Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Wisconsin

Last updated: August 2025

This Wisconsin-specific guide helps older adults and family caregivers find real, immediate help—especially in a crisis. It focuses on state programs and trusted agencies, with clear steps, links, and contact routes.

Quick Help Box (Start Here)

Use the first link that fits your situation. If you are in danger now, call 911.

How to Use This Guide

• If you need help today, start with the Quick Help Box.
• For bills, housing, food, and health care, go to the sections below for what to do, who qualifies, and how to apply.
• Every claim is linked to an official or well-established source. Program rules change. Always confirm with the agency.

What To Do First in an Emergency

1. Stabilize safety and health.

• Call 911 if anyone is in danger.
• For mental health crises, call or text 988 or use your county’s crisis line from Wisconsin DHS: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/crisis/index.htm

2. Contact your local ADRC.

• ADRCs are the front door for senior help in Wisconsin. They can screen you for benefits, meal programs, transportation, and urgent supports. Find yours: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm

3. Apply for benefits that can start quickly.

• FoodShare (SNAP) can sometimes be expedited for households with very low income or resources. Apply in ACCESS: https://access.wisconsin.gov/ (Program info: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm)
• Energy crisis help (WHEAP) if you’re facing a shutoff or have no heat: https://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/

4. If you may lose housing, connect to Coordinated Entry right away.

• Coordinated Entry helps connect you to shelter and housing programs. For most counties, see the WI Balance of State CoC: https://www.wiboscoc.org/coordinated-entry.html. For Milwaukee, use 211 Wisconsin to locate local CE partners: https://211wisconsin.org/

5. Keep notes and papers handy.

• Write down contact names, dates, case numbers, and deadlines.
• Keep IDs, income proofs, utility bills, lease, and medical papers in one folder.

Reality check and tips

• Many programs have waitlists or limited funds. Apply early, ask about “expedited” options, and get on any waitlist.
• If you’re denied, ask for the reason in writing and how to appeal.
• Don’t ignore utility or eviction notices. Call right away; options are better before deadlines.

Quick first-steps table

Money, Bills, and Basic Needs

Food help

• FoodShare Wisconsin (SNAP)
  • What it is: Monthly benefits on a QUEST card to buy groceries. Some households with very low income/resources may get expedited benefits. Program info: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm
  • How to apply: Use ACCESS to apply, upload documents, and track your case: https://access.wisconsin.gov/
  • EBT/QUEST info and card help: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/ebt.htm
• Older Americans Act Nutrition (Meals)
  • What it is: Local senior dining sites and home-delivered meals, often through your county/tribal aging office. Details: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/nutrition/index.htm
  • How to start: Call your ADRC to enroll and see if there are suggested donations or waitlists: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
  • What it is: Seasonal vouchers to buy fresh produce at approved markets for eligible older adults. Program: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic/fmnp/sfmnp.htm
• Emergency food pantries
  • TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supports many pantries. Overview: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tefap/index.htm
  • Find a pantry near you through Feeding Wisconsin’s network: https://feedingwisconsin.org/gethelp

Energy, water, and utilities

• Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
  • What it is: Helps with home heating/energy costs; may include crisis assistance to prevent disconnection or restore service. Start here: https://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/
  • Weatherization Assistance: Free energy-saving repairs for eligible households to lower bills long-term. Overview via Home Energy Plus: https://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/
• Winter disconnection protection
  • Wisconsin has a winter shutoff moratorium for heat-related gas/electric from November 1 to April 15 each year (residential service). Details and consumer rights: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/HouseholdUtilities/disconnect.aspx
• Phone and internet discounts
  • Lifeline: Federal discount on phone/internet for qualifying low-income households. Program info: https://www.usac.org/lifeline/
  • Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) in Wisconsin: Vouchers for equipment to stay connected if you have hearing, speech, or other disabilities: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin TEPP: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/TEPP.aspx
  • Note on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Funding status can change. Check current updates from the FCC or your provider. ACP program page: https://www.fcc.gov/acp

Cash in a crisis

• Wisconsin Emergency Assistance (EA)
  • EA is for households with at least one minor child who are facing homelessness, energy crisis, or other emergencies. Many older adults do not qualify unless they live with a minor child. Program overview (WI Department of Children and Families): https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/ea
  • Tip: Even if you don’t qualify for EA, your ADRC and 211 Wisconsin can connect you to local one-time funds or charitable aid: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm and https://211wisconsin.org/
• Charitable emergency help
  • Salvation Army (by county), Society of St. Vincent de Paul, local faith and community groups often have limited emergency funds. Use 211 Wisconsin to locate current programs near you: https://211wisconsin.org/

