How to Report Changes to SNAP in Wisconsin: Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you receive SNAP benefits (FoodShare) in Wisconsin, you are required to report certain changes to the state agency that manages your case. Keeping your information up to date can help you avoid overpayments, interruptions, or loss of benefits.

This guide explains, in plain language, what changes to report, when to report them, and how to do it through the official Wisconsin agencies. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or application site, but this overview can help you get ready to contact the correct official office.

SNAP in Wisconsin: The Basics

In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare. It helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy groceries with an electronic benefits (EBT) card.

FoodShare is usually managed through:

• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
• Your local county or tribal agency
• The Wisconsin benefits customer service line or call center
• The official access/benefits portal for the state

If you are on FoodShare in Wisconsin, you have to agree to report changes that might affect:

• Your eligibility
• Your benefit amount
• Who is included in your FoodShare household

Why Reporting Changes Matters

Reporting changes on time can:

• ✅ Help you get the correct benefit amount
• ✅ Prevent overpayments the state may later ask you to repay
• ✅ Lower the chance your case is closed unexpectedly
• ✅ Keep you in compliance with program rules

Not reporting a required change can sometimes lead to:

• Overpayments
• Repayment agreements
• Penalties or disqualification from FoodShare in serious cases

Because rules can change over time, it is important to verify details directly with your local agency or the state’s official benefits line.

What Changes You Usually Need to Report in Wisconsin

Wisconsin FoodShare recipients typically must report specific types of changes, especially if your household is in a “Change Reporting” status rather than “Six-Month Reporting.” Your case notices from the state usually explain your reporting status.

Below are common changes that many Wisconsin FoodShare households are expected to report. Your own obligations may vary; you can confirm them with your caseworker or local agency.

1. Changes in Income

Common reportable income changes include:

• Starting or stopping a job
• Change in hours (for example, from part-time to full-time)
• Significant increase or decrease in earnings
• New income sources, such as:
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Social Security benefits
  • Child support payments received
  • Self-employment income
• Loss of income, like job loss or reduced hours

For many households, you must report when gross monthly income goes over a certain limit given in your approval or review notice. That notice usually lists a specific dollar amount that triggers a reporting duty.

2. Changes in Household Size or Members

You are generally required to report when:

• Someone moves into your home
• Someone moves out of your home
• A child is born or adopted
• A household member passes away
• You get married or divorced, or your living arrangement changes in ways that affect who buys and prepares food with you

Because FoodShare eligibility is based on the household as a unit, these changes often affect your benefits directly.

3. Changes in Address or Housing Costs

You usually need to report:

• A new address (even if rent doesn’t change)
• Changes in:
  • Rent or mortgage amount
  • Property taxes (if you own)
  • Homeowner’s insurance (if you own)
  • Utility expenses (heat, electricity, etc., if the program counts them for you)

Moving to a new county or out of state can especially affect how your case is handled.

4. Changes in Immigration Status or Citizenship

You should report if:

• You or a household member’s immigration status changes
• Someone becomes a U.S. citizen

This kind of change can affect who qualifies and how the household is evaluated.

5. Changes in Work or Student Status

Some Wisconsin FoodShare participants are subject to work requirements or time limits, especially certain adults without dependents.

You generally should report when:

• You start or stop working a certain number of hours
• Your work hours increase or decrease significantly
• You start or stop attending school or college
• Your participation in a work program or training changes

6. Changes in Disability or Medical Expenses (for Certain Groups)

For elderly or disabled FoodShare members, medical costs can sometimes be used as deductions that may increase benefits. You may be asked to report and verify:

• New or changed medical expenses
• Changes in disability status that affect eligibility for certain deductions or special rules

For detailed guidance, the safest step is to consult your local agency or the FoodShare customer service number listed on your approval notice.

When You Need to Report Changes: Typical Timeframes

In Wisconsin, the deadline to report changes can depend on:

• Your reporting status (for example, change reporting vs. six-month reporting)
• The type of change
• What is listed in your approval or review notice

However, many FoodShare households are required to:

• Report certain changes within 10 days of the date the change occurs or the date you learn about it.

Your official notice usually explains:

• Which changes you must report
• The exact deadline (often 10 days)
• How to contact your local agency or the state call center

If you are not sure whether something needs to be reported, you can:

• Call the official Wisconsin benefits customer service line
• Contact your local county or tribal human services / social services office

How to Report Changes to SNAP (FoodShare) in Wisconsin

You cannot report changes through HowToGetAssistance.org. All changes must be reported through official Wisconsin channels.

Most Wisconsin FoodShare participants can use one or more of these methods:

1. Online Through the State’s Official Benefits Portal

Wisconsin typically has an official online benefits portal where you can:

• View your case details
• Report changes
• Complete renewals for programs like FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, etc.

Common steps:

1. Log in to the official Wisconsin benefits portal (check your FoodShare paperwork for the correct site name).
2. Select your FoodShare / benefits case.
3. Choose an option like “Report a Change” or “Update My Information.”
4. Enter the details of your change (income, address, household members, etc.).
5. Upload documents if the portal allows it (such as pay stubs or a lease).
6. Submit and keep any confirmation number or screen for your records.

If you have never set up an account, your approval notice usually explains how to create a login or you can call the official help line for assistance.

2. By Phone

You can usually report changes by calling:

• The Wisconsin benefits customer service / call center, or
• Your local county or tribal human services / social services office

When you call, be prepared to provide:

• Your name
• Your case number or Social Security number
• A clear description of the change and when it happened

The worker might tell you that verification documents are needed and explain how to submit them.

