsin have a higher income limit than other states?
Yes. Wisconsin uses broad-based categorical eligibility, which raises the gross income limit to 200 percent FPL, higher than the 130 percent federal floor, and removes the asset test for most households.
Can I get help finding work through FoodShare?
Yes. Wisconsin's FoodShare Employment and Training program offers free job training, education, and employment support to FoodShare members who want it.
Government resources
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WIC in Wisconsin
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC in Wisconsin
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) helps pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under 5 with healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. In Wisconsin, WIC is run by the Department of Health Services through local agencies covering all 72 counties, and food benefits come on an eWIC card. If you already have BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, or W-2, you are automatically income-eligible.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
WI DHS WIC Income Guidelines, 2026
WHO IT SERVES
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children up to age 5 can qualify
WI DHS WIC, 2026
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Having BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, or W-2 automatically meets WIC's income test
WI DHS WIC, 2026
Who qualifies
- Are pregnant, or had a baby in the past 6 months, or are breastfeeding an infant under 1
- Are an infant or child under age 5, with any caregiver able to apply on the child's behalf
- Have household income at or below 185% FPL
- Already receive BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, or W-2
How to apply
Contact your local WIC agency to make an appointment, call the Well Badger Resource Center at 1-800-642-7837 or start online at the DHS WIC site. Bring proof of identity, address, and income, or your Medicaid or FoodShare card. A short health screening at the visit checks nutritional risk, and you can get your eWIC card the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How do WIC benefits work in Wisconsin?
Approved participants get a Wisconsin eWIC card loaded each month with benefits for specific healthy foods. You can also use the free Wisconsin MyWIC app to check your balance and find WIC-approved foods and stores.
Am I automatically eligible if I have other benefits?
Yes. If you or your child receives BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, or W-2, you meet the income test for WIC automatically, just bring proof at your appointment.
Does immigration status affect WIC in Wisconsin?
No. Wisconsin WIC does not ask about immigration status, and WIC is not part of the public charge rule. It is safe to apply.
Government resources
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Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
Wisconsin's LIHEAP is called WHEAP. It helps pay heating and electric bills and provides crisis help when you have an energy emergency.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
Wisconsin's LIHEAP is called WHEAP. It helps pay heating and electric bills and provides crisis help when you have an energy emergency.
Wisconsin's version of LIHEAP is the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), also called Home Energy Plus. It gives a one-time seasonal payment toward heating and electric bills, plus crisis help if your heat is shut off or about to be. It is run by the Department of Administration's Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources through local county and tribal agencies. Wisconsin uses 60 percent of state median income, not a percent of the poverty level, as its income limit.
INCOME LIMIT
60% SMI
Eligibility is set at 60% of Wisconsin's state median income, not a percent of the poverty level
DOA/DEHCR WHEAP Manual PY26, 2026
CRISIS ASSISTANCE
Up to $1,200
Maximum crisis benefit for a heating emergency in FY2026
LIHEAP Clearinghouse (HHS) FY2026
REGULAR HEATING BENEFIT
$30 - $2,147
FY2026 range for the one-time seasonal heating payment, set by income, household size, and energy costs
LIHEAP Clearinghouse (HHS) FY2026
Who qualifies
- Have household income at or below 60% of Wisconsin's state median income
- Are a Wisconsin resident who owns or rents your home
- Are responsible for heating or electric costs, even if heat is included in rent
- Receive FoodShare, W-2, or SSI (categorically eligible)
How to apply
Apply through your local WHEAP agency in your county or tribe, find yours through the Home Energy Plus website or call 1-866-432-8947. Bring proof of income for the past month, household size, and a recent energy bill. Regular benefits are decided in a few weeks; crisis help is handled quickly when you have no heat or a disconnect notice.
Frequently asked questions
What is LIHEAP called in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin it is called WHEAP, the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as Home Energy Plus. It is funded by the federal LIHEAP block grant plus Wisconsin's own Public Benefits fund.
What if my furnace breaks in winter?
WHEAP includes emergency heating system assistance that can pay to repair or, in some cases, replace a non-working furnace or boiler during the heating season. Apply through your local agency.
How is the income limit set in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses 60 percent of the state median income, updated each program year from October 1 to September 30, rather than a percent of the federal poverty level. There is no asset limit.
Government resources
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Health Insurance Marketplace in Wisconsin
Wisconsin uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov to sell subsidized private health plans. It is for people who do not have coverage through work, Medicaid, or Medicare.
Health Insurance Marketplace in Wisconsin
Wisconsin uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov to sell subsidized private health plans. It is for people who do not have coverage through work, Medicaid, or Medicare.
If you do not have health coverage through a job, BadgerCare Plus, or Medicare, you can buy a private health plan through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Wisconsin uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov, it does not run its own state exchange. Most enrollees get premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost. Because BadgerCare Plus covers adults up to 100 percent of the poverty level, the marketplace mainly serves people just above that line.
WISCONSIN ENROLLMENT
290,000+
Wisconsin residents who selected a marketplace plan for 2026
CMS 2026 Open Enrollment Report
GOT SUBSIDIES
80%
Share of Wisconsin enrollees receiving premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
CMS 2026 Open Enrollment / KFF
WHERE TO ENROLL
HealthCare.gov
Wisconsin uses the federal marketplace rather than a state exchange
CMS / HealthCare.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Live in Wisconsin and are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present
- Do not have affordable coverage through a job, Medicaid, or Medicare
- Have income above 100% FPL, since below that BadgerCare Plus usually covers you
- Are enrolling during open enrollment or a special enrollment period
How to apply
Enroll at HealthCare.gov, or get free local help from a Covering Wisconsin navigator. Have ready your income estimate, household size, and information about any coverage offered at work. Open enrollment runs in the fall; outside that window you need a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, moving, or having a baby.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin have its own health insurance exchange?
No. As of 2026 Wisconsin uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. The state has studied running its own exchange but has not launched one.
How does the marketplace work with BadgerCare Plus?
Because Wisconsin covers adults up to 100 percent of the poverty level through BadgerCare Plus, marketplace subsidies pick up for people at or above that level. This is why Wisconsin has no coverage gap: if you are under the limit you get Medicaid, and just above it you get subsidized marketplace plans.
Where can I get free help enrolling?
Covering Wisconsin, the state's navigator program housed at UW-Extension, offers free, unbiased help comparing and enrolling in HealthCare.gov plans.
Government resources
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Wisconsin Works (W-2) in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's TANF program is called Wisconsin Works, or W-2. It gives low-income parents work-based cash assistance, job training, and case management.
Wisconsin Works (W-2) in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's TANF program is called Wisconsin Works, or W-2. It gives low-income parents work-based cash assistance, job training, and case management.
Wisconsin's version of TANF is called Wisconsin Works (W-2). It is a work-based program for low-income parents and pregnant people, offering monthly cash assistance tied to job training and work activities, plus case management to help you reach self-sufficiency. It is run by the Department of Children and Families, with local W-2 agencies, some of them contracted providers, delivering services. The cash amount depends on your work placement, not your family size.
CASH BENEFIT (CSJ)
$653/mo
Full-time Community Service Job placements pay a monthly cash benefit of $653
WI DCF Wisconsin Works, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
115% FPL
Families qualify with gross income at or below 115% of the federal poverty level
WI DCF W-2 Manual 3.2.1, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
Federal law limits TANF cash assistance to 60 months over a lifetime
Federal TANF rule, 2026
Who qualifies
- Are a parent of a minor child or are pregnant
- Have gross family income at or below 115% FPL
- Have countable assets of $2,500 or less, with a vehicle under $10,000 not counting
- Are willing to take part in work and training activities
How to apply
Apply online through ACCESS Wisconsin at access.wi.gov, or contact your local W-2 agency directly. Have ready proof of income, assets, your children's information, and Wisconsin residency. A Financial and Employment Planner will meet with you to build an employability plan and place you on the right rung of the W-2 employment ladder.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Wisconsin Works and TANF?
They are the same thing, Wisconsin Works (W-2) is Wisconsin's name for its TANF program. W-2 is distinctive because it ties cash assistance to work placements rather than paying a benefit based on family size.
How much cash does W-2 pay?
It depends on your placement. A full-time Community Service Job pays $653/mo, and a W-2 Transition placement, for people not yet ready for work due to a disability or caregiving, pays $608/mo. These are the cash benefit amounts, separate from the 115 percent FPL income limit used to qualify.
Can W-2 help me get other benefits?
Yes. W-2 participants can also get FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, child care help through Wisconsin Shares, and assistance applying for SSI or SSDI if you have a disability.
Government resources
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Earned Income Tax Credit in Wisconsin
The EITC is a refundable tax credit for working people with low to moderate income. Wisconsin adds its own state EITC on top of the federal credit for families with children.
Earned Income Tax Credit in Wisconsin
The EITC is a refundable tax credit for working people with low to moderate income. Wisconsin adds its own state EITC on top of the federal credit for families with children.
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) puts money back in the pockets of working people with low to moderate income, and it is refundable, you can get it as a refund even if you owe no tax. Wisconsin adds its own state EITC on top of the federal credit, but only for workers with at least one qualifying child. The Wisconsin credit is a percentage of your federal credit that grows with the number of children.
FEDERAL MAX (3+ KIDS)
$8,231
Maximum federal EITC for a worker with three or more qualifying children in 2026
IRS 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
WISCONSIN MATCH
4% / 11% / 34%
Wisconsin's credit is 4% of the federal EITC for 1 child, 11% for 2, and 34% for 3 or more
WI DOR Fact Sheet 1114, 2026
NO-CHILD WORKERS
$664
Federal max for workers with no children; Wisconsin offers no state credit in this case
IRS 2026 / WI DOR Fact Sheet 1114
Who qualifies
- Work and have earned income within the federal EITC limits
- Have at least one qualifying child, which is required for the Wisconsin state credit
- Are a legal resident of Wisconsin all year
- File a joint return if married, or as head of household
How to apply
Claim the EITC when you file your federal and Wisconsin income tax returns, there is no separate application. The Wisconsin credit is figured on Form 1 or 1NPR based on your federal credit. Free tax help is available through VITA sites across Wisconsin, and filing electronically speeds up your refund.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin have its own EITC?
