If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are Wisconsin-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) at dwd.wisconsin.gov, and certify weekly through your online portal.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for FoodShare (SNAP), BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid), or Wisconsin Shares (Child Care Subsidy) through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) at access.wisconsin.gov. Check eligibility for WIC through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
- Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for LIHEAP (Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program – WHEAP) through your local energy assistance agency or Home Energy+ website. Contact Alliant Energy, We Energies, or Xcel Energy for hardship and deferred payment programs.
- Housing stability: Find rent and mortgage support through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and HUD Wisconsin.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 Wisconsin or visit 211wisconsin.org for local food, utility, and legal help.
🔗 Links & Resources (Wisconsin)
Income & Jobs
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD):
🔗 https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/
Unemployment Insurance (Apply or Reopen):
🔗 https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/
Wisconsin Job Center:
🔗 https://jobcenterofwisconsin.com/
Food Access
FoodShare (SNAP):
🔗 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm
Apply via ACCESS Wisconsin:
🔗 https://access.wisconsin.gov/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic/
Feeding Wisconsin (Find Local Food Banks):
🔗 https://feedingwi.org/
Health Coverage
BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid):
🔗 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus/index.htm
Apply via ACCESS Wisconsin:
🔗 https://access.wisconsin.gov/
Community Health Centers:
🔗 https://www.wphca.org/find-health-center
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIHEAP (WHEAP Energy Assistance):
🔗 https://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/
Weatherization Assistance Program:
🔗 https://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=1541&locid=25
Alliant Energy Assistance:
🔗 https://www.alliantenergy.com/communitysupport/paymentassistance
We Energies Assistance:
🔗 https://www.we-energies.com/payment-bill/assistance
Xcel Energy Help:
🔗 https://www.xcelenergy.com/billing_and_payment/payment_assistance
Housing
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA):
🔗 https://www.wheda.com/
HUD Wisconsin:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/wisconsin
Rental & Mortgage Assistance:
🔗 https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOA/DEHCRMain.aspx
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 Wisconsin:
🔗 https://211wisconsin.org/
Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin:
🔗 https://www.cacscw.org/
Legal Help
Legal Action of Wisconsin:
🔗 https://www.legalaction.org/
Wisconsin Judicare:
🔗 https://www.judicare.org/
Disability Rights Wisconsin:
🔗 https://disabilityrightswi.org/
State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral:
🔗 https://www.wisbar.org/forpublic/ineedinformation/pages/lawyer-referral.aspx
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.