How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Wisconsin

Renewing your SNAP (FoodShare) benefits in Wisconsin is usually required every few months to a year, depending on your situation. If you do not complete your renewal/recertification on time, your benefits can stop — even if you are still eligible.

This guide explains how SNAP renewal in Wisconsin typically works, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only and is not a government agency or application site.

Understanding SNAP Renewal in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare. A renewal (also called recertification) is the process your state agency uses to:

• Confirm you still qualify for FoodShare
• Update your income, household, and expense information
• Decide your benefit amount for the new certification period

You are not reapplying from scratch, but you must show that your situation still meets the program’s rules.

How often you must renew

The length of time between renewals (your certification period) depends on your household:

• Some households renew about every 6 months
• Others may renew every 12 months
• In certain cases, such as households with only older adults or people with disabilities, the period may be longer or have simplified reporting

Your approval notice or your MyACCESS account (Wisconsin’s official benefits portal) usually shows your next renewal due date.

Watch for Your Wisconsin SNAP Renewal Notice

The state usually sends a renewal notice before your current certification period ends. This may be:

• A letter by mail
• An electronic notice in your official online account
• A combination of both

The notice typically includes:

• Your renewal due date
• Instructions on how to complete the renewal (online, by phone, mail, or in person)
• Whether you must complete an interview
• A list of documents you may need

If you think it is time for renewal and you have not seen a notice, you can:

• Log in to MyACCESS (the official Wisconsin benefits portal), or
• Call your local county or tribal agency that handles FoodShare, or
• Call the state’s benefits customer service line listed on your EBT card or past notices

Do not wait until the last day. Renewals that are late can cause a break in your benefits.

Ways to Renew SNAP (FoodShare) in Wisconsin

You typically have several options to renew FoodShare in Wisconsin. Not every option is available in all situations, so always follow the instructions in your notice.

1. Renew Online

Many households can renew online using Wisconsin’s official benefits portal (MyACCESS):

• Log in with your existing account
• Look for a renewal or recertification task
• Complete all sections and submit by the due date

You may still need a phone interview or to provide supporting documents even after you submit the online form.

2. Renew by Phone

In many cases, you can complete your renewal by:

• Calling your local county or tribal agency, or
• Calling the state benefits call center listed on your notices

You may be able to:

• Answer renewal questions over the phone
• Complete your required interview at the same time
• Learn which documents you still need to submit (for example, by mail, fax, upload, or in person)

3. Renew by Mail or Fax

Your renewal packet may include paper forms you can:

1. Fill out completely and sign
2. Attach copies (not originals) of any requested documents
3. Return by mail or fax to the address or fax number on the form

If returning by mail, send it early enough so it arrives before your due date. Keep copies or photos of everything you send.

4. Renew In Person

You can usually renew in person at your:

• County human services department
• Tribal agency that manages FoodShare for your community

This may be helpful if:

• You have limited internet or phone access
• You need help completing forms
• You need to submit documents right away

Some offices may require or recommend an appointment, so it is wise to call first.

Quick Comparison: Renewal Options in Wisconsin

Your renewal notice tells you which methods are available to your household.

Documents to Gather for a Wisconsin SNAP Renewal

To renew FoodShare, you usually need to update proof of your current situation. Exact requirements can vary, but common documents include:

Identity and household

• Photo ID for the head of household (driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, etc.)
• Social Security numbers for household members (if not already on file)
• Proof of immigration status for any non-citizen household members applying for benefits

Income

• Recent pay stubs (typically last 30 days)
• Employer letter showing hours and pay rate (if pay stubs are not available or have changed)
• Self-employment records (invoices, ledger, tax records)
• Unemployment benefit statements
• Social Security or SSI award letters
• Pension or retirement benefit statements
• Any other regular income (child support received, etc.)

Expenses

Reporting allowable expenses can help you maximize your benefits.

• Rent or mortgage statement or lease
• Property tax and homeowner’s insurance payments (if you own your home)
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, phone if required)
• Child care or adult care expenses if you pay someone so you can work or attend training
• Medical expenses for household members who are 60 or older or have a disability (such as premiums, co-pays, prescriptions, transportation to medical appointments)

Other changes

• Proof of child support paid (if applicable)
• Documents showing changes in household size (birth, someone moving in or out, marriage, divorce)

If you are unsure what to send, you can call your local agency or check the instructions in your renewal notice or online account.

