Wisconsin Works (W-2)

Wisconsin Works (W-2) is one of Wisconsin’s time-limited work-based programs available to low-income parents and pregnant women who meet eligibility requirements.

W-2, commonly knowns as TANF, provides:

• Help in finding a job;
• Work experience, through supervised worksites;
• Vocational education and training;
• Case management services;
• Assistance with searching for housing, child care, and employment; and
• Assistance applying for SSI/SSDI.

The primary goal of the Wisconsin Works (W-2) is self sufficiency. The program offers W-2 participants cash payments of up to $653 a month for participating in job training and employment programs.

The W-2 program’s paid placements are:

1. Community Service Job  (CSJ). CSJ placements provide hands-on work experience for W-2 participants not yet ready for unsubsidized jobs.
2. W-2 Transition

FAQ

How do I qualify for W-2?

To qualify for Wisconsin Works (W-2) in Wisconsin, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen, legal alient or a lawful permanent resident.
2. Be a resident of the state of Wisconsin.
3. Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
4. Be pregnant or have a child under age 18.
5. Meet income and asset limit guidelines .

What is the income limit for W-2 in Wisconsin?

Parents with children under the age of 18 may qualify for Wisconsin Works (W-2) if their family income is at or below 115% of the federal poverty level.

For a family of three, the current income limit for W-2 is $2,554 per month. There is also a $2,500 asset limit at application which includes savings accounts and any high-valued belongings.

If your children don’t live with you, Wisconsin offers Noncustodial Parent Services to help low-income noncustodial parents become self-sufficient and able to pay child support.

How much is W-2 in Wisconsin?

Unlike in many other states, Wisconsin Works (W-2) provides cash assistance based on work participation rather than household size. For example, participants placed in a Community Service Job (CSJ) may receive $653 per month for full-time participation.

Payments are subject to sanctions. For each hour of required activity missed without good cause, the monthly grant is reduced by $5. ¹

In addition to a cash payment, CSJ participants may also qualify for FoodShare, Medicaid, child care assistance, and Job Access Loans.

How do I apply for W-2 in Wisconsin?

Applications for W-2 can be made in person at the local W-2 Agency ² or online via ACCESS website . An interactive interview is also provided at the ACCESS website to help you determine if you might be eligible for W-2.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services
ACCESS Customer Service
(800) 362-3002

Refugee Cash Assistance

Under the Refugee Cash Assistance  (RCA) program, Wisconsin also provides temporary cash assistance to refugees during their first 12 months in the United States.

You may be eligible for RCA if you are a:

• Refugee;
• Special Immigration Visa holder (SIV)
• Asylee;
• Cuban-Haitian entrant;
• Certain Amerasian;
• Victim of trafficking; or
• Any other group eligible for refugee benefits under federal law

If a refugee family has children under the age of 18, they may be eligible for Wisconsin Works (W-2) or SSI, if they are aged, blind, or disabled.