Most FoodShare Interviews Suspended Until June 30, 2021
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is continuing to suspend most FoodShare interviews. The suspension, which would have ended December 31, 2020, will now continue through June 30, 2021.
If FoodShare applicants and members provide all the information necessary to process their application or renewal, they may not need to complete an interview with their income maintenance or tribal agency. This includes providing enough information to confirm their identity and meet verification requirements. Information will be confirmed through data exchanges to the extent possible. However, agencies may still contact applicants and members to clarify information, if needed.
Applicants who only provide a name, address, and signature when they apply will still need to complete an interview.
DHS can continue this suspension as a result of provisions in the federal Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act. When renewals resume for FoodShare, interviews may again be required.
Wisconsin FoodShare Members to Receive Increased Benefits for Six Months
Households in Wisconsin that receive FoodShare benefits will be getting additional benefits on their QUEST cards starting January and ending in June. This is because of the COVID-19 stimulus law passed by the federal government in December. This program temporarily increases the maximum amounts households can receive by 15%.
Households received letters the week of January 25 telling them how much they will get for January. The extra amounts will be added to QUEST cards automatically. The extra amount will be part of the monthly allotment added to their QUEST card on their regular date.
Households do not need to do anything to receive these benefits.
This is different from the program that has been giving FoodShare households the maximum amount for their size while Wisconsin has a declared public health emergency.
Information provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
