Additional Benefits for FoodShare Recipients

By the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources Legal Services Team

If you receive FoodShare (SNAP), you may also qualify to receive additional benefits and services for free or at a significant discount. Here are some of these programs that you may be able to take advantage of:

• Discounted Amazon Prime access ($6.99/month). See https://amazon.com for more information.

• 50% off Walmart+ membership ($6.47/month or $49/year). See https://walmart.com for more information.

• Free or discounted admission to many museums, aquariums, and zoos. Find one in your area at https://museums4all.org/.

• FoodShare recipients automatically qualify to participate in the Lifeline Assistance Program and receive free or discounted phone and/or internet service. Depending on the provider, you may also qualify for a free phone, as well as free monthly data, minutes and unlimited texting. See https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ForConsumers/Lifeline.aspx for more information.

• In some urban areas, FoodShare recipients qualify for discounted bike share subscriptions and transit passes. Contact your local transit authority for more information.

• Most FoodShare recipients qualify for energy assistance and utility programs. These programs provide federally funded assistance with home energy bills, emergency assistance to avoid shutoff, and assistance with home weatherization and repairs. 

See https://energyandhousing.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx for more information.

• Many FoodShare recipients also qualify for Medicaid to provide medical coverage. To learn more about Medicaid in Wisconsin, go to https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/index.htm.

• If your household income is less than $84,000/year,  you can file your taxes for free online at https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free. You may also qualify for tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. See the IRS Website for more information. 

• Speaking of tax credits, you may also qualify for Wisconsin’s Homestead Tax Credit, even if you rent. Visit https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Individuals/homestead.aspx for more information

• If you receive FoodShare and have children in your home under the age of 19, you may be eligible for cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. See https://acf.gov/ofa/programs/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf for more information.