Economic Support
The Economic Support Unit continues to provide an integrated service delivery system for public assistance programs and employment and training services, with an emphasis on employment. Even though the emphasis is on employment, the economic support unit is still mandated to provide the administrative functions for the State/Federal financial assistance programs. Limited incomes and unexpected financial problems can make it difficult to provide a healthy, safe environment for individuals and their families. Our Economic Support Unit offers financial assistance programs to help residents of Lafayette County to sustain and improve their quality of life. The programs include Medicaid/BadgerCare, FoodShare, Child Care (Wisconsin Shares), Caretaker Supplement & Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).
The major State and Federally funded programs are:
FoodShare
Provides an electronic benefit transaction (EBT) card to purchase food products with the goal to make it easier for persons to have nutritious, adequate diets, and to help persons and families who have little money or savings to buy food. This program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture. According to a study conducted in 2005, researchers estimate that an additional $5.00 in food stamp benefits can generate $9.20 in total economic activity, and when the economy strengthens, participation declines. Families found eligible for the Food Share Program will receive an allotment based on the food unit’s size and income. 13.6% of the 5.69 million people in Wisconsin receive FoodShare.
Medical Assistance/ BadgerCare Plus
Provides health insurance to low-income families, children, pregnant women, elderly, blind and disabled individuals to help keep individuals healthy. In 2005, 5% of Wisconsin residents had no coverage in health care during the year. This program covers a wide range of medical, surgical, nursing home, and other health care costs for many individuals with medical needs who meet income, asset, and non-financial guidelines.
Child Care (Wisconsin Shares)
Services are available for eligible families that are in work, work-related or school/training activities. Families must meet financial guidelines to be eligible, and in most cases, families are responsible to pay for part of the child care costs, based on a sliding fee schedule, to the child care provider. Payments are made directly to the day care provider through a State payment system.
Wisconsin Works (W-2)
This is the welfare replacement program that provides a wide range of employment services and training to help individuals get and keep employment. The program is available to all parents with minor children, low assets, and low income. There are four levels of employment options: Unsubsidized Employment, Trial Jobs, Community Service Jobs (CSJ) and Transition (W-2T). Lafayette County is one of 5 counties called the Southwest Consortium. Other counties in the consortium are Green, Iowa, Richland, and Grant which is the lead agency.
The Wisconsin Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
This program assists low-income families in meeting the high cost of home heating fuel. The household eligibility standards for WHEAP include establishing an energy burden and establishing that the household’s total monthly gross income is not greater than Federal Poverty Level standards. In addition, the State allocates funds to be used for fuel emergencies, furnace repair, and furnace replacement.
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/