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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 information may be obtained online or by telephone, toll-free, at 1-800-494-4944.

• File an unemployment claim online
• File an unemployment claim by telephone by calling toll-free 1-800-822-5246

Wisconsin Works (W-2) provides support to cope with unemployment for families with children.

Wisconsin Works (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 (formerly called Food Stamps), and other work supports.

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

Medical Care  Medicaid or Badger care are separate programs for which W-2 participants will be eligible.  See Health Care below. See also Health.

Food Stamps, now called Food Share Wisconsin, helps low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. Go to Food for information on related programs.

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. Worker's Compensation benefits can provide the urgently needed medical care and financial support for workers and their families.

Personal Finances  Coping with money problems can be difficult when unemployed.  Find tips on surviving unemployment, layoff, or working with less income.

Layoff Assistance Learn about program to help you with being laid off permanently.

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