Wisconsin Works (W-2 Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Wisconsin Works, or W-2, is the state's TANF program, built around getting a parent into a job. It offers real work experience, training, education access, interview prep, and job matching, and it may pay monthly cash while you prepare for work. Apply online through ACCESS at access.wisconsin.gov or in person at your local W-2 agency. You can even check eligibility anonymously on ACCESS before applying.
The gates are tight, so know them going in. Your family's income must be at or below 115 percent of the federal poverty level, and total assets cannot exceed $2,500 in savings and high-value belongings. A vehicle only counts as an asset if it is worth more than $10,000, so an ordinary car does not disqualify you.
The cash payment depends on your hours of work and activities, up to $653 a month. A higher $673 a month is available in the third trimester of an at-risk pregnancy, and to a birth parent of a newborn during the first eight weeks after childbirth. Treat the cash as support while you build toward a paycheck.
The quiet lifeline in W-2 is the Job Access Loan: up to $1,600 with no interest, no credit check, and no bank involved, meant to fix the thing standing between you and a job, like a car repair. You repay it over 12 months, up to 24 if needed, and up to 75 percent can be repaid through community service, with at least 25 percent in cash.
There is also a door for people locked out of unemployment. Transitional Jobs place you in onsite work training with a local employer, aimed at people who are unemployed and cannot get Unemployment Insurance, and it can lead to a full-time hire.
W-2 agencies do more than cash: help applying for SSI or SSDI, job matching, and training tailored to you. If you disagree with an eligibility decision, you can request a Fact Finding Review through your agency. And the same household usually qualifies for FoodShare and BadgerCare Plus, so apply for those on the same ACCESS login.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Parents of minor children and pregnant women who are Wisconsin residents with family income below 115 percent of the federal poverty level
- Most adults take part in work activities, and federal and state time limits apply to how long you can receive cash
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Check eligibility anonymously on ACCESS, then apply at access.wisconsin.gov or your local W-2 agency.
- 2
Provide proof of income (at or below 115 percent of poverty) and assets under $2,500.
- 3
Ask about a Job Access Loan if a one-time expense is blocking a job.
- 4
If you disagree with a decision, request a Fact Finding Review through your agency.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the adults applying
- Proof of income and assets
- Proof that a child lives with you. The agency confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much does W-2 pay?
Up to $653 a month based on your hours of work and activities, or up to $673 in the third trimester of an at-risk pregnancy and for eight weeks after a birth.
What are the income and asset limits?
Income at or below 115 percent of the federal poverty level, and total assets under $2,500. A vehicle counts only if it is worth more than $10,000.
What is a Job Access Loan?
A no-interest loan up to $1,600, no credit check, to help get or keep a job. Repaid over 12 months (up to 24); up to 75 percent can be repaid through community service.
I cannot get unemployment. Is there anything for me?
Transitional Jobs place unemployed people who cannot get Unemployment Insurance into onsite work training with local employers, which can lead to full-time hire.
How do I apply?
Online through ACCESS at access.wisconsin.gov, or in person at your local W-2 agency. You can check eligibility anonymously on ACCESS first.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Wisconsin programs →Free · Private · No account needed