Wisconsin FoodShare

Program Snapshot

FoodShare is Wisconsin’s branding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Administered by the Department of Health Services (DHS) in partnership with county and tribal agencies, it deposits monthly benefits onto a QUEST EBT card. Households can use the card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. In 2025, maximum allotments mirror the USDA Thrifty Food Plan—$291 for a household of one, $535 for two, and $973 for four. Benefits adjust annually each October, providing consistent support against rising food costs.

Why FoodShare Is Critical in 2025

The end of federal emergency allotments in 2023 reduced FoodShare amounts for many families, but Wisconsin responded by expanding targeted relief:

• Healthy Eating Initiatives: The state extended its Double Dollars farmers market incentive statewide, allowing FoodShare users to match up to $20 per market visit for fresh produce.
• Online Purchasing Expansion: More independent grocers joined the online pilot, giving rural households better access. DHS now lists all participating retailers with delivery/pickup fees in one portal.
• Simplified Renewals: Wisconsin integrated SNAP, BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid), and Child Care Subsidy renewals into the MyACCESS app. Families receive push notifications 30 days before deadlines, reducing lapses.
• College Student Outreach: Following federal flexibility, Wisconsin broadened exemptions for students in career pathways programs, enabling more technical college attendees to retain benefits.

Eligibility Deep Dive

1. Income Tests: Applicants must meet gross income limits (200% FPL) and net income limits (100% FPL) unless categorically eligible through programs like SSI or W-2. Net income is gross income minus deductions (20% earned income deduction, standard deduction, excess shelter deduction, dependent care costs, and medical expenses for elderly/disabled members).
2. Asset Limits: Most households are categorically eligible and exempt from asset limits if they qualify for BadgerCare or W-2. Otherwise, countable assets include bank accounts and cash; homes and retirement accounts are excluded.
3. Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–52 must meet 80 hours/month of work or participate in the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program, unless they live in exempt counties or have temporary waivers due to high unemployment.
4. Citizenship/Immigration: U.S. citizens and qualified noncitizens (green card holders, refugees, asylees) are eligible. Mixed-status households can apply; benefits are prorated based on eligible members.
5. Verification: Provide photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of address, pay stubs, rent/mortgage statements, utility bills, and medical expense receipts when applicable.

Application Pathways

• Online: Use the ACCESS.wi.gov portal or MyACCESS mobile app. Create an account, complete the pre-screener, and submit the application. Upload documents via smartphone camera.
• Phone: Call the Capitol Consortium (608-261-5437 or 1-888-794-5556) or other regional consortia to apply and complete the interview.
• In Person: Visit county/tribal human services offices. Many offer same-day interviews and document scanning kiosks.
• Mail/Fax: Download the FoodShare application and submit to your consortium. Follow up with the required interview.

Within seven days, households with little or no income may receive expedited benefits. Provide bank balances and housing costs to confirm emergency eligibility.

Interview and Verification Tips

• Schedule interviews promptly. Missed calls delay approvals; set your phone to accept unknown numbers during the review period.
• Prepare details about household members, income sources, childcare costs, and medical expenses. Keep receipts organized in digital folders.
• For self-employed applicants, provide profit and loss statements or use DHS templates. Gig workers can average income over several months to reflect fluctuations.
• Students should submit proof of at least half-time enrollment and documentation of exemption (e.g., participation in WIOA program, childcare responsibilities, or work-study).

Strategies to Maximize Benefits

• Claim All Deductions: Report rent, mortgage, property taxes, and utilities to boost shelter deductions. Elderly or disabled members can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses above $35/month, including prescriptions, eyeglasses, and travel to doctors.
• Enroll in FSET Voluntarily: Even exempt participants can use FSET for job training, CDL programs, or supportive services like transportation vouchers.
• Use Online Purchasing: Amazon and Walmart allow SNAP EBT for eligible foods; schedule pickup to avoid delivery fees. Woodman’s and participating co-ops offer curbside options.
• Stack Local Programs: Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program (WNEP) offers cooking classes, while Hunger Task Force’s Mobile Market visits Milwaukee neighborhoods with discounted produce.
• Coordinate with Emergency Food: Food pantries can supplement benefits during months with high utility bills. Keep documentation of pantry visits for budgeting assistance.

