Wisconsin work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid

What the 80-hour rule means in Wisconsin, who runs it, and where to send your proof.

🛒 SNAP in Wisconsin

Called FoodShare Wisconsin, run by Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).

Adults 18–64 without a child under 14 at home need 80 hours a month of work, volunteering or training, or an exemption, to keep SNAP past 3 months in 3 years.

🩺 Medicaid in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has not fully expanded Medicaid, but some adults in BadgerCare Plus (childless adults) have a work rule starting January 1, 2027. See the note below.

Run by Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).

📌 Not an ACA expansion state, but BadgerCare Plus childless adults (19-64, up to 100% FPL via waiver) are subject to the federal requirement: new applicants from 2027-01-01, current members at renewals starting March 2027 (~200,000 subject). SNAP: partial ABAWD time-limit waiver (some areas only) in effect as of 2026-10-01 per USDA FNS. ABAWD time limit suspended on certain tribal reservation lands Oct 1 2026-Sep 30 2027. FoodShare is Wisconsin's SNAP.

Some areas of Wisconsin have a federal waiver of the SNAP time limit. Ask your caseworker whether your county or city is included before counting hours.

Where to report and upload proof

ACCESS Wisconsin: report changes and upload documents
FoodShare Wisconsin work rules (official)
BadgerCare Plus (childless adults) (official)

Always follow the deadlines in the letters Wisconsin sends you. If you get a notice about work requirements, answer it before the due date, even if you think you’re exempt.

What counts toward 80 hours

Paid work, including gig work like delivery or rideshare
Volunteering or community service (usually with a nonprofit or public agency)
Job training or a work program, including SNAP Employment & Training
For Medicaid: school at least half-time, or monthly income of at least $580

Check if you’re exempt · How to prove volunteer hours

Keep proof of every hour

my80hours is a free app that logs your hours, saves photos of pay stubs and sign-in sheets, gets volunteer letters signed, and makes a PDF for your caseworker. No sign-up. Your info stays on your phone.

Start my free log

State details last checked October 10, 2026.

This page explains federal rules as of October 10, 2026. It is not legal advice and my80hours is not a government site. Your state sets many details, so always follow the notices your state sends you, and ask your caseworker or a legal aid office if you’re unsure.

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