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
Did you lose FoodShare due to not meeting a work requirement? Reapply now.
Some FoodShare members who don’t have children under 18 living at home need to meet a work requirement to get benefits. This means you must work or participate in a work training program at least 80 hours per month, unless you have an exemption.
If you don’t meet the work requirement, you can only get FoodShare for three months in a three-year period. Wisconsin’s last three-year period ended on December 31, 2024, and a new period started on January 1, 2025.
If you reached the three-month limit during the last three-year period and stopped getting benefits, you were sent the 2025 FoodShare Clock Transition Reapply Letter (PDF), and you can now reapply. If you meet program rules you will get FoodShare again. However, you could lose benefits once again after three months if you are not meeting the work requirement.
Exception: If you used your third month of benefits without meeting the work requirement in December 2024, you kept getting FoodShare in January 2025. You will be sent the 2025 FoodShare Clock Transition Keep Benefits Letter (PDF), if this applies to you. To get FoodShare after three additional months, you will need to meet the work requirement or have an exemption.
How can I reapply for FoodShare?
Reapply for benefits using the method that is easiest for you.
- Online through the ACCESS (ACCESS in Spanish) website.
- By phone or in person through a local agency.
- By mail or fax with a paper Wisconsin FoodShare Application, F-06019.
Learn more about FoodShare and reapplying for benefits on the ForwardHealth: Apply for Benefits page.
What are exemptions to the work requirement?
Exemptions are reasons why you don’t have to meet the work requirement. Examples of these reasons include if you are physically or mentally unable to work, pregnant, experiencing homelessness, or a veteran.
Refer to our exemption list to see if you have a qualifying reason. If you do, let your agency know right away. You can also report exemptions in ACCESS (ACCESS in Spanish).
Is there a work training program for FoodShare members?
FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) is a free, voluntary program you can enroll in to meet the work requirement. You will get one-on-one support in setting career goals, pursuing education and skills training, and finding a job. FSET can also help you pay for things you might need for training and your job search, like bus passes, gas, and work clothes.
FSET is open to all FoodShare members ages 16 and older, even if you don’t have to meet a work requirement to get benefits.
Are there any other FoodShare work requirement resources?
- Find more information about the work requirement.
- You can also view our publication, A Guide to the FoodShare Work Requirement, P-03606 (PDF).
Other news
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
Do you also need health insurance?
If you are getting FoodShare, you can see if you qualify for health care benefits, too. Coverage through BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid may be available to you.
Get started by logging in to your account on ACCESS and selecting add a program. | October 1, 2024