Managing Renewals and Changes

FoodShare cases typically renew every six months, though elderly/disabled households on fixed incomes may have 12-month reviews.

1. 30 Days Before Renewal: Receive a notice via mail, email, or MyACCESS alert. Start gathering updated pay stubs and proof of expenses.
2. Complete Six-Month Report Form (SMRF): Submit through ACCESS. Report any income changes, new household members, or address updates. Failing to submit leads to benefit closure.
3. Interview (if required): Some renewals require a brief phone interview. Confirm your availability and respond to follow-up questions promptly.
4. Report Changes Within 10 Days: New jobs, job loss, household additions, or address changes must be reported quickly to avoid overpayments.
5. Appeal: If benefits are reduced or closed, file an appeal within 90 days. Continue to use benefits during the appeal if you request continuation.

Shopping Smart With QUEST

• Retailer Access: Over 4,000 retailers statewide accept QUEST. Check the DHS interactive map for locations, including farmers markets offering Double Dollars.
• Healthy Incentives: Enroll in HealthCheck screenings and local wellness programs to earn grocery store coupons or gas cards.
• Meal Planning: Use the UW Extension’s “Spend Smart Eat Smart” app to plan weekly menus under the Thrifty Food Plan allowance.
• Food Storage: Invest in bulk purchases when on sale. Use pantry inventory sheets to minimize waste and stretch benefits further.

Addressing Common Issues

• Card Lost or Stolen: Call QUEST Card Service (877-415-5164) immediately. A new card arrives within five days; funds remain secure.
• System Outages: If EBT systems go down, DHS posts updates on social media and sends MyACCESS alerts. Keep emergency cash or pantry staples to bridge short disruptions.
• Fraud Alerts: DHS monitors suspicious transactions. If you spot unauthorized charges, report them within 30 days for possible reimbursement.
• Overpayments: Repayment agreements can deduct a small amount from future benefits. Request a hearing if you believe the overpayment is incorrect.

Integrating FoodShare With Other Benefits

FoodShare recipients automatically qualify for:

• Lifeline/ACP broadband discounts (while ACP funding lasts).
• Reduced school meal fees through direct certification.
• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) for children receiving free/reduced lunch.
• Energy assistance prioritization when applying for Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).

Coordinate with local Workforce Development Boards to access childcare subsidies (Wisconsin Shares) and transportation vouchers, especially if you’re in FSET training.

Case Study: Family Balancing Work and School

The Robinson family of three lives in La Crosse. One parent works part-time while attending Western Technical College; the other works nights at a distribution center. They applied through ACCESS, uploaded pay stubs, and completed a phone interview within 48 hours. Their gross income of $3,200 qualified them after deductions for rent, childcare, and student loan interest. They receive $612 per month in FoodShare, doubled at local farmers markets through Double Dollars. Enrolling in FSET provided gas cards and helped the student parent secure a paid internship aligned with their IT program, easing the transition to full-time work post-graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get FoodShare if I live with roommates? Yes. Only individuals you purchase and prepare food with must be included in your household. Provide a signed statement if you split groceries separately.

Do I have to report income from gig work? Yes. Report gross earnings before platform fees. Use bank statements or platform summaries to verify income.

Are there purchase restrictions? FoodShare covers most groceries but excludes alcohol, tobacco, hot foods sold for immediate consumption, and non-food items. Seeds and plants that produce food are eligible.

Can seniors receive simplified reporting? Households where all members are elderly or disabled with no earned income may receive 24-month certification periods with minimal reporting requirements.

How soon can I access benefits after approval? Benefits load on the QUEST card within 24 hours of approval. Monthly deposits follow a schedule based on the eighth digit of your Social Security number.

By understanding eligibility rules, documenting expenses, and using supplemental programs, Wisconsin households can stretch FoodShare benefits to maintain consistent, nutritious meals throughout the year.