FoodShare: News and Updates
This page provides news to keep members up to date on what's happening related to FoodShare and Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits.
Featured story: About a possible federal government shutdown
DHS is closely monitoring all of the activities occurring at the federal level, including the possibility of a government shutdown. Our goal is to keep the public informed, especially our FoodShare members who receive vital nutrition assistance. If Congress does not pass a spending bill on Friday, March 14, the federal government will shut down until the bill is signed by the President. Members of FoodShare are currently receiving their March benefits on their QUEST cards on the normal schedule. They can use any benefits that are on their card to buy food during a shutdown.
DHS is monitoring this and other federal activity. Bookmark and check this page for updates.
Other news
Reapply for FoodShare if you lost benefits
If you lost FoodShare due to not meeting a work requirement before 2025, you can now reapply for benefits. If you meet program rules, you will get FoodShare again.
However, you could lose benefits again after three months if you are not meeting the work requirement. | January 30, 2025
Some FoodShare members can renew benefits less often
Starting Nov. 1, some members can renew benefits every 36 months instead of yearly.
To qualify, all adults in your household must be age 60 or older, blind, or have a disability. You also must not be earning money from a job or self-employment. Children can be in your household, but no one can be a migrant worker. | November 1, 2024
Replacement 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 in 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
Work requirement good cause hours policy change
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 of 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