Emergency Assistance (EA)

Emergency Assistance (EA) provides a payment and a connection to resources for families facing a setback due to a housing emergency, including impending homelessness and domestic violence, natural disaster, fire, or an energy crisis.

EA can help you connect to resources in your community:

• Energy assistance;
• Housing resources;
• Child care;
• FoodShare;
• Healthcare;
• Counseling; and
• Financial education courses.

With EA you get cash assistance to help your family with an expense from the crisis you experienced.

Do I qualify?

To receive EA, you must be a parent or a relative caring for a child younger than 18.

There are income and asset limits too:

• Your income must be at or below 115% of the Federal Poverty Level and you must have limited assets.
  • Assets include your savings accounts and any high-valued belongings. Your car is only counted as an asset if it is worth more than $10,000.
• You can use the ACCESS website page to anonymously check if you qualify without applying.

Your local W-2 agency will help you determine if you meet program requirements. Find your local agency's contact information on the Find a Wisconsin Works Agency page.

How do I apply?

You can apply for EA online using the ACCESS website.

To apply in person, please visit the Find Your Local W-2 Agency page for your local agency contact information.

The What to Bring with You brochure can help you decide what documents to bring with you when you apply.

What happens after I apply?

An EA worker will help you find local resources and you will get a payment to help with your situation. 

Maximum payment amounts are:

• $1,200 for groups of 2 to 5 people;
• $220 per person in your group of 6 or more; and
• $750 for an energy crisis.

You can receive EA once every 12 months, but you will have to reapply.

What are my options if I am denied?

You have the right to request a Fact Finding Review if you do not agree with the W-2 agency's eligibility decision. To begin this process, contact your agency within 45 days of the denial to let them know you want a Fact Finding Review.

More Resources

DCF can help you and is committed to helping you access support services safely. If you are looking for more assistance, please see the services available below: