Wisconsin Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible school-age child for summer grocery purchases, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Wisconsin calls its SNAP program FoodShare and its EBT card the Wisconsin QUEST Card — and Summer EBT benefits are added directly to the QUEST Card for FoodShare households.
Wisconsin has a convenient Benefit Management Tool for submitting address updates and opting out of Summer EBT, and a dedicated Summer EBT Support Team reachable at DHSSEBTSupport@dhs.wisconsin.gov or 833-431-2224.
Wisconsin Summer EBT 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child (one-time payment; $40/month for 3 summer months) |
| State agencies | Wisconsin DHS + Wisconsin DPI |
| Official DHS page | dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt (also dhs.wi.gov/sebt) |
| DPI page | dpi.wi.gov/school-nutrition/programs/SummerEBT |
| Apply online | dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt (application link) |
| Summer EBT Support Team email | DHSSEBTSupport@dhs.wisconsin.gov |
| Summer EBT Support Team phone | 833-431-2224 |
| Benefit Management Tool | dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt (opt-out, address update) |
| Income guideline update | Revised July 1, 2026; eligibility based on date of application |
| Card delivery | Added to existing QUEST or P-EBT card; new QUEST card mailed if none on file |
| P-EBT card caveat | P-EBT card with zero balance will NOT receive Summer EBT — request QUEST card |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| Streamline certification | Wisconsin’s term for auto-enrollment |
| Wisconsin SNAP called | FoodShare |
| Wisconsin TANF called | W-2 (Wisconsin Works) |
| Wisconsin EBT card called | QUEST Card |
| FoodShare Market Match | Dollar-for-dollar match at WI farmers’ markets, up to $25/visit |
Wisconsin’s Distinctive Program Names
Wisconsin has some of the most distinctive public benefits branding in this series:
FoodShare — Wisconsin’s name for SNAP (food stamps). FoodShare benefits are loaded on the QUEST Card. FoodShare enrollment auto-qualifies for Summer EBT.
QUEST Card — Wisconsin’s branded EBT card. Summer EBT benefits are added to the QUEST Card for FoodShare households, or a new QUEST Card is mailed to non-FoodShare households.
W-2 (Wisconsin Works) — Wisconsin’s TANF/cash assistance program. W-2 Cash Benefits recipients are automatically enrolled in Summer EBT alongside FoodShare households. Wisconsin uses W-2 as a specific brand name for its TANF program.
Who Qualifies for Wisconsin Summer EBT
Wisconsin uses “streamline certification” as its term for automatic enrollment.
Automatically Enrolled (Streamline Certified) — No Application Needed
Your child is automatically enrolled if they meet either eligibility pathway:
Pathway 1 — School-based (NSLP/SBP): Your child had an approved application for free or reduced-price meals at their NSLP school for the 2025–2026 school year. Wisconsin DHS uses information from various sources to identify these children automatically.
Pathway 2 — Qualifying benefit program: Your child is school-age, AND your household participated in any qualifying program at any point during the 2025–2026 school year or summer 2026:
Wisconsin’s qualifying programs include:
- FoodShare (Wisconsin SNAP)
- W-2 Cash Benefits (Wisconsin TANF)
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
- Medicaid programs (qualifying income-based)
- Other qualifying assistance programs determined by DHS
Homeschooled and fully virtual students qualify through Pathway 2 only — they must be school-age AND their household must have been in a qualifying program. They cannot qualify through the school meal application pathway.
Must Apply — Income-Eligible Non-Auto-Enrolled Families
The Summer EBT application is for families who meet the income limit but don’t have information on file with the state showing their child qualifies automatically. Apply at dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt.
Confirm with your child’s school whether it participates in NSLP — if not, your child must qualify through a benefit program rather than a school meal application.
Wisconsin Summer EBT Income Limits 2026
Wisconsin’s income limits for Summer EBT are the same as those used by the National School Lunch Program (185% FPL). These limits change on July 1, 2026 — eligibility is based on the limits in place at the date of application.
Before July 1, 2026:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,248 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $3,041 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $3,834 | $46,006 |
| 4 | $4,628 | $55,530 |
| 5 | $5,421 | $65,052 |
| 6 | $6,214 | $74,574 |
| 7 | $7,008 | $84,098 |
| 8 | $7,801 | $93,608 |
| Each additional | +$794/month | +$9,524/year |
After July 1, 2026: Limits increase with the annual FPL update. Confirm updated thresholds at dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt.
FoodShare context: Wisconsin FoodShare uses 200% FPL with no asset test — more generous than Summer EBT’s 185% threshold. FoodShare enrollment auto-qualifies for Summer EBT. See Wisconsin FoodShare income limits for the complete FoodShare picture.
How Wisconsin Delivers Summer EBT — QUEST Card
Wisconsin’s card delivery has important nuances:
FoodShare (SNAP) households: Summer EBT benefits are added directly to the existing QUEST Card.
Non-FoodShare households with an existing QUEST or P-EBT card: Benefits are added to the existing card.
Non-FoodShare households without a QUEST or P-EBT card: A new QUEST Card is mailed to the address on file.
