Wisconsin calls its SNAP program FoodShare, and in 2026 it covers over 700,000 residents each month. If you earn under 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you likely pass the main income test. A single person can qualify with gross monthly income up to $2,610. A family of four qualifies with income up to $5,360 per month. This guide covers the full income limits, deductions, benefit amounts, and how to apply online through access.wisconsin.gov.
What Is Wisconsin FoodShare?
FoodShare is Wisconsin's name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the federal food assistance program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). Benefits load monthly onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers.
Wisconsin has opted into an expanded gross income limit of 200% FPL, which is more generous than the federal standard of 130% FPL. This means more households qualify compared to many other states.
2026 FoodShare Income Limits
The income limits below are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Wisconsin uses two tests: a gross income test (your income before deductions) and a net income test (your income after deductions).
Gross Income Limits (200% FPL)
Your household's total monthly income before deductions must fall at or below these amounts to pass the gross income test.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,610 | $31,320 |
| 2 | $3,526 | $42,312 |
| 3 | $4,442 | $53,304 |
| 4 | $5,360 | $64,320 |
| 5 | $6,276 | $75,312 |
| 6 | $7,192 | $86,304 |
| 7 | $8,110 | $97,320 |
| 8 | $9,026 | $108,312 |
For each additional person beyond 8, add $918 per month ($11,016 per year).
Net Income Limits (100% FPL)
After deductions are applied, your net income must fall at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. These are the monthly net income limits:
| Household Size | Monthly Net Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,255 |
| 2 | $1,704 |
| 3 | $2,152 |
| 4 | $2,600 |
| 5 | $3,049 |
| 6 | $3,497 |
| 7 | $3,945 |
| 8 | $4,393 |
For each additional person, add approximately $449 per month.
Exception for Elderly and Disabled Households
If your household has a member age 60 or older, or someone who receives SSI, SSDI, or certain other disability benefits, the gross income test is waived entirely. Only the net income test applies, and there is no cap on the shelter deduction for these households.
Deductions That Lower Your Countable Income
Deductions can significantly reduce your net income, making it possible to qualify even if your gross income is close to the limit. Wisconsin FoodShare allows the following deductions:
Standard Deduction: Applied to all households automatically.
- 1 to 3 people: $209 per month
- 4 people: $223 per month
- 5 people: $261 per month
- 6 or more people: $299 per month
Earned Income Deduction: 20% of any income from a job or self-employment is deducted. This rewards households with working members.
Shelter Deduction: Rent, mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners or renters insurance, and utility costs that exceed 50% of your income after other deductions. The maximum shelter deduction is $744 per month (no cap for elderly or disabled households).
Dependent Care Deduction: Childcare or other dependent care costs needed so a household member can work or attend school.
Child Support Deduction: Court-ordered child support payments you make to a non-household member.
Medical Expense Deduction: Out-of-pocket medical costs over $35 per month for household members who are age 60 or older or have a disability.
Homeless Shelter Deduction: $199 per month for households without a fixed address.
2026 Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts
Your actual benefit amount depends on your net income and household size. The amounts below are the maximums for households with little or no income.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
For each additional person beyond 8, add approximately $218 per month.
Most households receive less than the maximum. The formula is: your household's maximum benefit minus 30% of your net income equals your monthly benefit.
Asset Limits
Wisconsin has no asset limit for most FoodShare applicants under 200% FPL. You do not need to count your car, home, or most savings accounts to qualify. The only exception applies to elderly or disabled households with income above 200% FPL, who face a $4,500 asset limit.
Who Counts as a Household?
For FoodShare purposes, a household includes people who live together and buy and prepare food together. Generally, everyone who purchases and prepares meals together must be included in the same FoodShare case. Spouses and most children under 22 must be included even if they purchase food separately.
People who can be excluded from the household include:
- Boarders who pay a fair market rate for food and lodging
- Live-in attendants whose primary function is not household membership
- Residents of institutions
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
To qualify for FoodShare, household members must:
- Live in Wisconsin
- Be U.S. citizens or certain qualified immigrants (lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and others with qualifying immigration status)
- Have a valid Social Security number or apply for one
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, but their U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant children may qualify on their own.
Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults
Most adults ages 18 to 59 must meet work requirements to receive FoodShare:
- Register for work with the Wisconsin Job Center
- Accept a job offer if one is available
- Not voluntarily quit a job without good cause
- Participate in an employment and training program if assigned
Additional ABAWD rule: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18 to 52 who are not working or in a qualifying program may be limited to 3 months of benefits in a 36-month period in areas without a waiver. Wisconsin applies this rule in most counties.
Work requirement exemptions include:
- Pregnant women
- Adults caring for a child under 6 or an incapacitated person
- People who are physically or mentally unable to work
- Students enrolled at least half-time in school or a job training program
- People receiving unemployment benefits
How to Apply for Wisconsin FoodShare in 2026
Option 1: Apply Online (Fastest)
- Go to access.wisconsin.gov
- Click "Apply for Benefits"
- Create an account or log in
- Complete the online application, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes
- Submit your application electronically
Your filing date is the date the agency receives your name, address, and signature. You then have 30 days to complete the full application with supporting documents.
Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call the Economic Support Division at 1-800-362-3002. A caseworker will take your application over the phone.
Option 3: Apply In Person
Visit your county's Department of Health Services or Economic Support office. Find your local office at dhs.wisconsin.gov/localoffices.
Option 4: Apply by Mail or Fax
Download the FoodShare application form (F-16019) from the Wisconsin DHS website, complete it, and mail or fax it to your local office.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these items before applying to speed up the process:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of Wisconsin residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail)
- Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, employer letter, or self-employment records)
- Proof of housing costs (rent receipts or mortgage statements)
- Proof of utility costs if claiming the utility standard deduction
- Proof of childcare or medical expenses if claiming those deductions
- Immigration documents for non-citizen household members
What Happens After You Apply
After submitting your application, you should expect:
- Interview: Most applicants must complete a phone or in-person interview with a caseworker. You will be contacted within a few days of applying.
- Document review: Submit any requested documents within the deadlines provided.
- Decision: Wisconsin must process regular FoodShare applications within 30 days. Expedited processing (within 7 days) is available for households with under $150 in monthly income and under $100 in liquid resources, or households that are migrant or seasonal farm workers.
- EBT card: If approved, you receive an EBT card in the mail. Benefits are loaded monthly on a schedule based on your case number.
Recertification
FoodShare benefits are not permanent. Most households must recertify every 6 or 12 months. You will receive a notice before your certification period ends. Missing the recertification deadline causes your benefits to stop, though you can reapply.
Reporting Changes
You must report changes to your household situation within 10 days if your income rises above the 130% FPL reporting threshold (shown in the table below), your household size changes, or an ABAWD's work hours drop below 20 per week.
| Household Size | 130% FPL Monthly Reporting Threshold |
|---|
| 1 | $1,696 |
| 2 | $2,292 |
| 3 | $2,888 |
| 4 | $3,483 |
| 5 | $4,079 |
| 6 | $4,675 |
| 7 | $5,271 |
| 8 | $5,867 |
Using Your EBT Card
Your FoodShare EBT card works at authorized retailers across Wisconsin. You can use it to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
You cannot use EBT to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, prepared hot foods, or non-food household items.
Many Wisconsin farmers markets now accept EBT, and some participate in programs that double your spending on fresh produce.
Other Food Programs to Consider
If you qualify for FoodShare, you may also qualify for:
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): For pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. WIC provides specific food packages and nutrition support.
- Free and Reduced School Meals: Children in FoodShare households automatically qualify for free school meals without a separate application (categorical eligibility).
- Food Pantries: Local food banks provide additional food assistance at no cost. FoodShare benefits do not affect food pantry eligibility.
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for FoodShare and other Wisconsin assistance programs at once. The screener takes about 5 minutes and covers over 11 programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much income can I have and still qualify for Wisconsin FoodShare in 2026?
For a single person, the gross monthly income limit is $2,610 (200% FPL). For a family of four, the limit is $5,360 per month. After deductions for shelter, childcare, and other expenses, your net income must fall below 100% FPL. A family of four must have net monthly income below $2,600 after deductions.
Does Wisconsin count assets or savings when determining FoodShare eligibility?
For most applicants, Wisconsin has no asset limit. Your car, home, retirement accounts, and most savings do not affect eligibility if your income is below 200% FPL. Only elderly or disabled households with income above 200% FPL face a $4,500 asset limit.
How long does it take to get approved for FoodShare?
Standard applications are processed within 30 days. If your household has very low income and resources, you may qualify for expedited processing and receive benefits within 7 days.
Can undocumented immigrants receive FoodShare?
No. FoodShare is only available to U.S. citizens and certain qualified immigrants. However, U.S. citizen children in mixed-status households may qualify independently.
What is the difference between FoodShare and SNAP?
There is no difference. FoodShare is the name Wisconsin uses for the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The benefits, EBT card, and eligibility rules operate the same way.
Can I apply for FoodShare online?
Yes. The easiest way to apply is through access.wisconsin.gov. You can create an account, complete your application, upload documents, and manage your case all in one place.
What if I am self-employed? Does that income count?
Yes, self-employment income counts, but you can deduct your business expenses first. FoodShare counts your net self-employment income (gross income minus allowable business expenses) as your countable income. You also receive the standard 20% earned income deduction on top of that.
Do college students qualify for FoodShare?
College students ages 18 to 49 who are enrolled at least half-time face additional restrictions. You generally must be working at least 20 hours per week, participating in a work-study program, caring for a child under 6, or otherwise exempt from the student rule to qualify.
How do I report a change in income to FoodShare?
You can report changes through your ACCESS account at access.wisconsin.gov, by calling 1-800-362-3002, or by visiting your local economic support office. You must report income changes within 10 days if your income rises above the 130% FPL reporting threshold for your household size.
Where can I find my local FoodShare office in Wisconsin?
Visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/localoffices to find the economic support office for your county. You can also manage your case entirely online through access.wisconsin.gov without visiting an office.
For a personalized estimate of your FoodShare benefits and other programs you may qualify for in Wisconsin, use our free benefits screener or visit our Wisconsin benefits guide.
