Financial Assistance

Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Wisconsin has programs to assist if you are out of work, laid off, and having trouble taking care of your family.

Unemployment Insurance provides a safety net to eligible workers and their families during times of unemployment.

• For more information about applying online and other services go to: dwd.wi.gov/ClaimsOnline

Wisconsin Works (W-2) provides support to cope with unemployment for families with children. W-2 is based on work participation and personal responsibility. Under W-2, there is no entitlement to assistance, but there is a place for everyone who meets eligibility requirements and is willing to work to their ability, or learn skills to achieve sustainable employment. The program is available to low-income parents with minor children, and may provide support programs such as child care assistance, Food Share and other work supports.

• W-2 Fact Sheets
• W-2 Overview and employment support programs
• Job Access Loans

Medical Care, Medicaid or BadgerCare+ are separate programs for which W-2 participants will be eligible.

Food Share Wisconsin helps low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.

Workers' Compensation in Wisconsin is a form of insurance paid for in advance by an employer. It entitles a qualifying recipient to full medical coverage (and part of salary) for job-related injuries and illnesses. Workers' Compensation benefits can provide the urgently needed medical care and financial support for workers and their families.

Layoff Assistance contains guidance to programs designed to help with permanently layoffs.

ACCESS is an Internet self-help tool to determine potential eligible for health, nutrition and other social services. Use it to see if you MAY qualify for various assistance programs.