Yes. Wisconsin's state EITC is a percentage of the federal credit: 4 percent for workers with one qualifying child, 11 percent for two children, and 34 percent for three or more. Workers with no qualifying children do not get a Wisconsin credit.
Is the Wisconsin EITC refundable?
Yes. Like the federal credit, the Wisconsin EITC is refundable, so if it is larger than the tax you owe, you get the difference back as a refund.
Do I need to apply separately for the state credit?
No. You claim both the federal and Wisconsin EITC on your tax returns. If you qualify for the federal credit and have a qualifying child, you claim the Wisconsin percentage on your state return.
Government resources
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Child Tax Credit in Wisconsin
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Wisconsin
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) lowers the taxes of families with children under 17, and part of it can come back to you as a refund even if you owe little or no tax. Wisconsin does not have its own separate Child Tax Credit, but working families with children may qualify for Wisconsin's state EITC and, if they pay rent or property tax, the Wisconsin Homestead Credit.
MAX PER CHILD
$2,200
Maximum federal Child Tax Credit per qualifying child
IRS 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
REFUNDABLE PORTION
$1,700
Up to $1,700 per child can be refunded if the credit is more than the tax you owe
IRS 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
WISCONSIN STATE CTC
None
Wisconsin has no separate state Child Tax Credit, but offers a state EITC and Homestead Credit
WI DOR, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have a qualifying child under age 17 at the end of the tax year
- Claim the child as a dependent with a valid Social Security number
- Have earned income and meet the federal income phase-out limits
- Filed a federal tax return claiming the child
How to apply
Claim the Child Tax Credit on your federal tax return, there is no separate application and no Wisconsin state CTC to claim. Free tax help through VITA sites can make sure you also get any Wisconsin EITC and Homestead Credit you qualify for. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the fastest way to your refund.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin have its own Child Tax Credit?
No. Wisconsin does not have a separate state Child Tax Credit. However, families with children may qualify for the Wisconsin state EITC and the Wisconsin Homestead Credit, which helps renters and homeowners with low income.
How much is the federal Child Tax Credit?
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, with as much as $1,700 per child refundable if the credit is larger than the tax you owe.
What is the Wisconsin Homestead Credit?
It is a Wisconsin credit that helps lower-income renters and homeowners with property taxes or rent. It is separate from the Child Tax Credit and is claimed on your Wisconsin return.
Government resources
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Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy
Wisconsin's child care subsidy is called Wisconsin Shares. It helps working families pay for quality child care while they work, train, or go to school.
Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy
Wisconsin's child care subsidy is called Wisconsin Shares. It helps working families pay for quality child care while they work, train, or go to school.
Wisconsin Shares is Wisconsin's child care subsidy program. It helps eligible working families pay for part of their child care costs so parents can work, train, or finish school. It is run by the Department of Children and Families through local county and tribal agencies, and your subsidy is loaded onto a MyWIChildCare EBT card that you use to pay your provider. Your provider must be licensed or certified and take part in the YoungStar quality program.
ENTRY INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
To start Wisconsin Shares, your gross monthly income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
WI DCF Wisconsin Shares, 2026
CONTINUING LIMIT
85% SMI
Once enrolled, you stay eligible until your income reaches 85% of the state median income
WI DCF Wisconsin Shares, 2026
HOW YOU PAY
EBT card
Your monthly subsidy is loaded onto a MyWIChildCare EBT card to pay your provider
WI DCF Wisconsin Shares, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have a child under 13, or under 19 with special needs, who needs care
- Have gross monthly income at or below 200% FPL to start
- Are working or in an approved activity such as W-2, FSET, or school
- Use a licensed or certified provider that takes part in YoungStar
How to apply
Apply online through ACCESS Wisconsin at access.wi.gov, or contact your local county or tribal agency. Have ready proof of income, your work or activity schedule, and your child's information. Your agency sets your authorized hours and copay, and your subsidy is loaded onto a MyWIChildCare EBT card to pay your chosen provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is child care assistance called in Wisconsin?
It is called Wisconsin Shares. It helps working families pay for part of the cost of quality child care, with the subsidy loaded onto a MyWIChildCare EBT card.
What income can I have to qualify?
To start, your gross monthly income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Once you are enrolled, you can keep getting help until your income reaches 85 percent of the state median income, a higher exit limit that lets your earnings grow without an immediate cliff.
Does Wisconsin Shares have a waitlist?
Wisconsin Shares does not typically keep a statewide subsidy waiting list, so eligible families are usually enrolled without a wait for the subsidy itself. Separately, many child care providers keep their own waitlists because of a statewide shortage of open slots, so it is smart to line up a provider early.
Government resources
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