Division of Family and Economic Security, Bureau of Working Families Wisconsin Works (W-2) Manual

1.4.1 Where to Apply for W-2

Any individual may apply for W-2W-2Wisconsin Works online in ACCESSA client facing web portal that provides self-service, case specific information regarding an individual’s FoodShare, Medicaid, Wisconsin Shares, Wisconsin Works (W-2), and Job Access Loan benefits, including program eligibility information. or by contacting their local W-2 agency.

Applicants unable to complete an application in ACCESS, may contact their local W-2 agency to complete the application process. All applicants must complete the W-2 application to be eligible for W-2 services.

Applicants must apply at the W-2 agency that serves the geographical area in which they reside with the following exceptions:

• An applicant who resides in an area served by a W-2 agency that services more than one geographical area may apply at any of that agency’s W-2 offices.
• An applicant who is a victim of domestic abuse may apply at any W-2 agency.
• An applicant who resides in a treatment facility without a primary residence to return to must apply at the W-2 agency that serves the geographical area where the treatment center is located. If the applicant maintains a primary residence and intends to return to it, the applicant must apply at the agency that serves the geographical area in which the primary residence is located.
• An applicant who is homeless may apply in any geographical area, however, agencies should encourage them to apply in the geographical area in which they anticipate finding permanent housing.

1.4.1.1 Applying for W-2 and Income Maintenance Programs

W-2 agencies must coordinate with agencies providing Income Maintenance (IM) programs [FoodShare and Medicaid/BadgerCare Plus] to:

1. Ensure services delivered under W-2, FoodShare, and Medicaid/BadgerCare Plus programs are coordinated in a way that effectively serve the recipients of those services (Wis. Stat. s. 49.143(2)(d)); and
2. Ensure procedures are in place to protect the application filing date for FoodShare.

IM Consortia and Tribal IM agencies are encouraged to co-locate staff at the W-2 agency to meet caseload needs and provide access to eligibility determination services for FoodShare and Medicaid/BadgerCare Plus.

If IM Consortia and Tribal IM agencies are not co-located, W-2 agencies must provide individuals who request FoodShare with:

1. A computer and the ACCESS website (access.wi.gov) if the individual wants to apply online.
2. The current agency phone numbers if the individual wants to apply by phone.
   • IM agency phone number can be found on the Income Maintenance and Tribal Agency Contact Information webpage.
3. The paper FoodShare Wisconsin Registration form (F-16019A) if the individual does not want to apply online or by phone.
   • If the individual opts for the paper FoodShare application, the W-2 agency must fax the completed form using the Income Maintenance and Tribal Agency Contact Information webpage to get the appropriate document processing unit fax number.