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ODHH: Service Fund

Service Fund: Helping people communicate

The Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (ODHH) Service Fund helps people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind pay for communication access when no other funding is available. This support makes it possible for people to participate in important parts of life that help them stay safe, independent, healthy, and connected.

What the Service Fund pays for

The Service Fund can help pay for interpreters, captioning, or support service providers (SSPs) in many different situations, including:

  • Emergencies or safety needs.
  • Health or medical appointments.
  • Legal meetings or court hearings.
  • Funerals or memorial services.
  • Community events that help people stay active and connected.
  • Activities that hearing people attend without needing accommodations, like local meetings, workshops, or celebrations.

Who can apply

You may be able to use the Service Fund if:

  • You are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind, or you are applying for someone who is.
  • There is no other funding source to pay for communication access.
  • The group, agency, or organization involved is not required by law (like the ADA) to provide communication services.
  • Paying for the services would be a hardship for the person or organization.

How to apply

  1. Fill out the Service Fund Application, F-01264 (PDF).
  2. Email your completed form to Steven.Smart@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

If you need help filling out the form, call 262-505-4634 (voice) or 262-345-4652 (videophone).

Applications should be sent at least two weeks before your event. However, the two-week rule does not apply to emergencies or funerals.

If your request is approved:

  1. You will get an approval letter by email.
  2. You will schedule your own interpreter or captioning provider.
  3. After the service is done, the provider will send their bill and a copy of your approval letter to ODHH for payment.

Program contact

Steven Smart
Steven.Smart@dhs.wisconsin.gov
262-505-4634 (voice)
262-345-4652 (videophone)

Service Fund frequently asked questions

Yes, the Service Fund can pay for interpreters or captioning (CART) for funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life. However, the Service Fund does not cover meetings for funeral planning.

Because deaths cannot be planned, the two-week advance notice requirement does not apply to funerals.

This is not a complete list, but here are some examples of events that the Service Fund does not cover:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings
  • Baptisms or church services
  • Girl or Boy Scout meetings
  • Most work-related activities after a person is hired*

*The Service Fund can help with first job interviews for Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing applicants.
After that, the employer must provide interpreters. If you get services through DVR, talk with your counselor about coverage for interviews.

Apply at least two weeks before your event whenever possible. Applications sent less than two weeks before may be declined unless it is an emergency or funeral.

Note: If your event happens often (for example, monthly meetings), you need to send a new application for each occurrence.

First priority (top level)

These requests are approved first when funds are available:

  • Emergencies
  • Medical or mental-health needs
  • Alcohol or drug treatment
  • Legal matters

Second priority (non-priority level)

These requests may be approved if funds remain after first-priority needs are met:

  • Financial matters
  • Housing or shelter needs
  • Program or community development meetings
  • Workgroups or conferences that raise awareness about Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing issues
  • Activities that hearing people attend without needing accommodations
  • Communication that helps a person stay safe or independent in the community
  • Job-related appointments (such as first job interviews)
  • Funerals or memorial services

All requests are reviewed case by case and depend on available funds.

If your application is approved, you will get an approval letter by email.

You are responsible for arranging the interpreter, captioner, or support service provider (SSP).

After the service is done, the provider sends their invoice and your approval letter to ODHH for payment.

Interpreters must have a current license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

For legal or mental health settings, interpreters with extra credentials—such as Legal (SC:L) or Qualified Mental Health (QMHI) certification—are recommended.

If you are a communication access provider (interpreter, captioner, or SSP) and need payment through the Service Fund:

  • You must have a current license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
  • After a Service Fund request is approved, the requestor (the person or organization asking for the service) will give you a copy of the Service Fund approval letter.
  • After the service is completed, you must send your invoice and a copy of the approval letter to:
    DHSBADRInvoices@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

The Service Fund follows Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 77 and Wis. Stat. §§ 20.435(1)(hs) and 20.435(6)(a).

For general information about ODHH services, visit Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

Glossary

 
Last revised May 5, 2026