Food & Nutrition

FoodShare Wisconsin

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The FoodShare program (once called Food Stamps, and known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Wisconsin pay for food.

If you're approved for FoodShare benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the QUEST EBT Card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your QUEST EBT Card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Wisconsin to buy FoodShare-approved food items. You can also make FoodShare purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Wisconsin FoodShare work?

The FoodShare program is run by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). DHS county agencies across the state provide local support for people who receive FoodShare and other types of public assistance.

FoodShare can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are FoodShare-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the FoodShare application process like in Wisconsin?

While the idea of applying for food assistance may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DHS case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Wisconsin FoodShare:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Wisconsin FoodShare online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone or face-to-face interview with a DHS case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most Wisconsin FoodShare applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for FoodShare benefits, you will receive your QUEST EBT Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for FoodShare?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for FoodShare, you and all household members applying for benefits must meet the following requirements:

You are a resident of Wisconsin.
You are a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen meeting other eligibility rules.
You have a Social Security number (or have applied for one).
You meet the work requirements currently in place for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
You meet the income guidelines and asset guidelines, if applicable.

The amount of money you will get in Wisconsin FoodShare benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Wisconsin FoodShare income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get FoodShare benefits. In Wisconsin, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the FoodShare income limit. A case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

Earned income deduction (20%)
Standard deduction based on household size
Standard utility costs deduction
Excess shelter costs deduction
Self-employed child care provider deduction
Medical expenses in excess of $35 per month (for older adults and people with disabilities)

What are the Wisconsin FoodShare asset limits?

Assets refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate).

There is no asset limit for Wisconsin households with income at or below 200% FPL. If your household includes a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability, and you did not meet the gross income test, you can alternatively qualify under the federal SNAP rules. Under these rules, there is no gross income limit, but there is an asset limit of $4,500.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. To apply for Wisconsin FoodShare, you will need the following information for everyone in your household (try to gather as much of it as possible):

Birthdate
Address
Social Security number
U.S. citizenship or immigration status
Marital status
Names of people living in your home and how they are related
Job income
Job information, including employer's name, address, and phone number
Other income (e.g., Social Security or unemployment compensation)

Before you can be approved for FoodShare benefits, you’ll also need to provide proof of the information above in the form of valid IDs, pay stubs, Social Security benefit statements, etc.

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your FoodShare application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your FoodShare application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for FoodShare in Wisconsin?

There are several ways to apply for Wisconsin FoodShare. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for FoodShare is online through the ACCESS website. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through ACCESS

To apply online:

Go to the ACCESS website and click ‘Apply for Benefits.’
- If you already have an account, enter your user ID and password to log in.
- If you do not have an account, click ‘Create an account.’
After you’ve created an account and verified your email address, enter your user ID and password to log in.
Once you’re logged in, go to ‘Your identity’ and click ‘Start my application.’
Follow the prompts to complete your benefits application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your application and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the user ID and password you set up earlier).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
If Spanish is your primary language, click on ‘Español’ at the top right of your screen.
Visit the Help Center for online application assistance or call Member Services at 1-800-362-3002.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR BY PHONE

To apply in person, Visit your local county or tribal agency during business hours. Find the office closest to you here. Once there, you can fill out and submit a FoodShare application .
To apply for Wisconsin FoodShare by phone, Call your local county or tribal agency during business hours and complete the FoodShare application over the phone with the help of a DHS agent.
To apply by mail, you will need to first download and print a FoodShare application in your primary language. Find the application by clicking here. Once you have completed the application, mail it to your local county or tribal agency.

Don't have a printer? Call your local agency to have a paper application mailed to you.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get priority FoodShare benefits within 7 calendar days from the date on your application if your food needs are urgent. You must meet at least one of the following conditions to receive expedited FoodShare:

Your household has $100 or less available in cash or in the bank and will have less than $150 of income this month.
Your household has rent, mortgage, or utility costs that are more than your total gross monthly income (available cash or in bank accounts) for this month.
Your household includes a migrant or seasonal farm worker whose income has stopped.

Need food today? Visit the Feeding Wisconsin website to find local food resources while you wait for your FoodShare application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Wisconsin FoodShare application. You can:

Contact your local county or tribal agency.
Call the FoodShare Helpline at 1-877-366-3635 to speak to an outreach specialist.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for FoodShare in Wisconsin?

It can take up to 30 days to process your FoodShare application (within 7 days if you’re requesting priority benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you will need to complete an interview. Most interviews take place over the phone, but a face-to-face interview can be requested. DHS can interview you—or someone you choose to represent you.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from DHS, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my FoodShare interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHS case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your FoodShare interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for FoodShare benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for FoodShare?

If you are approved for Wisconsin FoodShare, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Wisconsin, that period is 12 months. Households where all adult members are age 60+ or have a disability, and have no earned income, are certified for 36 months.

Shortly after you are approved for FoodShare, you will receive your QUEST EBT Card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, benefits will be deposited between the 2nd and the 15th of each month, depending on the eighth digit of your Social Security number.

Other important tips to know

What if my Wisconsin FoodShare application is denied?

Your FoodShare decision notice will include instructions for requesting a fair hearing if you do not agree with the decision. During this hearing, a judge will review your case.

How can I view my FoodShare benefits information?

You can log in to the ACCESS website to check the status of your FoodShare application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my Quest EBT card?

The best way to know your QUEST EBT Card balance is to keep your last store receipt. If you lose your last receipt and need to know your balance, call QUEST Card Services at 1-877-415-5164. You can also visit ebtEDGE. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You may have to report certain changes that can impact your FoodShare benefit amount. Reportable changes may include:

A change in household size
An increase in household income
Reduced work hours
Lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more

When should you renew your FoodShare benefits in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin FoodShare households must complete the recertification process at the end of their certification period in order to continue receiving benefits. Toward the end of your certification period, you will receive a renewal package. It will contain information on how to renew your benefits, which can be done online, in person, or by mail.

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