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FoodShare: Basic Work Rules

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DHS is closely monitoring the current federal government shutdown. FoodShare members are getting their October benefits on schedule. FoodShare members can use their October benefits on their QUEST cards to buy food during a shutdown. If the shutdown continues, DHS will provide an update on funding for FoodShare before the end of October. For additional information, visit the FoodShare News page. 

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Federal rules require FoodShare applicants and members who are ages 16 to 59 to follow FoodShare basic work rules. When you complete a FoodShare application or renew your benefits, you are agreeing to follow the rules.

If you do not follow FoodShare basic work rules, and you do not have an exemption or a good cause reason, you will not be able to get FoodShare benefits for a period of time. This is called a sanction period.

What are the basic work rules?

If you need to follow FoodShare basic work rules, you must:

  • Provide your agency with your employment status or ability to work.
  • Not quit a job of 30 or more hours per week voluntarily and without good cause (or a job with weekly earnings of $217.50 or more).
  • Not reduce your work hours to less than 30 per week without good cause (unless you are earning weekly wages of $217.50 or more).
  • Accept a job offer, if you are offered a job that is a good fit.
  • Meet the unemployment compensation program work requirements if you applied for or are getting unemployment benefits.
  • Meet the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program requirements if you are taking part in W-2.

What are exemptions to the basic work rules?

Exemptions are reasons why you don't have to follow the basic work rules under federal law.

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You do not have to follow basic work rules if:

  • You are 16 or 17 years old and are not the head of a FoodShare household.
  • You are in a school, training program, or college at least half-time.
  • You are physically or mentally unable to work. This includes if you are getting disability benefits, have a mental health condition, or if you can’t work because you are homeless.
  • You are participating in W-2.
  • You are care for a child who is age 5 or younger who doesn’t live with you.
  • You care for another person who cannot care for themselves (whether the person lives in or out of your home).
  • You are getting or have applied for unemployment benefits.
  • You are in an alcohol or other drug abuse (AODA) treatment or rehabilitation program.
  • You are working 30 or more hours per week or earning weekly wages of $217.50 or more.

If you think one of these exemptions describes you, call your agency to see if you are exempt from the FoodShare basic work rules. You can also report an exemption using your ACCESS (ACCESS in Spanish) account.

What are good cause reasons not to follow the basic work rules?

Good cause means there is something you cannot control that temporarily stopped you from following the basic work rules.

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  • You did not accept a job offer, or you quit a job, because the job was not a good fit.
  • You were fired or quit at the employer’s demand.
  • You were discriminated against by an employer based on your age, race, sex, gender, color, disability, religious beliefs, national origin, or political beliefs.
  • You left your job for another job that is a good fit, training, or school.
  • You could not continue a job because you moved.
  • Your personal health problems, or the health problems of others in your household, did not allow you to continue your job.
  • Your job hours were reduced by your employer without your permission.
  • You quit a job to join a volunteer program such as AmeriCorps or AmeriCorps VISTA.
  • You did not have transportation to get to the job.
  • You did not have child care for a child younger than age 12.
  • There were other things you could not control that the agency determines was good cause.

If you have something that stopped you from following the FoodShare basic work rules, call your agency.

Additional questions about FoodShare basic work rules

If you don't have an exemption, you must follow FoodShare basic work rules. If you don't follow the basic work rules, you will not be able to get FoodShare for a specified sanction period, unless you have another exemption or good cause.

If you do not follow FoodShare basic work rules and you do not have an exemption, you will not be able to get FoodShare benefits for a specified sanction period.

The length of a sanction period depends on how many sanctions you have:

  • The first sanction is for one month.
  • A second sanction is for three months.
  • A third or more sanction period is for six months.

You can end a sanction period early if you have an exemption from the FoodShare basic work rules. Call your agency right away if you have an exemption.

You will need to reapply for FoodShare. If you are part of a household that is already getting benefits, you will need to contact your agency to have them update your case.

More information about FoodShare and the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program can be found on the FoodShare or FSET webpages.

Beyond FSET, there are other work training programs available to you that can help you meet the FoodShare work requirement, such as:

Additional resources

  • While related, the FoodShare basic work rules are different than the work requirement.
    • If you are a FoodShare member ages 18 to 54, and do not have any children under 18 living in your home, you may need to meet a work requirement to get benefits.
    • This is in addition to following FoodShare basic work rules.
  • DHS has A Guide to the FoodShare Work Requirement, P-03606 available to FoodShare members who need to meet a work requirement to get benefits.

For further assistance

If you have questions about FoodShare or the basic work rules, contact your agency.

Glossary

 
Last revised October 3, 2025