New Law Expands SNAP Work Rules in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is tightening food assistance requirements for thousands of residents as expanded federal work rules take effect. The changes, mandated by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" signed last July, could put around 36,000 Wisconsinites at risk of losing FoodShare benefits if they don't meet new work obligations.[1]

The Wisconsin State Legislature previously required only adults ages 18-54 without dependents to work for food stamps. Now, the age range extends to 64, and parents of children 14 and older must also comply.[1] Recipients can maintain benefits through three primary pathways: working at least 20 hours weekly, participating in state-approved job training programs for 20 hours weekly, or volunteering through workfare programs.[1] The workfare option requires fewer hours—calculated by dividing monthly SNAP benefits by Wisconsin's $7.25 minimum wage, meaning someone receiving $180 in benefits would need about 25 hours of monthly volunteer work.[1]

For Milwaukee residents and across Wisconsin, the stakes are significant. The state serves over 700,000 people through FoodShare, including 270,000 children.[2] Beyond individual hardship, the law threatens state finances: if Wisconsin's payment error rate exceeds 6%, taxpayers could face over $200 million in annual penalty fees to the federal government.[2] Governor Tony Evers signed legislation allocating $69.1 million to help the state manage these changes, including funding for additional staff and employment training programs.[2]

Recipients will learn about the new requirements through recertification letters mailed every six months. Those unable to meet work requirements can receive only three months of benefits within a three-year period.[7] Wisconsin is among four states pledging to create work opportunities for affected residents, though implementation continues rolling out as people renew their benefits.