FoodShare: News and Updates
This page provides news to keep members up to date on what's happening related to FoodShare and Sumer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits.
Featured story
New three-year renewal for some FoodShare members
Most FoodShare members must renew every year to keep getting benefits. They must also complete six-month report forms. Now, depending on who is in your household, you may only have to renew every three years.
To qualify, all adults in your household must be age 60 or older, blind, or have a disability. They also can’t be earning money from a job or self-employment. Your household can include children, but no one can be a migrant worker.
If you meet these program rules:
- We have automatically adjusted your renewal date.
- You’ll get a letter with information about the change and your new renewal date (PDF). You can also see the new date in ACCESS or MyACCESS.
- You do not have to complete six-month report forms.
If your household situation changes, we’ll send you a letter describing any impact on your renewal date and other requirements for keeping your benefits (PDF).
Other news
Replace lost food benefits
If you lost food due to a misfortune or weather event, it’s easy to request replacement benefits online or by phone. Be sure to act within 10 days of the food loss.
Log in to ACCESS and click “Food Benefits Replacement Request” in the left menu. Or call your agency to request them by phone. | October 19, 2024
Members living some WI areas don't have to meet the work requirement
Some FoodShare members who usually have to meet a work requirement to keep getting benefits may not have to if you have a qualifying reason (called an "exemption").
This also applies if there is a high unemployment rate where you live. | October 19, 2024
New look to benefit approval/denial letters
Have you applied for FoodShare benefits? After we review your application, we will mail you a letter to let you know your status of your application and if you were approved for benefits.
These letters have been updated and now have an easier-to-read look and layout. | October 19, 2024
Good cause hours policy change for the work requirement
If you need to meet the work requirement to get benefits, you could have a good cause reason why you can't meet it, such as personal health problems.
As of October 1, there is no longer a 40-hour limit on hours of good cause can be used to meet the work requirement. | October 1, 2024
Cost living adjustments applied to October benefits
Starting with your October benefits, cost of living adjustments were made for all FoodShare members. Changes for monthly income limits, allotments, deductions, and allowances occurred.
These changes happen annually based on the federal fiscal year. | October 1, 2024
October 1 work requirement changes
Depending on your age, you might have to meet a work requirement to keep getting FoodShare benefits.
The age range of 18-52 expanded to 18-54 on October 1, 2024. Since 2023, there are also new work requirement exemptions, such as being a veteran. | October 1, 2024