The Propel Guide To EBT In Wisconsin

FoodShare is Wisconsin’s name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP), sometimes called food stamps, or just EBT. It helps low-income households across the state supplement their grocery budget each month.

SNAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each state manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal processes, and customer service details can vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what to know about EBT and FoodShare benefits in Wisconsin.

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How does SNAP work in Wisconsin?#how-does-snap-work-in-wisconsin

In Wisconsin, about 693,100 people receive FoodShare benefits.

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, FoodShare provides monthly support through a QUEST card (Wisconsin’s EBT card). Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.

After you apply, a caseworker from your local county office will typically contact you for a phone interview to verify details like your household size and income. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

How to apply for food stamps in Wisconsin#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-wisconsin

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in Wisconsin.

Apply for FoodShare online

You can apply through the official state application portal below.

Apply for SNAP by phone or in person

If you need help applying or prefer speaking with someone, you can

• Call your local county or Tribal agency
• Apply in person at a county or Tribal agency

SNAP application assistance is also available through your local food bank.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-snap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for:

• Proof of identity
• Information about everyone in your household, like birthdays and immigration status
• Income details, like pay stubs or benefit letters
• Housing and utility costs

You may not need every document to start an application; you can often submit missing information later.

Who is eligible for SNAP in Wisconsin?#who-is-eligible-for-snap-in-wisconsin

SNAP eligibility is mostly determined by your household size and income, but some applicants may have to meet additional requirements.

In general, you may qualify for FoodShare if:

• Your household income is at or below state limits
• You meet work requirements (if it applies to you)
• You are a U.S. citizen, or you meet immigration requirements

When are SNAP deposits issued in Wisconsin?#when-are-snap-deposits-issued-in-wisconsin

FoodShare benefits are sent out once per month in Wisconsin from the 2nd to the 15th. Your exact deposit date depends on the eighth digit of your head of household’s Social Security Number (SSN). For example, if the eighth digit is 0, you’ll get your benefits on the 2nd and if your eighth digit is 2, you’ll get your benefits on the 5th.

If your SNAP deposit doesn't arrive when expected, review these common reasons why deposits are delayed.

How do I renew my food stamps in Wisconsin?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-wisconsin

FoodShare benefits don’t last forever—you’ll need to renew your case (also called recertification) to keep getting them.

When to renew

Most households in Wisconsin must renew every 6 or 12 months. If all household members are age 60 or older, blind, or have a disability and no earned income, the household may only need to recertify every 36 months. The household may not include a migrant worker.

About two weeks before the start of the renewal month, you’ll get a letter in the mail letting you know it’s time to reapply. The letter will tell you your renewal deadline and next steps. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

You’ll need to update your household information, income, and submit documents to prove your circumstances—just like in the initial Foodshare application.

To prevent any issues or interruptions with your benefits, complete your renewal—including the interview and any document verifications—by the last business day of your renewal month. For example, if you submit your renewal in time but send your documents after your renewal deadline, your benefits will be reduced.

How to renew

You can usually renew:

• Online through your ACCESS account
• By phone or in-person at your local agency
• By mail—fill out the prefilled renewal letter sent with your notice

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or the Wisconsin SNAP hotline: 1-800-362-3002.

What can I buy with EBT in Wisconsin?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-wisconsin

Under federal SNAP rules, you can use your QUEST card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

SNAP‑eligible foods in Wisconsin include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods, like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and candy
• Seeds and plants that grow food
• Drinks like juice, water, and energy drinks
• Pantry staples like flour, olive oil, and spices
• Infant formula and baby food

What you can’t buy with SNAP in Wisconsin:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
• Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
• Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
• Pet food
• Cleaning supplies and household items
• Diapers and wipes
• Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)

While SNAP benefits are strictly for groceries and related food items, some people also receive TANF, which provides cash on an EBT card for household needs, including rent, bills, and other expenses.

Where are EBT cards accepted in Wisconsin?#where-are-ebt-cards-accepted-in-wisconsin

You can use your QUEST card at:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Farmers markets
• Some online retailers

Download Propel to find nearby stores that take EBT, plus other Wisconsin SNAP resources

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What SNAP changes do I need to report?#what-snap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report changes to your SNAP case.

In Wisconsin, most changes are reported during your regular SNAP recertification or renewal and through the Six-Month Report.

You’ll receive a FoodShare Six-Month Report form with instructions around a month before it’s due. Complete your Six-Month Report on time to avoid a gap in benefits.

You can submit your Six-Month Report:

• Online through your ACCESS account
• By phone or in-person at your local agency
• By mail—return it to the address listed at the top of the form

Similar to the application and renewal process, you may be asked to submit documents that confirm your information.

If everyone in your household is elderly, blind, or has a disability and isn’t earning any income, you may need to complete a Six-Month Report if something changes.

There are also some changes that must be reported sooner to help avoid delays or issues with your benefits.

