Special SNAP Services in Wisconsin

Wisconsin provides special SNAP services for residents facing specific hardships. These programs offer expedited benefits, replace food lost in disasters, and help families during summer, ensuring support during critical times.

Expedited Foodshare (Emergency SNAP)

Wisconsin offers expedited benefits for households in a severe financial crisis who cannot wait 30 days for help. This ensures families receive support quickly when they need it most.

You may qualify if your household has less than $150 in gross monthly income and $100 or less in cash. Migrant or seasonal farm-workers with little income may also be eligible.

Another path to qualification is if your income plus liquid resources are lower than your monthly rent or mortgage and utilities. This is designed to help those with high housing costs.

Apply online through ACCESS, by phone, mail, or in person. You must answer screening questions to determine eligibility. If you qualify, benefits are issued within seven calendar days.

Have proof of identity ready. You must submit any income or resource information as soon as possible. More details are on the Wisconsin DHS FoodShare page.

Replacement Foodshare Benefits For Food Lost In A Disaster

This service allows current FoodShare members to replace benefits used for food that spoiled. This can happen because of power outages, flooding, fire, or similar misfortunes.

Any household on FoodShare that lost food previously purchased with their benefits can request a replacement. Federal waivers may extend filing deadlines or allow mass replacements after large-scale events.

You must file a “Food Benefits Replacement Request” in ACCESS or submit form F-00330 to your agency. This should be done within 10 days of the loss, unless a deadline is extended.

You might be asked for documentation of the event, such as a notice from your utility company. Instructions and the form are on the DHS replacement-benefits page.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

When a major disaster is declared, D-SNAP provides short-term food benefits. It helps people who lived or worked in affected counties but are not already receiving FoodShare benefits.

Eligibility considers disaster-related income and expenses. Households that would not normally meet SNAP rules can qualify if their finances fall below temporary limits set for the incident.

Wisconsin DHS announces local application sites and dates with a short enrollment window, usually seven to ten days. Applicants must provide ID and proof of residence or employment in the disaster area.

Current FoodShare members in the area may also receive supplemental allotments. Updates are posted on the USDA FNS disaster page.

Summer EBT For Children

Summer EBT provides a one-time benefit to help families buy groceries when schools are closed. For summer 2025, this benefit is set at $120 per eligible child.

Children are automatically eligible if they get free or reduced-price school meals or are in programs like FoodShare, W-2, or Foster Care. Other low-income households can also apply.

Most families receive the benefit automatically on their QUEST or a separate EBT card starting in June. No separate interview is required for this process, simplifying access for eligible families.

If your child was missed, you can update your contact information or complete an online inquiry. You can find more information on the DHS Summer EBT site.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Wisconsin

After getting SNAP approval, you need to understand how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP funds. Think of it as a debit card specifically for your food benefits. Your monthly allotment is loaded onto the card automatically.

You use it at authorized stores by swiping it at checkout and entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance, just like a debit transaction.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items for your household. The program is designed to cover groceries that you prepare and eat at home, ensuring access to nutritious meals. Eligible items generally fall into major food groups.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food

Conversely, SNAP benefits cannot be used for certain products. These restrictions apply to non-food goods, alcoholic beverages, and items meant for immediate consumption. Knowing these limitations helps you plan your shopping trips and budget accordingly.

• Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot, ready-to-eat foods

• Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, or cosmetics

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

You can use your EBT card at most major grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers' markets. Look for a sign that says “Quest” or “EBT Accepted” at the entrance or checkout lane. The card works just like a debit card at the point of sale.

Many online retailers also accept EBT for eligible grocery orders. Major companies like Amazon and Walmart participate, allowing you to shop for groceries online. Check the retailer's website for details on how to add your EBT card as a payment method for your account.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

The Benny app helps you get more from your benefits. You can earn cash back on groceries from participating stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. It also offers rewards for using services like Uber and Lyft, putting money back in your pocket for other essential needs.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.