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Reviewed October 1, 2026

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.

Who can apply

['Parents with a child younger than 18 living with them who meet income and asset limits.', 'The local agency determines eligibility and the suitable employment service or placement.']

What help is available

Employment planning, job matching, training, education connections and possibly cash assistance. Ask which placement and payment rules apply rather than assuming every participant receives the same grant.

Documents to prepare

Prepare household, income and asset information and child details. Describe work history and barriers such as child care, transportation, disability or safety issues for the assessment.

How to get started

  1. Select Wisconsin Works through ACCESS, or contact the local W-2 agency.
  2. Complete the application and eligibility assessment.
  3. Discuss the employment plan and activities, including support needed to participate.
  4. Ask about referrals to FoodShare or other programs separately.

After applying

Keep the employment plan and notices. Report problems meeting an activity before a missed appointment if possible. If you disagree with an eligibility decision, the program lists a Fact Finding Review. DCF customer service is 855-757-4539.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The Wisconsin Works program page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The ACCESS portal where W-2 applications start.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Is W-2 only a cash benefit?

No; it provides employment services and some participants may receive cash assistance.

Does an ACCESS screening decide eligibility?

The local W-2 agency makes the decision after application.

Can I apply without online access?

Contact the local agency to complete the process.

Can a domestic abuse survivor contact another agency?

The current manual permits applying at any W-2 agency in that circumstance.

Can I challenge the decision?

Ask for the program’s Fact Finding Review instructions.

Sources and review

Historical screenshots: source reference.