Critical P-EBT card warning: If a family has a P-EBT card with a zero balance, the system will NOT add new Summer EBT funds to it. Families in this situation should contact the Summer EBT Support Team at DHSSEBTSupport@dhs.wisconsin.gov or 833-431-2224 to request a new QUEST Card instead.
Wisconsin’s Benefit Management Tool
Wisconsin DHS created a Summer EBT Benefit Management Tool that allows parents or caretakers to:
- Submit a request to update contact information (address)
- Opt out of receiving Summer EBT benefits for a student
Access the Benefit Management Tool at dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt. This tool is unique in this series — most other states handle address updates and opt-outs only by phone; Wisconsin provides a self-service digital tool.
How to Apply for Wisconsin Summer EBT
Step 1 — Check Automatic Enrollment
If your household receives FoodShare, W-2 Cash Benefits, or qualifying Medicaid, or your child was approved for free/reduced-price meals at an NSLP school during 2025–2026, your child is likely streamline certified. No application needed.
Step 2 — Apply at dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt (If Needed)
If your child is not automatically enrolled and you believe they qualify based on household income:
- Apply online at dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt
- Call 211 for help applying for qualifying benefit programs (FoodShare, Medicaid, etc.) or visit Wisconsin’s ACCESS portal
- Contact your local or Tribal agency for in-person application assistance
Step 3 — What You’ll Need
- Child’s name, date of birth, and Wisconsin school
- Confirmation whether the school participates in NSLP
- Household size and gross monthly income
- FoodShare, W-2, or Medicaid case number (if applicable)
- Mailing address — update via the Benefit Management Tool if you’ve moved
Step 4 — Replacement Benefits for Food Loss
If food purchased with Summer EBT was lost due to household misfortune or natural disaster, you can request replacement benefits within 10 days of the food loss. Non-FoodShare households: complete Form F-00330 and email to DHSSEBTSupport@dhs.wisconsin.gov. FoodShare households: see the Replacement Food Benefits page at dhs.wisconsin.gov.
FoodShare Market Match — $25/Visit at Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets
Wisconsin participates in FoodShare Market Match — a dollar-for-dollar match for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating Wisconsin farmers’ markets — up to $25 per visit. While this match applies to FoodShare (SNAP) spending rather than Summer EBT specifically, Wisconsin families using both Summer EBT and FoodShare at participating markets can maximize their fresh produce purchasing power during summer.
The $25 cap is higher than most other states’ matching programs (Maine’s Maine Harvest Bucks matches up to $20, Oregon’s Double Up also matches up to $20).
Where to Use Wisconsin Summer EBT
Wisconsin Summer EBT works at any authorized SNAP retailer statewide:
- Major grocery chains — Kroger, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Copps (Roundy’s/Kroger banners), Festival Foods, Woodman’s Market (Wisconsin regional discount chain), Aldi, Walmart
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT — FoodShare Market Match available at many participating markets
- Convenience stores with SNAP authorization
- Online grocery ordering at Walmart and Amazon Fresh where EBT is accepted
Wisconsin Summer EBT follows SNAP food rules. Wisconsin has pending SNAP food restrictions legislation but as of 2026, no restrictions are in effect — all federally approved SNAP items remain purchasable. See SNAP-eligible food purchases for the full list.
Additional Resources for Wisconsin Families
Wisconsin FoodShare (SNAP): Apply through MyACCESS at access.wi.gov or call your local or Tribal agency. Check Wisconsin FoodShare income limits and see how to apply for FoodShare in Wisconsin.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Wisconsin WIC income eligibility.
SUN Meals / SFSP: Free hot meals for all children 18 and under at community sites. Dial 211 (Wisconsin 211) or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites.
LIHEAP: Wisconsin FoodShare households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. See LIHEAP energy assistance in Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Wisconsin Summer EBT?
Children at NSLP schools approved for free/reduced-price meals during 2025–2026 are automatically enrolled (streamline certified). School-age children in FoodShare, W-2, FDPIR, or qualifying Medicaid households are also auto-enrolled — including homeschooled and virtual school students. Others may apply at dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt if household income is at or below 185% FPL.
Does Wisconsin Summer EBT go on my QUEST Card?
Yes — for FoodShare households, Summer EBT is added directly to the existing QUEST Card. Non-FoodShare households receive a new QUEST Card by mail. Important: a P-EBT card with a zero balance will NOT receive Summer EBT — contact DHSSEBTSupport@dhs.wisconsin.gov to request a QUEST Card.
What is Wisconsin’s QUEST Card?
The QUEST Card is Wisconsin’s branded EBT card for FoodShare (SNAP), W-2 Cash Benefits, and Summer EBT. It functions like a debit card at authorized SNAP retailers.
What is FoodShare?
FoodShare is Wisconsin’s name for SNAP (food stamps), administered by DHS. FoodShare enrollment automatically qualifies a child for Summer EBT.
What is W-2 in Wisconsin?
W-2 (Wisconsin Works) is Wisconsin’s TANF cash assistance program. W-2 Cash Benefits recipients are automatically enrolled in Summer EBT alongside FoodShare households.
Can I opt out of Wisconsin Summer EBT?
Yes — use the Summer EBT Benefit Management Tool at dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt to opt out of benefits for a student. You can also update your mailing address through the same tool.
For the complete Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Wisconsin FoodShare eligibility, use the food assistance benefit estimator.