FoodShare: News for Members

About the federal government shutdown and November benefits

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November benefits for FoodShare members will be delayed. FoodShare benefits are 100 percent funded by the federal government. DHS is fighting to get November FoodShare benefits out to members. However, benefits will continue to be delayed. At this time we are still waiting for the federal government's release of funds for these benefits.

We are closely monitoring multiple lawsuits seeking to force the federal government to use emergency funds to get FoodShare members their November benefits. According to the decisions today made by federal judges, the federal government likely must pay for at least partial November FoodShare benefits during the government shutdown. November FoodShare benefits will continue to be delayed at this time as the court case continues. As soon as we have more details, we will send another update.

November FoodShare benefits will be delayed. Benefits will not be available until the federal government releases this funding.

• Once the federal government releases this funding, here's what Foodshare members can expect:
  • November benefits will be delayed. We will let members know as soon as we have updated information.
  • DHS will work as quickly as possible to get funds added to QUEST cards.
  • When we know the date benefits will be available, we will post an update on this webpage, on ACCESS.wi.gov, and in the MyACCESS app. We will also messages to members with their cell numbers and email addresses on file.

FoodShare members may continue to use any funds available on their QUEST cards while they wait for November benefits. To be clear, benefits that are already on your card will not be removed because of the shutdown and you can continue to use your current benefits to buy food until November benefits are added to QUEST cards.

Bookmark and check this page for updates. Call 211 to find out about other sources of food assistance in your area.

Updates about other state programs

• As of October 31, WIC benefits will be available throughout the month of November. You can continue to use your WIC benefits, attend WIC appointments, and do not need to take any action. Contact your local WIC agency with any questions.
• Other state programs like BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, and SeniorCare are not impacted by the shutdown. Members still have coverage to get the care and services they need. For updates, visit the Medicaid News page.

Changes to FoodShare work requirement start to take effect in Wisconsin

When the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ was signed into law in July, it included an expansion of the federal work requirement for some FoodShare members.

• It expanded the age range of members affected from 18-54, to 18-64.
• It added parents whose only children at home are 14 and older.

We will send the FoodShare members affected by these changes a letter in the mail (and texts and emails, if we can) to let them know when they need to start meeting the expanded federal work requirement. Some members will start to get letters about meeting the work requirement in the next few weeks.

Learn more about meeting the work requirement for FoodShare.

Other news