SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Wisconsin

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (Wisconsin)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Wisconsin with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in Wisconsin. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In Wisconsin, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in Wisconsin includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In Wisconsin, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in Wisconsin, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in Wisconsin includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in Wisconsin include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in Wisconsin to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in Wisconsin. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in Wisconsin. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In Wisconsin, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in Wisconsin if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in Wisconsin. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in Wisconsin, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

What is FoodShare in Wisconsin?

FoodShare is Wisconsin’s version of SNAP. The calculator estimates FoodShare benefit amounts based on your household size, income, and expenses.

How much can 1 person receive in FoodShare in Wisconsin?

A 1-person household in Wisconsin can get up to around $291 per month maximum in FY2025, but the calculator estimates the real amount after deductions.

What are the income limits for FoodShare in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin follows the federal SNAP income limits. The calculator checks gross and net income rules based on household size automatically.

Can I still get FoodShare if I am unemployed in Wisconsin?

Yes. Eligibility is based on income, not employment status. Zero or reduced income situations can still qualify.

Do rent and utilities affect my FoodShare amount in Wisconsin?

Yes. Rent, utilities, and other shelter costs can increase your deductions — the calculator automatically includes Wisconsin Standard Utility Allowance.

Do Social Security or SSI count as income for FoodShare in Wisconsin?

Yes — Social Security retirement, SSDI, and SSI are counted as unearned income and must be reported in the calculator.

Do medical expenses increase FoodShare benefits for seniors in Wisconsin?

Yes — elderly or disabled households can deduct medical expenses which lowers net income and may increase monthly benefits.

Do college students qualify for FoodShare in Wisconsin?

Yes if they meet SNAP student exemption rules such as working 20 hours, work-study, disability, or having a dependent child.

Does Wisconsin have an asset limit for FoodShare?

No — most households do not have a resource/asset limit due to broad eligibility rules. Some elderly/disabled cases may have asset tests.

Does gig income like DoorDash or Instacart count for FoodShare in Wisconsin?

Yes — gig app income is counted as “earned income”. Enter average monthly earnings in the calculator.

If I live with family but buy my own food can I qualify separately?

Yes — if you purchase and prepare food separately you may be considered your own FoodShare household.

Do FoodShare amounts change every year in Wisconsin?

Yes — SNAP amounts and income limits update every October 1. The calculator uses current values.

Does the FoodShare calculator include Standard Utility Allowances?

Yes — Wisconsin SUA amounts are included automatically when calculating shelter deductions.

Does child support paid reduce FoodShare income in Wisconsin?

Yes — legally owed child support paid is a deduction and lowers countable income which may increase benefits.

Where do I apply for FoodShare after checking results in the calculator?

You apply through ACCESS Wisconsin online or at your local income maintenance agency. After applying you complete an eligibility interview.