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

• Coordinated Entry (CE)
  • What it is: The front door for shelter and many housing programs. You complete a standard assessment and get referrals.
  • Outside Milwaukee: Find local CE access points via the WI Balance of State CoC: https://www.wiboscoc.org/coordinated-entry.html
  • Milwaukee area: Use 211 Wisconsin to find Milwaukee CE partners and shelter/housing resources: https://211wisconsin.org/
• Tenants’ rights and eviction guidance
  • Wisconsin landlord-tenant law basics and complaint info: Wisconsin DATCP Landlord/Tenant resources: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/landlordtenantlaw.aspx
  • Legal help:
    • Legal Action of Wisconsin (many counties): https://www.legalaction.org/
    • Wisconsin Judicare (Northern WI): https://www.judicare.org/
    • For Milwaukee: Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee: https://www.lasmilwaukee.com/
• Property tax and housing cost relief
  • Wisconsin Homestead Credit: State income tax credit for eligible low-income renters and homeowners. Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue: https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Individuals/homestead.aspx
• Home repair for health and safety
  • USDA Section 504 Home Repair grants/loans for very low-income homeowners age 62+: Wisconsin info: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/wi
  • Weatherization Assistance (for energy efficiency): https://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/

Reality checks and tips

• Many rent aid funds set by COVID-era relief have ended. That doesn’t mean help is gone—just expect more reliance on CE, local charities, or legal defenses.
• If you get a 5-day or 14-day notice, act fast. Call 211, your ADRC, or legal aid to understand options before a court date.

Health Coverage, Medications, and Care

• Medicaid for the Elderly, Blind, or Disabled (EBD Medicaid)
  • What it is: Health coverage for people with limited income/assets who are 65+ or have a disability. Rules vary by category. Wisconsin DHS overview: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/elderly-blind-disabled.htm
  • Apply and manage through ACCESS: https://access.wisconsin.gov/
• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, SLMB+)
  • What they do: Help pay Medicare Part A/Part B premiums and, for QMB, reduce cost sharing. Learn about options and get application help through your ADRC/Elder Benefit Specialist: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm
  • Federal overview: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs
• SeniorCare (Wisconsin’s pharmacy assistance program)
  • What it is: State program for residents 65+ that helps pay for prescription drugs, with income-based coverage and low annual fees. Program details and application: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/index.htm
• Long-term care programs
  • Family Care: Managed long-term care (home/community-based services, residential care). Overview: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/familycare/index.htm
  • IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct): Self-directed long-term care program for eligible adults. Overview: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris/index.htm
  • How to start: Contact your local ADRC for functional and financial eligibility screening: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm
• Non-emergency medical transportation (for Medicaid members)
  • If you have Medicaid, you may get rides to covered medical appointments. Program info and how to schedule: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/nemt/index.htm
• Low-cost clinics and dental care
  • Find a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) near you: HRSA locator: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
  • Ask your ADRC about local dental clinics, mobile dental programs, or grants for urgent dental needs.
• Medicare counseling and consumer protections
  • Medigap Helpline and Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Wisconsin Board on Aging & Long Term Care): Learn, compare, and get help with problems: https://longtermcare.wi.gov/
  • Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Wisconsin: Help spot and report Medicare fraud/errors: https://www.smpwi.org/

Transportation

• County/tribal senior transportation
  • Wisconsin’s 85.21 Specialized Transportation Assistance Program helps counties fund rides for older adults and people with disabilities. Ask your local ADRC how to schedule rides: Program info: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/transit/85-21.aspx
• Medicaid rides
  • If you have Medicaid, schedule non-emergency medical transportation using the DHS process: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/nemt/index.htm

Tip: Book rides early, ask about escort policies, and confirm return-trip details.

Protection from Abuse, Exploitation, and Scams

• Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
  • Learn signs and report through your county’s Adult Protective Services. Wisconsin DHS: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/elder-abuse.htm
• Consumer scams, price gouging, contractor fraud, landlord/tenant complaints
  • File a complaint or get advice from Wisconsin DATCP: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ConsumerProtection.aspx
  • Identity theft help: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/IDTheft.aspx
• Medicare fraud or billing problems
  • Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Wisconsin: https://www.smpwi.org/

If you feel unsafe at home due to violence, contact 988 for immediate emotional support, call 911 in danger, and find local domestic violence services via End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: https://www.endabusewi.org/get-help/

Key Programs at a Glance

Utility Protections and Energy Help: What to Know

Tip: Don’t wait for a shutoff. Call your utility and your WHEAP provider early to discuss options and set payment plans.