Report these changes by the 10th of the month after they happen:

• Earned income changes: Your household income goes above 130% of the monthly limit for your household size
• Work hours drop: If you have to meet "able-bodied adult without dependents" (ABAWD) work requirements for adults ages 18 to 64 and your hours drop below 80 hours per month
• Lottery or gambling winnings: You, or a member of your household, has received or won $4,500 or more pre-tax

How to report changes

To report a change, you can do one of the following:

• Use your ACCESS account
• Call your local agency
• Call your caseworker
• Fill out a FoodShare income change report form and send it by mail to your local FoodShare office

If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported right away, contacting your FoodShare office is the safest option.

How do I report a lost or stolen EBT card in Wisconsin?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-wisconsin

If your QUEST card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft.

Here's what to do:

• Call 1-877-415-5164
• Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes, your QUEST card can get you discounted groceries in some parts of Wisconsin. Through Double Dollars, you can get up to $20 per day in credit for fresh fruits and vegetables when you buy produce with your QUEST card. The program is available at select grocery stores, co-ops, corner stores, farmers markets, and farm stands in Wisconsin. Check with stores near you to see if they participate.

Beyond groceries, your EBT card can get you discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

You can even qualify for low–cost internet and discounted memberships to online retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.

Can I use my FoodShare benefits at restaurants in Wisconsin?#can-i-use-my-foodshare-benefits-at-restaurants-in-wisconsin

No, in Wisconsin, you generally cannot use FoodShare benefits to buy hot, prepared food or to eat at restaurants.

While some states have a Restaurant Meals Program for the elderly, disabled, or those experiencing homelessness, Wisconsin does not participate in this program.

You can only use your FoodShare benefits at authorized retailers (like grocery stores and farmers markets) for food items intended to be prepared and eaten at home.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Yes, once your child is born, you should report your new family member to your FoodShare case. More household members mean more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Can I use my Wisconsin QUEST card in another state?#can-i-use-my-wisconsin-quest-card-in-another-state

By default, you can only use your EBT card in Wisconsin and bordering states—Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. To use your QUEST card outside of those states, change your security settings to allow out-of-state spending temporarily.

To enable out-of-state transactions:

• Call QUEST Card Service: 1-877-415-5164
• Log in to the ebtEDGE website or mobile app and choose “Protect My Account”

Your card will return to default settings at midnight on the first day of every month.

Keep in mind that while your QUEST card works in all 50 states, other states may have different restrictions on things you can buy with FoodShare benefits.

Using your card exclusively outside of Wisconsin for an extended period may trigger a residency review by your DHS agency. If you move to another state permanently, you must close your FoodShare case and reapply in your new state to keep receiving benefits.

How do I report food stamp fraud in Wisconsin?#how-do-i-report-food-stamp-fraud-in-wisconsin

If you find a skimmer at a store or think your benefits were stolen, report it to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG):

• Call 1-877-865-3432, or
• File a report online

Can I receive food stamps while collecting unemployment in Wisconsin?#can-i-receive-food-stamps-while-collecting-unemployment-in-wisconsin

Yes, you can get FoodShare benefits while collecting unemployment in Wisconsin. You must meet the unemployment compensation program work requirements if you are ages 16 to 59. You do not have to meet the 20-hour per week FoodShare work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents while you are receiving or if you have applied for unemployment benefits.

Remember to report your unemployment benefits as part of your unearned income in your FoodShare application, Six-Month Report, and renewal forms.

Does EBT roll over in Wisconsin?#does-ebt-roll-over-in-wisconsin

Yes, your unused benefits stay on your QUEST card until you spend them. The only exception is if you don't use your card for nine months (274 days). Then, any benefits that have been sitting on your card for that long will expire—starting with the oldest ones first.

How do you cancel food stamps in Wisconsin?#how-do-you-cancel-food-stamps-in-wisconsin

If you no longer want to receive FoodShare benefits, submit a “Voluntary Declining Benefits” form:

• Online through your ACCESS account
• In-person at your local agency
• By mail to your local agency

What other benefits are available to me in Wisconsin?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Department of Children and Families run several programs for low-income households, including:

• Elder Nutrition Program: Meals for older adults delivered to your home or served at senior dining centers
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Food packages for people ages 60 and older distributed through local community partners
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Emergency food for 3 to 5 days at participating food pantries
• Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): People who are pregnant, postpartum or have a child at least 9 months old get checks to buy fresh produce at participating farmers markets and farm stands
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior FMNP): People ages 60 and older get $25 each growing season to buy fresh produce at participating farmers markets and farm stands
• Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy: Money for child care
• Wisconsin Works (W-2/TANF): Cash assistance, called Cash EBT, and workforce training opportunities
• Emergency Assistance (EA): Financial help with energy costs, housing, child care, healthcare, and more
• Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance (WHEAP): One-time payment toward your utility bills for each winter heating season
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Nutrition and breast feeding support among other benefits

Use this benefit finder tool to see what other support you and your family might be eligible for.