Overview

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  There are state and charitable organizations that offer programs to help low-income residents of Wisconsin receive the financial help they need. Each of these programs has its own guidelines on what is considered “low-income.” Some go by set dollar amounts that are updated yearly, while others go by a percentage of the federal poverty level. Five state programs that assist low-income residents are FoodShare Wisconsin, Wisconsin BadgerCare, Wisconsin Head Start, Wisconsin Home Energy Plus and the Wisconsin School Breakfast and Lunch Program.
  
  

FoodShare Wisconsin

• This program assists needy Wisconsin residents with the cost of food. To be eligible for this program, applicants must have an annual income of no more than $14,079 for a household of one person to $48,113 for a household of eight people, as of 2010. For each additional person in the household, a maximum $4,862 can be added to the annual income. Applicants must also have a bank balance of no more than $2,000, unless they live with someone who is 60+ or disabled, in which case they can have a maximum bank balance of no more than $3,000.
  
  

Wisconsin BadgerCare

• The BadgerCare program supplies low-income families with affordable health care; however, the family’s income must be high enough that they do not qualify for the state’s Medicaid program. Annual income guidelines begin at a maximum $28,000 for a household of two people to $71,200 for a household of eight people, as of 2010. For each additional person in the household, a maximum $7,200 can be added to the annual income.
  
  

Wisconsin Head Start

• Head Start provides child care and education to low-income children of preschool age to promote school readiness. There are two programs: Head Start for children ages three to five and Early Head Start for moms-to-be, infants and children up to age three. Annual income guidelines for this program begin at a maximum $10,830 for a household of one people to $37,010 for a household of eight people, as of 2010. For each additional person in the household, a maximum $3,740 can be added to the annual income.
  
  

Wisconsin Home Energy Plus

• This program provides low-income households with heating assistance during the months of October through May, during which time beneficiaries can receive a one-time benefit payment to help with their heating costs. Annual income guidelines for this program begin at a maximum $16,245 for a household of one people to $55,515 for a household of eight people, as of 2010. For each additional person in the household, a maximum $5,610 can be added to the annual income.
  
  

School Breakfast & Lunch Program

• The School Breakfast & Lunch Program provides free or discounted breakfast and lunches to children from low-income families. Each meal is provided at the child’s school. Annual income guidelines for this program begin at a maximum $26,995 for a household of two people to $68,469 for a household of eight people, as of 2010. For each additional person in the household, a maximum $6,919 can be added to the annual income.