Benefits Eligibility Guide
Wisconsin Government Benefits
Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in Wisconsin. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.
Check My Eligibility →Wisconsin Benefits Programs
Here are the major programs available to Wisconsin residents.
BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid)
Has not expanded Medicaid
Adults: up to 0% FPL
Children: up to 306% FPL
Pregnant: up to 306% FPL
FoodShare Wisconsin (Food Assistance)
Gross income limit: 200% FPL
Net income limit: 130% FPL
Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) (Energy Assistance)
Income limit: 60% SMI
Helps with heating and cooling costs
Child Care Assistance (Childcare)
Income limit: 85% SMI
Subsidized childcare for working families
Wisconsin Works (W-2) (Cash Assistance)
Lifetime limit: 60 months
Cash assistance for families with children
WIC (Nutrition)
Income limit: 185% FPL
For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5
Healthcare.gov (ACA)
Marketplace Type: Federal Exchange (HealthCare.gov)
Phone: 1-800-318-2596
SSI / SSDI
State provides supplemental SSI payment
State Supplement: $96/month
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.
Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.
Check Your Eligibility in Wisconsin
Answer a few questions and see which programs you may qualify for. No account needed.
Start Free Screening →Wisconsin Benefits Guides
In-depth articles about specific programs in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin ACA Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Subsidies, and How to Apply
Learn who qualifies for Wisconsin ACA health insurance in 2026, including income limits by household size, how subsidies work after enhanced credits expired, and step-by-step enrollment instructions.
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How to Apply for Section 8 in Wisconsin
Step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Wisconsin. Learn about income limits, required documents, waiting lists, and how to find your local housing authority.
March 22, 2026
How to Apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin (BadgerCare Plus Guide 2026)
Step-by-step guide to applying for Medicaid (BadgerCare Plus) in Wisconsin. Learn about income limits, eligibility requirements, required documents, and how to apply online through ACCESS.
March 4, 2026
Wisconsin Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, BadgerCare Plus, and How to Apply
Learn about Wisconsin Medicaid eligibility for 2026, including BadgerCare Plus income limits, who qualifies, how to apply through ACCESS, and step-by-step enrollment instructions.
February 22, 2026
Wisconsin ACA Benefits and Coverage: Your Complete Guide for 2026
Learn about Wisconsin ACA benefits and coverage, including essential health benefits, premium subsidies, income limits, and how to enroll through the federal marketplace at Healthcare.gov.
February 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What government benefits am I eligible for in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin residents may qualify for programs including BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid), FoodShare Wisconsin (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.
How do I apply for BadgerCare Plus in Wisconsin?
You can apply for BadgerCare Plus online at https://access.wisconsin.gov or by calling 1-800-362-3002. Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid. Children may qualify up to 306% FPL and pregnant individuals up to 306% FPL.
How do I apply for FoodShare Wisconsin (food stamps) in Wisconsin?
Apply for FoodShare Wisconsin online at https://access.wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-362-3002. Wisconsin uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, so the gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 130% FPL.