Wisconsin FoodShare income limits 2025 just changed. This updated guide explains the new Oct 1 rules, income charts, deductions, and benefits so you can quickly check if your household qualifies.
FoodShare (Wisconsin’s SNAP program) helps thousands of families buy food every month. The rules can feel confusing, but once you see the tables and examples, it makes sense.
👉 Extra tip: Even if your income looks “too high,” deductions (like rent, utilities, or medical bills) can lower your countable income — so it’s always worth applying.
TL;DR: Who Qualifies for FoodShare in Wisconsin?
Here’s the short version:
- If your household income is under the 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) line in the table below, you probably qualify.
- Then your net income (after deductions) also gets checked against the 100% FPL limit.
- Your final benefit amount depends on household size and income.
👉 Don’t guess — apply on ACCESS Wisconsin now to see if you qualify. The application is free.
Official Wisconsin FoodShare Monthly Income Limits
FoodShare rules change every October 1st when new federal poverty guidelines kick in. Right now, there are two tables you need to know:
- Current table (valid Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025)
- New table (valid Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026)
Both are official from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
A. Current Table — Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025
| Household size | 200% FPL (Gross) | 130% FPL (Reporting) | Max FoodShare per month |
| 1 | $2,510 | $1,632 | $292 |
| 2 | $3,408 | $2,215 | $536 |
| 3 | $4,304 | $2,798 | $768 |
| 4 | $5,200 | $3,380 | $975 |
| 5 | $6,098 | $3,963 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $6,994 | $4,546 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $7,890 | $5,129 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $8,788 | $5,712 | $1,756 |
| 9 | $9,686 | $6,295 | $1,976 |
| 10 | $10,584 | $6,878 | $2,196 |
| Each add. | +$898 | +$583 | +$220 |
📌 Source: Wisconsin DHS — FoodShare income limits 2025
B. New Table — Starts Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026
| Household size | 200% FPL (Gross) | 130% FPL (Reporting) | Max FoodShare per month |
| 1 | $2,610 | $1,696 | $298 |
| 2 | $3,526 | $2,292 | $546 |
| 3 | $4,442 | $2,888 | $785 |
| 4 | $5,360 | $3,483 | $994 |
| 5 | $6,276 | $4,079 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $7,192 | $4,675 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $8,110 | $5,271 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $9,026 | $5,867 | $1,789 |
| 9 | $9,944 | $6,463 | $2,007 |
| 10 | $10,862 | $7,059 | $2,225 |
| Each add. | +$918 | +$596 | +$218 |
📌 Source: Wisconsin DHS (revised Sept 5, 2025)
Gross vs. Net Income: What Counts?
- Gross income = the money you make before taxes (wages, Social Security, unemployment, etc.).
- Net income = what’s left after subtracting allowed deductions.
- Wisconsin uses 200% FPL gross test first, then checks net income against 100% FPL.
👉 If your gross income looks close to the line, don’t give up. Deductions often push you under the limit.
Common Deductions
These are the “discounts” that lower your countable income:
- Standard deduction (depends on household size)
- 20% earned income deduction
- Dependent care costs (daycare, after-school care)
- Medical expenses (if 60+ or disabled, over $35/month)
- Shelter costs (rent, mortgage, property tax, capped amount)
- Utility allowance (heating, cooling, or basic utilities)
Example: 4-Person Household
- Gross monthly income: $3,900
- Standard deduction: $217
- Earned income deduction: $780 (20% of $3,900)
- Shelter/utility allowance: let’s say $900
Net income = $3,900 – $217 – $780 – $900 = $2,003
👉 The 2025 net limit for 4 people is about $2,600, so this family qualifies.
How FoodShare Benefits Are Calculated
Your monthly benefit = Maximum allotment – (30% of your net income).
Example:
- 4-person household
- Net income = $2,003
- 30% of net = $600
- Max allotment for 4 = $975
Final benefit = $975 – $600 = $375/month
How to Apply for FoodShare Wisconsin (2025)
Best option (fastest)
👉 Apply online: ACCESS Wisconsin
Other ways:
- Call 1-888-947-6583
- Apply in person at your county or tribal office
- Mail in a paper form
Documents you’ll need
- ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Social Security number
- Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security letters, unemployment)
- Rent or mortgage info
- Utility bills
- Medical expenses (if elderly/disabled)
Processing time: 30 days normally. If urgent, you may qualify for expedited 7-day benefits.
Urgent Help: Expedited (7-Day) FoodShare
You might get FoodShare in 7 days if:
- Your monthly income + cash is less than your rent/utility bills, or
- You have very little or no money, or
- You are a migrant/seasonal worker.
- SNAP income eligibility (USDA official)
👉 Tell your caseworker you want to be screened for expedited benefits.
What to Do if Denied
If your application gets denied:
- Read the notice carefully (it will explain why).
- You can appeal (called a fair hearing) within the deadline on the notice.
- Gather proof (bills, pay stubs, medical receipts).
- Ask for help from a legal aid office or a Benefits Enrollment Center.
- County & tribal offices — link to Wisconsin DHS local agency search.
Tips to Boost Eligibility
- Keep receipts for medical costs if 60+ or disabled.
- Wisconsin Food Banks (Feeding Wisconsin)
- Report child care expenses.
- Double-check utility bills — using the correct allowance matters.
- Even if you think you’re over income, apply anyway. Many people qualify once deductions are counted.
- Find local FoodShare agency contacts
Top FAQs About Wisconsin FoodShare 2025
Income Rules & Limits
A1: Gross income means cash you earn before bills or taxes. In 2025, families must make under about twice the poverty guide (200% FPL) for their family size to get FoodShare.
A2: Net income is what stays after rent, childcare, or medical bills. If that leftover is below 100% of the poverty line, you can qualify.
A3: Yes! Deductions act like discounts on income. They lower what the state counts, so you look poorer and can qualify.
A4: FPL = Federal Poverty Level, a money guide for low-income families. Under 200% FPL = pass first test. After bills, under 100% FPL = pass second test.
Applying & Documents
A: A family of four may receive up to about $975 per month for groceries (Oct 2024–Sep 2025). It may adjust after Oct 2025.
A: Apply online at ACCESS, by phone, on paper, or at the county office. You’ll need ID and proof of income.
A: Bring ID, Social Security card, pay stubs, rent/lease papers, utility bills, and medical costs if elderly or disabled.
Special Rules & Fast Help
A: Most households don’t worry about savings. But if someone 60+ or disabled fails the income test, then property and bank accounts may count.
A: Yes. Seniors and disabled folks can deduct extra medical expenses, which helps them qualify even with higher income.
A: If income is almost zero and bills are bigger than pay, you can get FoodShare within 7 days. Otherwise, it takes up to 30 days.
