Wisconsin’s FoodShare (the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) and BadgerCare Plus (a Medicaid program) are vital resources for low-income individuals and families, helping with food security and healthcare costs. This blog post covers the 2025 income limits for both programs, key eligibility rules for FoodShare, and how to use online calculators to estimate eligibility and benefits. Whether you’re exploring these programs for the first time or need updated information, this guide will help you navigate the process.
Wisconsin FoodShare: Overview and 2025 Income Limits
FoodShare provides monthly benefits through a QUEST card (an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, card) to help low-income households purchase groceries at approved locations, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers’ markets. Eligibility is based on household size, income, assets (in some cases), and work requirements.
2025 FoodShare Income Limits
To qualify for FoodShare, your household’s gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions) must generally be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), except for households with a member aged 60 or older or with a disability, who may have different rules. Below are the 2025 gross monthly income limits for FoodShare, effective from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, as set by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS):
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (200% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,510 |
| 2 people | $3,408 |
| 3 people | $4,304 |
| 4 people | $5,200 |
| 5 people | $6,098 |
| 6 people | $6,994 |
| 7 people | $7,890 |
| 8 people | $8,788 |
| Each additional person | +$896 |
Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, based on USDA federal poverty guidelines.
Net Income Test
For households without an elderly or disabled member, the net income (gross income minus allowable deductions) must be at or below 100% FPL. Deductions include:
- 20% of earned income
- Standard deduction: $204 (1–3 people), $217 (4 people), $254 (5 people), $291 (6+ people)
- Shelter costs: Up to $712 for non-elderly/disabled households
- Medical expenses: Over $35/month for elderly/disabled members
- Dependent care costs
- Child support payments
- Homeless shelter deduction: Up to $190.30
Households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member are exempt from the gross income test but must meet the net income test and an asset limit of $4,500. Other households have no asset limit in Wisconsin, though applications may still ask about assets.
FoodShare Eligibility Rules
To qualify for FoodShare, you must meet these criteria:
- Residency: Be a Wisconsin resident.
- Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen (e.g., legal permanent resident of 5+ years, refugees).
- Household Definition: A household includes those who live together and purchase/prepare meals together. Spouses and children under 22 are always included, even if they buy/prepare food separately.
- Work Requirements: Members aged 16–59 must register for work. Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–54 must work, volunteer, or participate in a work program (e.g., FoodShare Employment and Training, or FSET) for at least 80 hours/month. Exemptions apply for:
- Pregnancy
- Disability
- Caregiving for a child under 6 or a person who cannot care for themselves
- Living in high-unemployment areas (e.g., City of Racine, Adams, Bayfield, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Marquette, Menominee Counties, or certain tribal lands through September 30, 2025)
- Veterans, former foster youth (18–24), or those in substance abuse treatment programs
- The current ABAWD three-year period is January 2025–December 2027. Non-exempt ABAWDs who don’t meet work requirements are limited to 3 months of benefits in this period.
FoodShare Calculator
To estimate your eligibility and potential benefits, use an online SNAP Eligibility Calculator, such as the one provided by snapscreener.com. These tools require you to input:
- Household size
- Gross monthly income (from jobs, Social Security, child support, etc.)
- Expenses (rent, utilities, medical costs, child care, etc.)
- Whether your household includes elderly or disabled members
The calculator estimates whether you meet the gross and net income tests and provides an approximate monthly benefit amount. For example, a family of three with no income could receive up to $768/month, while a family of three with a net income of $1,000 might receive around $468/month. Note that actual benefits depend on your specific circumstances, and calculators are not official. Always verify eligibility through ACCESS Wisconsin.
BadgerCare Plus: Overview and 2025 Income Limits
BadgerCare Plus is Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, providing health insurance to low-income residents, including coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care. It serves children, pregnant individuals, parents, and adults without dependent children, with eligibility based on income, household size, and other factors.
2025 BadgerCare Plus Income Limits
BadgerCare Plus income limits vary by group (e.g., children, adults, pregnant individuals) and are based on a percentage of the FPL. Below are the 2025 monthly income limits for key groups, effective from February 2025 (based on federal poverty guidelines):
| Household Size | Children (0–18) (300% FPL) | Adults/Parents (100% FPL) | Pregnant Individuals (306% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,765 | $1,255 | $3,839 |
| 2 people | $5,112 | $1,704 | $5,215 |
| 3 people | $6,456 | $2,152 | $6,587 |
| 4 people | $7,800 | $2,600 | $7,956 |
| 5 people | $9,147 | $3,049 | $9,332 |
| Each additional person | +$1,344 | +$448 | +$1,372 |
Source: Estimated based on 2025 FPL guidelines from federal Medicaid updates. Verify exact limits on DHS BadgerCare Plus.
