Certain adults ages 18 through 49 who do not have any children living in the home may need to meet a work requirement to keep getting FoodShare benefits.
However, some FoodShare members may be considered exempt and may not need to meet the work requirement if they are:
- Living with a child under age 18 who is part of the same FoodShare household.
- The primary caretaker for a person who cannot care for himself or herself.
- The primary caretaker for a child under age 6 who does not live in the home.
- Physically or mentally unable to work. This includes being homeless long-term. Being homeless long-term means you will not have a regular place to stay for the next 30 nights.
- Pregnant.
- Receiving or have applied for unemployment insurance.
- Taking part in an alcohol or other drug abuse (AODA) treatment or rehabilitation program.
- Enrolled in an institution of higher learning at least half-time.
- Age 18 or older attending high school at least half-time.
- Enrolled in Wisconsin Works (W-2) and complying with W-2 requirements.
- Working 30 or more hours per week or are earning wages equal to 30 or more hours per week at the federal minimum wage.
- Living in an unemployment exemption area or are a tribal member living on tribal land or a reservation that has an unemployment exemption. Effective October 1, 2020, all of Wisconsin qualifies for an unemployment exemption.
Note: FoodShare members may need to provide proof that they meet an exemption.
Last Revised: February 19, 2021
