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Health & Human Services - Economic Support Unit

Administers economic support programs including Wisconsin Works (W-2), Badger Care+, the FoodShare Program, Wisconsin Shares (low-income childcare assistance), WHEAP (Energy Assistance) and Elderly, Blind and Disabled Medical Assistance programs.
ACCESS
Individuals wishing to apply for Family Badger Care+, Badger Care Family Planning Services and FoodShare online, report changes to their ongoing cases, or check their benefits may do so at the ACCESS Website.
Badger Care+ Program
Badger Care + is a revamped Badger Care program that was implemented state-wide on February 1, 2008. All family-related Medicaid is now under this program. All children under 19 and pregnant women whose income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty limit (FPL) for family size, will be eligible: some with a premium and some without. Parents or relative caretakers will also be eligible up to 200% of the FPL. The second phase of Badger Care +, which is scheduled for implementation sometime in 2009, will give access to some single adults. Guidelines for this enhancement have not yet been determined.
FoodShare Program
The FoodShare Program provides monthly benefits that help low-income households buy the food they need for good health. It is a Federal program that is administered by the Department of Health & Human Services – Economic Support Unit. Eligibility for food stamps is based on your monthly income and family size. If you are age 65 or older or disabled and cannot get to the agency, call the office and a worker will arrange to interview you at your home or interview you by telephone.
Wisconsin Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
Medical Assistance, also known as Medicaid, is a joint federal and state program providing health care benefits to persons with limited income and financial resources. Even if your income exceeds the maximum eligibility levels, you may still qualify for Medical Assistance because of the program “spend-down provision” (incurring medical expenses greater than your excess income for a six month period). Medical Assistance is available to those eligible people living in their own homes or in nursing homes. Medical Assistance usually covers those medical costs not paid by Medicare.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
The unit also administers the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) which is a one-time benefit payment for each heating season (October 1 – May 15). It is intended to help you pay a portion of your heating costs. Can either rent/own home, and can qualify even if heat is included in rent or wood is a heat source. Crisis assistance is available after meeting certain criteria and only if the applicant qualifies for regular benefits. Furnace repair and/or replacement are available to homeowners only based on meeting income guidelines. Public Benefits Program has enabled the Energy Program to expand services to assist with non- heating electric costs. Applicants must meet eligibility guidelines, which change each year. Keep Wisconsin Warm and Hometown benefits are also distributed through this agency.
Wisconsin Shares (Child Care Subsidy Program)
The Wisconsin Shares Program provides childcare assistance to parents who are working, working and attending post-secondary school, teenage parents completing a GED or attending high school, and parents who are participating in required W-2 activities. Income guidelines and family size determine the amount of assistance available. All children utilizing this program must be in State Licensed group or family childcare facilities or with a county certified provider.
Wisconsin Works (W-2)
The W-2 Program, which replaced the former AFDC program, provides cash assistance for individuals who are unprepared to secure employment or are applying for SSI or SSDI. And who have minor children living with them. The program provides intense case management with the goal being self-sufficiency. Core activities are required in order to receive benefits from this program. They may include GED preparation, a work-site trial job, a work experience site where participants have the same requirements as they would in a real job, counseling, workshops and other activities. In this program, unlike the former AFDC program, participants are enrolled at the agency’s disgression after intense assessment. Income and asset limits apply as well as the requiring cooperation with the Child Support agency.
Health & Human Services - Economic Support Unit
CONTACT US
  • Office Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • Address:
    571 County Road A
    PO Box 588
    Green Lake, WI 54941
  • Phone: 920-294-4070 or 800-664-3588
  • Fax: 920-294-4139
  • Email: glcdhhs@co.green-lake.wi.us