FoodShare Wisconsin benefits
(formerly known as Food Stamps)
The Food Stamps program has undergone a change, effective October 15th, 2004.
FoodShare Wisconsin is a nutrition program offered by the federal government. It is designed to allow low-income households to allot money to buy nutritious food. FoodShare benefits are available by using the QUEST card. It looks like a credit card and keeps track of how many FoodShare dollars are used.
People with low-incomes who are working or unemployed, living on a fixed income, are disabled, or retired are or may be eligible to receive FoodShare benefits.
People that receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be eligible for at least $10.00 in FoodShare benefits per month. They may also be eligible to receive more than the $10.00 allotment. People receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may become eligible for FoodShare benefits if they meet income eligibility limits.
There were changes to the program effective October 15th, 2004 for establishing eligibility. Households with gross income at or below 200% of FPL are categorically eligible and NOT subject to the net income or asset test. However, the allocation will still be calculated the same way.
Economic Support workers, who are located in the Human Services department in your county, use a complicated work sheet calculation to determine the amount of FoodShare benefits that the applying household is eligible for. The allotment amount is determined by income, shelter costs, medical expenses, and family size. When you start working, the amount of FoodShare benefits you are eligible for would change. You may contact your Economic Support worker in your county of residence with any questions you have about FoodShare Wisconsin.
FoodShare Wisconsin Eligibility and Benefits Handbook may be found at:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/em/fspubs/pubs/phc-16012.pdf
If you want to see if you may be eligible for FoodShare Wisconsin as well as other benefit programs, check out:
http://access.wisconsin.gov/access/