Key Notes:
- Children: Eligible up to 300% FPL. Premiums may apply for incomes above 201% FPL.
- Adults/Parents: Eligible up to 100% FPL, with some flexibility for transitional Medicaid.
- Pregnant Individuals: Eligible up to 306% FPL, with coverage extending 60 days postpartum.
- Asset Limits: For seniors (65+) or disabled individuals seeking long-term care Medicaid, assets must be under $2,000 for a single applicant (not including homes or most vehicles). BadgerCare Plus for children, parents, and non-disabled adults generally has no asset limit.
- Income Counting: Includes earned (wages) and unearned (Social Security, child support) income, with some deductions (e.g., work-related expenses).
BadgerCare Plus Eligibility Rules
- Residency: Must be a Wisconsin resident.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
- Household Definition: Similar to FoodShare, includes those living together who are related (e.g., spouses, children under 19).
- Other Factors: Eligibility may depend on age, pregnancy, disability, or family status. For example, children in foster care or former foster youth (up to age 26) may qualify regardless of income.
BadgerCare Plus Calculator
To estimate eligibility for BadgerCare Plus, use the ACCESS Wisconsin Eligibility Screener at access.wisconsin.gov by selecting “Am I Eligible.” This tool asks for:
- Household size and composition
- Monthly income
- Pregnancy or disability status
Third-party calculators, like those on medicaidplanningassistance.org, can also estimate eligibility, especially for seniors seeking long-term care Medicaid. These tools provide a preliminary assessment, but you must apply through ACCESS Wisconsin for an official determination.
Applying for FoodShare and BadgerCare Plus
Both programs can be applied for through the same platform:
- Online: Visit ACCESS Wisconsin and select “Apply for Benefits.”
- By Phone: Call your local agency or consortium (e.g., Bay Lake Consortium at 888-794-5747).
- In Person: Visit your county or tribal agency.
- By Mail: Use the paper application (Form F-16019 for FoodShare, or a combined application for both programs).
After applying, you’ll need an interview (by phone or in person) and may need to provide documentation (e.g., pay stubs, rent receipts). FoodShare benefits are retroactive to the application date, and BadgerCare Plus may cover costs up to three months prior if eligible.
Managing Benefits and Avoiding “Benefit Cliffs”
- FoodShare: Benefits are loaded onto a QUEST card monthly. Check balances via the MyACCESS mobile app. Report income changes promptly, as exceeding 130% FPL may affect eligibility.
- BadgerCare Plus: Coverage begins upon approval, with minimal or no premiums for most low-income applicants. Report changes in income or household size to avoid coverage loss.
- Benefit Cliffs: A small income increase can make you ineligible for benefits, reducing your overall resources. For example, earning slightly above 200% FPL could end FoodShare benefits, or exceeding 100% FPL could affect BadgerCare Plus for adults. Plan financial decisions carefully and consult a financial educator via counties.extension.wisc.edu.
Additional Resources
- FoodShare Helpline: 1-877-866-3635 or visit getaquestcard.org.
- DHS Website: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare for FoodShare; www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus for BadgerCare Plus.
- Calculators: Use snapscreener.com for FoodShare or access.wisconsin.gov for both programs.
- Replacement Benefits: If food is lost due to power outages or storms, request replacement FoodShare benefits within 10 days (or by June 16, 2025, for certain counties).
Conclusion
FoodShare and BadgerCare Plus are essential for Wisconsin residents needing help with food and healthcare. For 2025, FoodShare income limits are set at 200% FPL (e.g., $4,304/month for a family of three), while BadgerCare Plus limits vary (e.g., 300% FPL for children, 100% for adults). Use online calculators to estimate eligibility, but apply through ACCESS Wisconsin for official approval. Understand the rules, especially FoodShare’s work requirements, and monitor income to avoid benefit cliffs. For assistance, contact the FoodShare Helpline or your local agency to ensure you access the support you need.