Welfare Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers many welfare programs for those in need.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services administers some welfare programs in Wisconsin, including Food Share Wisconsin (food stamps) and Medicaid. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families administers other welfare programs, including Wisconsin Works, Emergency Assistance and the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program. People may qualify for more than one program. Apply for Wisconsin welfare programs in the county in which you live.

Food Share Wisconsin

Food Share Wisconsin, also known as food stamps, helps people with low incomes buy groceries. Recipients receive an electronic debit card they can use to buy food items and plants or seeds to use to grow their own food.

Nutrition for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

The WIC program provides food for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and infants and children ages five and under. Women who receive food stamps, Medicaid and Wisconsin Works cash assistance automatically qualify, but other women with low incomes may also qualify for WIC even if they do not qualify for other welfare programs.

Medicaid

Medicaid pays for health care for elderly, blind and disabled people who meet income guidelines. It also pays for health care for some low-income families and some women who need treatment for breast or cervical cancer.

Wisconsin Works

Wisconsin Works (W-2) provides cash benefits for Wisconsin families that have minor children and low incomes and low assets. Adults usually must participate in a work activity in order to receive W-2 benefits.

Kinship Care

Kinship Care provides cash assistance to caretaker relatives of minor children for whom they have no legal obligation to provide care. For instance, if parents cannot care for their own children for some reason, the county might place those children with a grandparent, aunt or uncle so that the children do not have to go into foster care. As of 2010, Kinship Care provides a monthly payment of $215 per child to the caretaker relatives to assist with the children's support.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance provides cash assistance to Wisconsin families that face homelessness or are victims of a disaster such as a flood or fire. As of 2010, families may receive a maximum payment of $150 per family member.

Child Care Subsidy Program

The Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program helps pay for child care for families that meet income guidelines while parents work, attend high school or participate in job training or job search activities.

W-2 Employment, Education and Training Services

W-2 employment, education and training services include job readiness programs that teach recipients resume writing and interviewing skills, job search assistance, and vocational training programs. These programs help recipients become as self-sufficient as possible.

References

• Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services: Food Share Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families: Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services: Forward Health (Wisconsin Medicaid)
• Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families: Wisconsin Works
• Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families: Kinship Care

Resources

• Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families: Emergency Assistance
• Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families: Wisconsin Shares
• Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families: Employment, Education and Training Services