3. In Person at Your Local Agency

You may also be able to report changes:

• At your county or tribal human services office
• At a regional “income maintenance” office, if your area uses one

You can:

• Ask for a change report form or complete it with staff assistance
• Hand in verification documents such as pay stubs or a lease
• Request a copy or receipt showing you reported the change

Office hours and procedures can vary by county, so it may help to call ahead.

4. By Mail or Fax

Some Wisconsin agencies also accept change reports by:

• Mail
• Fax

If you use mail or fax:

• Include your full name, case number, and contact information
• Clearly describe the change and the effective date
• Attach copies of documents, not the originals
• Keep copies of everything and note the date you sent it

To confirm if your local agency accepts mail or fax changes—and to get the correct address or fax number—contact your county or tribal office or check your FoodShare notices.

Documents You May Need When Reporting Changes

The exact documents you need can vary, but here are common types:

If you don’t have a document the agency asks for, you can usually:

• Explain the situation to your caseworker
• Ask what alternate proof may be accepted

What Happens After You Report a Change

Once you report a change to the Wisconsin FoodShare office or call center, several things usually happen:

1. The agency reviews the change.
   A worker looks at how the change affects your eligibility and benefit level.

2. You may be asked for more information.
   If something is unclear or missing, they might send you a letter asking for additional documents with a deadline.

3. Your benefit amount may go up, down, or stay the same.

   • An increase might start after the change is processed.
   • A decrease will usually be explained in a written notice before it takes effect.

4. You receive an official notice.
   This notice generally explains:

   • Whether your benefits are changing
   • The effective date of any change
   • Your appeal or fair hearing rights

If you do not receive a notice or are unsure what happened with your change, you can call:

• The state benefits customer service line, or
• Your local county or tribal agency

Have your case number handy when you call.

If Your Benefits Decrease or Stop After Reporting a Change

If reporting a change leads to a reduction or closure of your FoodShare case, you still have rights.

Review the Notice Carefully

Look at:

• The reason given (for example, “income too high,” “failed to provide verification,” or “no longer a state resident”)
• The effective date of the change
• Instructions about your right to appeal and deadlines

If You Think the Decision Is Wrong

You can usually:

1. Contact your local agency or caseworker

   • Ask for an explanation
   • Check whether there was a misunderstanding or missing document

2. Request a fair hearing (appeal)
   Wisconsin FoodShare recipients typically have the right to a fair hearing.
   The notice should provide:

   • How to request a hearing
   • The time limit to request one (often a set number of days from the date on the notice)
   • Where to send your hearing request

3. Get help from an advocate, if available
   Some areas have:

   • Legal aid organizations
   • Community or nonprofit agencies that assist with benefits appeals. You can often find them by calling 211 or asking your local social services office for resource referrals.

Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Complicate Change Reporting

People often run into problems for reasons like:

• Waiting too long to report a required change
• Not providing all requested documents by the deadline
• Assuming the agency already knows about job changes or moves (based on other programs or systems)
• Reporting a change to one program (like Medicaid) but not realizing they must also report it for FoodShare
• Forgetting to update mailing address, then missing important notices

To avoid these issues:

• Report changes as soon as possible, especially those listed as mandatory in your notices.
• Keep copies of everything you submit.
• Write down:
  • The date and time you reported the change
  • The name of the worker you spoke with (if by phone or in person)

How to Verify You’re Using an Official Wisconsin Channel

Because benefits programs can be a target for scams, it’s important to make sure you’re dealing with official state or county offices.

Here are ways to protect yourself:

• Check your paperwork.
  Your FoodShare approval or renewal notices list:

  • Official phone numbers
  • Official office names and addresses
  • Names of the state’s online benefits portals

• Be cautious with unsolicited calls or texts.
  If someone contacts you unexpectedly asking for:

  • Your full Social Security number
  • EBT card number and PIN
  • Bank account information
    verify first by calling the official number printed on your notices or on the back of your EBT card.

• Do not share your EBT PIN.
  State workers will typically never ask you for the PIN to your EBT card.

• Use official websites.
  Official Wisconsin portals usually:

  • End in “.gov”
  • Are listed on your FoodShare documents
    If you’re unsure about a website, you can call your local agency and ask for the correct web address.

• When in doubt, call directly.
  Contact the Wisconsin benefits customer service line or your county/tribal human services office using contact information from:

  • Your approval letter
  • Your review/renewal notices
  • The back of your EBT card

If You Don’t Qualify or Your FoodShare Benefits Are Reduced

If after reporting changes you no longer qualify or your FoodShare benefits decrease, you may still have other options for help with food and basic needs.

Consider contacting:

• 211 (by dialing 2-1-1 in most areas) to ask about:
  • Local food pantries
  • Meal programs
  • Other emergency food resources
• Local community organizations, churches, or charities that run:
  • Food shelves
  • Community meals
• Your local social services office, which may know about:
  • Other state or county programs for housing, utilities, or income support

These are separate from FoodShare, and each program has its own rules and application process. You will usually need to contact each official program or organization directly.

By understanding what to report, when to report it, and how to reach the official Wisconsin offices, you can keep your FoodShare case accurate and reduce the risk of avoidable problems. For the most up-to-date and case-specific guidance, always rely on the notices from your FoodShare case and direct information from your local county or tribal agency or the state’s official benefits hotline.