Step-by-Step: Typical SNAP Renewal Process in Wisconsin

While details can vary by county or household, the process usually looks like this:

1. Get your renewal notice

   • Sent before your certification period ends
   • Lists your due date and any interview requirements

2. Complete the renewal form

   • Online, by phone, by mail/fax, or in person
   • Answer questions about your household, income, and expenses

3. Submit supporting documents

   • Upload, mail, fax, or hand-deliver copies
   • Make sure they are clear and readable

4. Complete your interview (if required)

   • Many renewals require a phone or in-person interview
   • During the interview, a worker may:
     • Confirm your answers
     • Ask follow-up questions
     • Explain which documents are still needed

5. Wait for the decision notice

   • The agency reviews your information
   • You receive a written notice of decision
   • It will state:
     • Whether your FoodShare is approved, changed, or ended
     • Your new benefit amount and certification period
     • Your appeal rights if you disagree

6. Continue to use your EBT card if approved

   • If your renewal is completed and approved on time,
     benefits typically continue without interruption

Deadlines and What Happens If You Miss Them

Your renewal notice includes a specific due date. Common timing details:

• If you submit everything by the deadline and complete any required interview, your benefits can usually continue without a gap.
• If you are late, benefits may stop at the end of your current certification period, and you may need to:
  • Complete a late renewal, or
  • Submit a new application if the delay is long enough

If your benefits stop:

• You can contact your local agency or check your official portal to see what is needed.
• In some cases, if you submit everything soon after they close, your benefits can be reinstated back to the date they stopped, but this depends on how late you are and current rules.

To avoid interruptions, aim to:

• Submit your renewal at least a week before the due date
• Respond quickly to any requests for more information

Common Reasons Wisconsin SNAP Renewals Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding what often causes problems can help you avoid them:

• Missing the deadline for returning the renewal form
• Not completing the interview (when one is required)
• Incomplete forms (skipping questions, not signing)
• Missing documents, such as proof of income or rent
• Unclear or unreadable copies of documents
• Unreported changes, like a job change, new household member, or move

If your case is denied or closed and you believe you still qualify, you can:

• Call your caseworker or the county/tribal office to ask what is missing or why it was closed
• Ask if you can submit the missing information
• Review your notice of decision for instructions on how to file an appeal or fair hearing

How Appeals Usually Work in Wisconsin

If you do not agree with the renewal decision, you generally have the right to request a fair hearing.

Typical steps include:

1. Read your denial or closure notice

   • It should explain why your benefits changed or ended
   • It should list a deadline for filing an appeal

2. Request a hearing

   • Follow the instructions in your notice (usually by mail, fax, or phone)
   • You may have a limited number of days to request a hearing

3. Prepare for the hearing

   • Gather documents that support your case (pay stubs, rent receipts, letters, etc.)
   • You may ask if you can bring someone to help represent you (such as an advocate or attorney)

4. Attend the hearing

   • Usually held by phone or in person
   • An impartial hearing officer reviews both sides and makes a decision

If you need help with an appeal, you may contact:

• A local legal aid organization
• Community advocacy groups familiar with public benefits

If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP in Wisconsin

If your FoodShare renewal shows that you no longer meet income or other requirements, you may want to look at other resources:

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): For eligible pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children under 5
• School meal programs: Free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches for eligible students
• Summer meal sites: Free meals for children when school is out, in many areas
• Local food pantries and meal programs: Often coordinated by community organizations, churches, or non-profits
• 211: You can dial 211 in many parts of Wisconsin to be connected with local food resources and other assistance programs

These programs have their own rules and application processes through official agencies or organizations.

How to Make Sure You Are Using Official Wisconsin Channels

Because benefits programs can be targeted by scams, it is important to confirm that you are working with official sources when renewing SNAP:

• Use only the official state benefits portal (MyACCESS) for online renewals
• Check that websites end in “.gov” when they claim to be government-run
• Use the phone numbers listed on your official notices, your EBT card, or the state agency website
• Be cautious about anyone asking for:
  • Your PIN or password
  • Upfront fees to “guarantee” FoodShare
  • Sensitive personal information through text or social media

If you are unsure:

• Call your county/tribal agency directly using a number from the phone book, your EBT card, or past official mail
• Ask them to confirm any instructions you received elsewhere

Remember, HowToGetAssistance.org can explain how programs generally work, but it cannot process renewals, check your case status, or access your personal benefits information.

Key Takeaways for Renewing SNAP (FoodShare) in Wisconsin

• Watch for your renewal notice and mark your due date.
• You can usually renew online, by phone, by mail/fax, or in person, following the directions in your notice.
• Gather proof of income, expenses, and household changes before you start.
• Complete any required interview and respond quickly to requests for more information.
• If your benefits are closed or reduced, you can ask your local agency what happened and consider filing an appeal if you disagree.
• Always use official state portals, hotlines, or local offices to submit your renewal and verify your case details.

With the right documents and attention to deadlines, most households are able to move through the Wisconsin SNAP renewal process smoothly using the state’s official resources.