Documents You’ll Likely Need

If you’re missing something, apply anyway and explain; agencies may help you find alternatives.

Inclusive Help: LGBTQ+ Seniors, Veterans, Tribal Elders, and Rural Communities

• LGBTQ+ older adults
  • SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline (information/support): https://www.sageusa.org/ (Click “Get Help” for hotline details)
  • Diverse & Resilient (Wisconsin): Programs supporting LGBTQ+ health and safety, with statewide resources and referrals: https://www.diverseandresilient.org/
  • Use your ADRC and 211 to locate affirming providers and housing supports in your county: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm and https://211wisconsin.org/
• Veterans and military families
  • Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA): State benefits, nursing homes, mental health outreach, and links to County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs) for one-on-one help: https://dva.wi.gov/
  • Find Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) providers for homelessness prevention/rapid re-housing: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/
  • Your CVSO can coordinate VA benefits with state programs and ADRC services.
• Tribal elders
  • Wisconsin’s county and tribal Aging Units directory: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/aging-units.htm
  • Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC): Programs and services for member tribes, including elder services: https://www.glitc.org/
  • Indian Health Service (Bemidji Area): Clinic and service links by tribe and region: https://www.ihs.gov/bemidji/
• Rural seniors and limited access areas
  • Transportation: Ask your ADRC about volunteer driver programs and county ride services funded by WisDOT 85.21: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/transit/85-21.aspx
  • Telehealth and connectivity: Check Lifeline discounts: https://www.usac.org/lifeline/ and Wisconsin Broadband Office resources for local internet options: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/WBO.aspx
  • Home repairs/weatherization: Rural homeowners may qualify for USDA Section 504 grants/loans: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/wi and Weatherization via Home Energy Plus: https://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/

Resources by Region (Selected)

Note: Every county has an ADRC or tribal aging office. Use the ADRC locator if your county isn’t listed below: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm

• Milwaukee County and Southeast Wisconsin
  • ADRC of Milwaukee County: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/DSD/ADRC
  • Shelter/housing access: Use 211 Wisconsin for Coordinated Entry contacts and shelter listings: https://211wisconsin.org/
  • Legal help: Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee: https://www.lasmilwaukee.com/
• Dane County and South Central
  • ADRC of Dane County: https://www.daneadrc.org/
  • Tenant Resource Center (information and mediation, Dane County focus): https://www.tenantresourcecenter.org/
  • Food help: Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin (via Feeding Wisconsin network): https://www.secondharvestmadison.org/
• Northeast (Green Bay/Fox Valley)
  • ADRC of Brown County: https://adrcofbrowncounty.org/
  • Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin (Green Bay): https://feedingamericawi.org/
  • Homeless services: Use CE contacts via Balance of State CoC: https://www.wiboscoc.org/coordinated-entry.html
• Western (La Crosse/Eau Claire and nearby)
  • ADRC of Western Wisconsin (multi-county): https://www.adrcww.org/
  • Hunger relief: Feed My People Food Bank: https://www.fmpfoodbank.org/
  • CE access points: Balance of State CoC CE directory: https://www.wiboscoc.org/coordinated-entry.html
• North Central and Northwoods
  • ADRC of North Central Wisconsin: https://www.adrcncwi.org/
  • Wisconsin Judicare (legal aid for Northern WI): https://www.judicare.org/
  • Rural home repair: USDA Section 504 grants/loans: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/wi

If you’re unsure which region you’re in, start with your ADRC or 211 Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions (Wisconsin)

1. Can seniors without minor children get “Emergency Assistance” cash in Wisconsin?

• The state’s Emergency Assistance (EA) program is limited to households with at least one minor child. Seniors living alone or only with other adults generally do not qualify. Program rules: Wisconsin DCF EA: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/ea
• Still apply for other help: FoodShare, WHEAP crisis, housing Coordinated Entry, and contact your ADRC.

