Emergency assistance (EA) program in Wisconsin from DCF
Emergency assistance, also known as EA, is available in Wisconsin. Priority is given to families with children (including single parents) and people who may be at most risk. Operated by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) through its local W‑2 agencies, EA provides one‑time financial help to keep people in their home, pay energy bills, or in a limited number of cases helps clients in finding a new home or apartment. Find more details on WA in Wisconsin below.
Who Is eligible?
In order to receive assistance from this state funded program, the applicant needs to have some type of emergency crisis situation and have a minor child. They must be faced with impending homelessness, an energy crisis such as running out of oil, fire, fuel, disconnection of utilities or some type of natural disaster - as EA is also disaster recovery. Some type of emergencies covered include:
- People who have received a foreclosure or eviction notice may qualify for housing assistance, including government money to pay rent or a mortgage or even they can get a list of local emergency rent payment organizations in WI.
- Low income families in Wisconsin who have a disconnect notice for their utilities or if your heat or electricity is shut off you may be able to get aid from EA.
- Programs can help people who currently live in a shelter or transitional housing find a new home, and pay for security deposits and rent when they move.
This is meant to be one time financial help from DCF - therefore applicants can have not received an EA payment in the past 12 months, ensuring the assistance remains for truly unanticipated emergencies. There are a number of other qualifications that need to be met below, however a focus is on preventing homelessness (and paying rent) as well as paying for heating and energy bills. The total amount of financial assistance provided will be based on your family size and your personal situation.
EA operates under Wisconsin’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) federal funding. This means it combines TANF funds (which are federally approved) with state regulations. DCF coordinates the program at the state level, while local W‑2 agencies handle applications, eligibility, and disbursements.
Wisconsin emergency assistance application process
Applications are submitted through W‑2 agencies in your local county, either in person or online via ACCESS Wisconsin. If you’re homeless or fleeing domestic abuse, you may apply in either your current county or where you intend to relocate, with additional safety accommodations available if needed. The application asks you to describe the emergency and provide documentation, such as eviction or utility shut-off notices, income verification, asset information, and supporting documents.
The program does try to work as quickly as possible - both approving (or denying) applications as well as disbursing money. One of the main goals of the Wisconsin emergency assistance program is to issue a payment within five business days of the date you applied for help, but there are also other ways to get emergency financial help in all areas. The cash payment that will be offered to applicants may take longer if your family is homeless or on the verge of it, and has not yet found a new home
If the application is denied or you disagree with a decision, such as the amount awarded or the type of expense paid, you can request a Fact Finding Review within 45 days of the agency’s action. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families administers the financial assistance program as well at local county offices. To learn more or to apply for help, you need to apply at your local Wisconsin Works agency. While the program does try to work as quickly as possible, funding is limited and unfortunately not everyone can qualify for help.
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