Disability & Special Needs Support for Single Mothers in Wisconsin

Last updated: September 2025

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Quick Help Box

• Emergencies (medical or safety): Call 911.
• 24/7 crisis lines (statewide):
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988.
  • Domestic violence help (End Abuse WI): Call 800‑799‑7233.
• One number to start for disability resources: Wisconsin Wayfinder Children’s Resource Network at 877‑947‑2929 (877‑WiscWay). Ask for a children’s resource guide to help you apply for programs like CLTS, Katie Beckett, Birth to 3, and more. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Medicaid/ForwardHealth Member Services (cards, coverage, providers): 800‑362‑3002. (forwardhealthsete.wi.gov)
• Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (rides to appointments): Schedule with MTM at 866‑907‑1493 or 711 (TTY). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• FoodShare (SNAP) & BadgerCare Plus applications: Apply online through ACCESS or call your local agency. See FoodShare income limits and maximums below. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Emergency Steps First

• If your child is medically unstable or you cannot safely provide care today:
  • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
• If you need an urgent ride to a covered medical appointment and have ForwardHealth (BadgerCare Plus/Medicaid/Katie Beckett):
  • Call MTM at 866‑907‑1493. Same‑day urgent medical rides may be possible with documentation from your provider. Keep your child’s ForwardHealth ID handy when you call. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• If you are fleeing abuse or facing homelessness:
  • Contact your county human services office and ask for Emergency Assistance and emergency shelter referrals.
  • For housing navigation, call HUD’s Wisconsin office at 414‑297‑3214 (TTY 414‑297‑1423) or use HUD’s Find Your Local Public Housing Agency tool. (hud.gov)

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Who This Guide Is For

Focus: Wisconsin single mothers raising a child with disabilities or special health care needs who need practical, step‑by‑step help, real dollar amounts, timelines, phone numbers, and reliable links.

This guide uses official Wisconsin and federal sources and is updated to August–September 2025 standards. It flags hard parts and common mistakes so you don’t lose time or benefits. It also gives Plan B options at the end of each section, because not every door opens on the first try. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• CLTS Waiver (Children’s Long‑Term Support): No statewide waitlist; continuous enrollment once eligible. Covers home/community supports like respite, home mods, personal supports. Start with Wisconsin Wayfinder at 877‑947‑2929. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Katie Beckett Medicaid: Medicaid for children under 19 with significant medical needs regardless of parent income. Apply by phone 888‑786‑3246 or online in ACCESS. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Birth to 3 (Early Intervention): For infants/toddlers with delays or disabilities under age 3. Find your county’s referral contact on DHS. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• FoodShare (SNAP): FY 2025 max for 4 is $975/month; FY 2025–26 updates start October 1, 2025. See tables below. (fns.usda.gov, dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• BadgerCare Plus: Child coverage up to 306% FPL; parents/caretakers up to 100% FPL. Children now have 12 months continuous coverage once enrolled. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• SSI for children with disabilities: 2025 federal maximum $967/month for an individual; Wisconsin pays a separate state supplement in some living situations (see table). Apply through SSA. (ssa.gov, dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Table A — Programs at a Glance (Start Here)

Sources: WI DHS and SSA program pages. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, fns.usda.gov, ssa.gov)

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Children’s Long‑Term Support (CLTS) Waiver — Action Steps First

Step 1—Call Wisconsin Wayfinder now: 877‑947‑2929. Ask to start a CLTS referral. This connects you to your county’s support and service coordinator (SSC). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Step 2—Prepare for the Functional Screen: The Children’s Functional Screen decides eligibility. Write down daily care tasks, safety concerns, behaviors, seizure logs, feeding support, mobility needs. Bring medical notes. The clinical instruction manual (updated April 2025) guides the screen. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Step 3—Build your service plan with your SSC: CLTS covers services like respite, personal supports, daily living skills training, counseling, adaptive aids, transportation, home/vehicle modifications, and more. Wisconsin uses a statewide rate structure for many services. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

What CLTS pays for (examples):

• Respite to give you breaks.
• Personal supports and mentoring.
• Assistive technology, specialized medical/therapeutic supplies.
• Home safety adaptations and vehicle modifications.
• Community integration and day services.
• Transportation and health/wellness supports.
• Family/unpaid caregiver supports (some items paid at market rate). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Good news: Wisconsin ended the CLTS waitlist and uses “continuous enrollment” so eligible kids can start as soon as they qualify. Ask your SSC for your county’s typical start‑of‑services timeline and check the public enrollment dashboard. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Provider directory tip: If your plan is approved but you can’t find a provider, search the official CLTS Provider Directory and ask your SSC to help recruit providers. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Plan B—If CLTS isn’t available fast enough:

• Ask your SSC about Children’s Community Options Program (CCOP) funds for urgent one‑time needs (like equipment, temporary respite).
• Consider Katie Beckett Medicaid for medical coverage while CLTS ramps up.
• Document any provider shortages in writing; counties can expand recruitment or contract options. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Children’s Community Options Program (CCOP)

