Assistance programs in Wisconsin
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
Wisconsin WIC
Wisconsin WIC provides food, nutrition education and breastfeeding support. Start a pre-application or contact the local WIC office, then complete its eligibility screening.
Housing assistance
Legal Action of Wisconsin (Free Civil Legal Aid)
Legal Action of Wisconsin now lists statewide civil legal services, including Tribal communities. Apply online or call its intake unit for eligibility and case screening.
Utility assistance
Weatherization Assistance Program (Wisconsin)
Wisconsin weatherization begins with a WHEAP application. Eligible households may be referred to a local weatherization agency, which assesses the home before selecting energy
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
Wisconsin WHEAP helps eligible households with heating and electricity costs. The regular payment season runs October 1–May 15; outside that period, applications may be consid
Health coverage
BadgerCare Plus (Wisconsin Medicaid)
BadgerCare Plus is full coverage Wisconsin Medicaid for eligible people ages 0–64. You can apply at any time through ACCESS, with county or Tribal agency assistance available.
Cash and income support
Wisconsin Homestead Credit
Understand Wisconsin’s Homestead Credit for tax year 2025, including the income rule, housing records and claim forms.
Wisconsin Works (W-2 Cash Assistance)
Wisconsin Works, or W-2, combines employment services with possible cash assistance while preparing for work. Apply through ACCESS or the local W-2 agency serving your area.
Unemployment Insurance (Wisconsin)
Wisconsin unemployment insurance provides temporary payments to eligible workers. File an initial application in the claimant portal and continue weekly claims and work search
Wisconsin Earned Income Credit
Wisconsin’s earned income credit is a refundable state tax benefit for qualifying working families with at least one child. Claim it on the Wisconsin income tax return for the
Additional support
211 Wisconsin
211 Wisconsin’s resource directory helps people find community services by need. Use the directory to locate providers and confirm their current availability and intake requir
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.