2. How fast can FoodShare (SNAP) start?

• Households with very low income/resources may qualify for expedited FoodShare. Apply in ACCESS and ask about expedited processing: https://access.wisconsin.gov/
• Program info: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm

3. Where do I report elder abuse or financial exploitation?

• Contact your county Adult Protective Services. Wisconsin DHS explains how to report and lists contacts: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/elder-abuse.htm
• If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

4. My heat is about to be shut off. What can I do?

• Contact your utility right away to discuss payment plans and protections.
• Apply for WHEAP crisis assistance: https://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/
• Learn about winter disconnection protections (Nov 1–Apr 15): PSC consumer page: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/HouseholdUtilities/disconnect.aspx

5. How do I find rides to medical appointments?

• If you have Medicaid, use the DHS non-emergency medical transportation program: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/nemt/index.htm
• If you don’t have Medicaid, ask your ADRC about county senior transportation or volunteer driver programs: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm

6. Is there help paying for Medicare premiums?

• Yes. Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, SLMB+) may help if you meet income/resource limits. Contact your ADRC/Elder Benefit Specialist to apply: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm
• Federal overview: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs

7. What is SeniorCare and how is it different from Part D?

• SeniorCare is Wisconsin’s prescription drug assistance for residents 65+ with income-based coverage and low fees. It can work with or without a Part D plan depending on your situation. Learn and apply: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/index.htm

8. Where can I get legal help with eviction or debt?

• Legal Action of Wisconsin: https://www.legalaction.org/
• Wisconsin Judicare (Northern WI): https://www.judicare.org/
• For Milwaukee: Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee: https://www.lasmilwaukee.com/

9. I live in a very rural area. Who can help with repairs or accessibility needs?

• Ask your ADRC about home modifications and Weatherization: https://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/ and https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm
• For low-income homeowners age 62+, look at USDA Section 504 Home Repair: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/wi

10. How do I protect myself from scams targeting seniors?

• Learn common scams and file complaints with Wisconsin DATCP: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ConsumerProtection.aspx
• For Medicare fraud concerns, contact Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol: https://www.smpwi.org/

Common Application Roadblocks (and How to Handle Them)

• “I can’t find my documents.” Apply anyway, explain what you’re missing, and ask what substitutes are accepted. Many agencies allow alternative proofs.
• “I don’t have a computer.” Call your ADRC to apply by phone or set up an in-person visit. Libraries also offer computer help.
• “The online portal is confusing.” Ask for an Elder Benefit Specialist through your ADRC for step-by-step help: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/benefit-specialists/ebs.htm
• “I was denied.” Ask for the denial letter, note the deadline, and file an appeal or fair hearing if you disagree.

Extra Tips to Save Time

• Keep a “benefits folder” with your ID, Social Security card, Medicare card, income proofs, utility bills, lease, and medical info.
• Put important dates on a calendar: recertifications, utility deadlines, and hearing dates.
• Tell each worker if you’re applying to multiple programs—they can sometimes share documents or confirm what’s already on file.

Resource Tables You Can Bookmark

One-Click Program Links

Sources and Official References Cited

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) – ADRCs, FoodShare, Medicaid, SeniorCare, crisis services, aging nutrition: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/
• Home Energy Plus (WHEAP & Weatherization): https://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/
• Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) – utility consumer protections, TEPP, disconnection rules: https://psc.wi.gov/
• Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) – Emergency Assistance: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/ea
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Homestead Credit: https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Individuals/homestead.aspx
• Wisconsin DOT – 85.21 Specialized Transportation: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/transit/85-21.aspx
• Wisconsin Board on Aging & Long Term Care – Ombudsman, Medigap Helpline: https://longtermcare.wi.gov/
• Senior Medicare Patrol Wisconsin: https://www.smpwi.org/
• 211 Wisconsin: https://211wisconsin.org/
• Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care – Coordinated Entry: https://www.wiboscoc.org/coordinated-entry.html
• DATCP – Consumer Protection; Landlord/Tenant: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ConsumerProtection.aspx and https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/landlordtenantlaw.aspx
• HRSA Health Center Finder: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
• USDA Rural Development – Section 504 Home Repair (WI): https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/wi
• VA SSVF: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/
• GLITC: https://www.glitc.org/
• SAGE: https://www.sageusa.org/
• Diverse & Resilient: https://www.diverseandresilient.org/
• Feeding Wisconsin: https://feedingwisconsin.org/gethelp
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility, and funding can change. This guide links to official and well-established sources so you can confirm the latest rules, forms, and phone numbers. Always verify with the agency before you apply or make decisions.

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:
• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.