What it is: Flexible county‑managed funds to cover supports you can’t get through Medicaid/CLTS, including one‑time needs (example: specialized car seats, ramps, safety items, training, or short respite). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Eligibility basics: Child under 22, functional eligibility via the children’s functional screen, living at home/relative/foster. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Parental payment (fee): Some families pay a small share based on family size, income, and cost of services. Families on SSI‑related Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, W‑2, or WIC have no parental payment. Ask for the CCOP parental payment worksheet if billed. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

How to apply: Contact your county children’s services through Wayfinder 877‑947‑2929 or use the CCOP county contact list on DHS. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Plan B—If funding is tight: Ask about tapping CCOP for a one‑time purchase while your CLTS plan is pending. If you disagree with a parental payment, request recalculation. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Katie Beckett Medicaid (KB) — Medicaid for Your Child Regardless of Your Income

Why it matters: KB gives your child full ForwardHealth (Medicaid) coverage even if your income is over standard limits. It looks at the child’s medical level of care and safety at home, not your income. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Apply now: Call 888‑786‑3246 or apply via ACCESS. You’ll have a meeting with an eligibility specialist, and DHS clinicians will review medical documentation. You can manage KB in ACCESS once enrolled. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Coverage includes: Hospital/clinic care, therapies, behavioral treatment (autism services), DME, home health, with standard Medicaid prior‑auth rules. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)

Continuous coverage note: Children under 19 on BadgerCare Plus/Medicaid generally keep coverage for 12 months even if income changes (exceptions apply). KB families benefit from this stability too. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)

Where to call for card/benefit questions: ForwardHealth Member Services 800‑362‑3002. For KB eligibility questions/changes, call 888‑786‑3246. (forwardhealthsete.wi.gov, dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Plan B—If you’re denied: You can request a fair hearing within 45 days of a denial. Submit the DHA form or write a signed request and include your denial letter. Benefits can sometimes continue pending appeal. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Birth to 3 Program (Early Intervention)

Start here if your child is under 3: Contact your county Birth to 3 primary referral contact (DHS lists each county). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Who qualifies: Diagnosis with high probability of delay, or at least 25% delay in one or more areas, or atypical development per qualified team. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)

How services work: Coaching model at home with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP): speech/OT/PT, special instruction, service coordination. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Plan B—If you’re close to age 3 or on the fence: Ask for a transition meeting to school district special education (IEP) by 2.5 years old so services don’t lapse at age 3. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Medical Transportation, Autism/Behavioral Treatment, and School‑Based Services

Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): ForwardHealth covers rides, bus tickets, or gas reimbursement via the state NEMT manager MTM. Book rides 866‑907‑1493 at least two business days ahead when possible. You can bring your children and a medically necessary attendant. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Autism/Behavioral Treatment: ForwardHealth’s Behavioral Treatment Benefit covers medically necessary ABA and other evidence‑based behavioral treatments for members enrolled in BadgerCare Plus/Medicaid/Katie Beckett; prior authorization required. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)

School‑Based Services billed to Medicaid: Some IEP services (OT/PT/speech/nursing/psych) can be billed to Medicaid with parent consent; this doesn’t reduce your child’s personal visit limits. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)

Plan B—If rides are late or treatment is delayed: File an NEMT complaint and request an independent review on the same call if a ride is denied. For behavioral treatment access issues, ask your HMO/Member Services for help finding in‑network providers and request out‑of‑network authorization if needed. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Health Coverage: BadgerCare Plus Essentials for Caregivers

Income limits (effective Feb 1, 2025–Jan 31, 2026):

• Adults (parents/caretakers) up to 100% FPL.
• Pregnant people and children up to 306% FPL (children may owe premiums above 201% FPL; premiums are capped and children keep 12‑month continuous coverage even if not paid). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Table B — BadgerCare Plus Monthly Income Limits (Selected Household Sizes)

Source: WI DHS BadgerCare Plus FPL table (2025). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

No copays for kids: Children under 19 don’t have copays. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Plan B—If income is too high: Apply for Katie Beckett for the child, and keep your coverage through Marketplace or employer plan. If you’re undocumented but your child is a citizen, your child can still get BadgerCare if income fits; emergency services may be available for caregivers meeting criteria. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Food and Nutrition: FoodShare (SNAP) and WIC

FoodShare maximums (Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025): Federal FY 2025 max allotment for a family of 4 is $975/month; see full chart below. WI posts both current and next‑year changes (effective Oct 1, 2025) on its FoodShare page. (fns.usda.gov, dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Table C — FoodShare (SNAP) FY 2025 Quick Numbers (48 states/DC)

Source: USDA FY 2025 SNAP COLA; WI DHS FoodShare income page. (fns.usda.gov, dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Work requirement note: Some areas in WI are temporarily waived from ABAWD work rules through September 30, 2025; caregivers for a child with a disability are generally exempt—tell your agency and provide proof. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

WIC updates (effective Sept 29, 2025 in WI Phase 1): Wisconsin is implementing the USDA’s updated WIC food package with higher fruit/vegetable benefits and more whole grains; changes roll out in phases through 2026. For WIC help and clinic referrals, contact Well Badger at 800‑642‑7837 or text 608‑360‑9328. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Plan B—If benefits seem low: Ask for a standard medical deduction review if you have high out‑of‑pocket medical expenses for a disabled household member; also ask about excess shelter deduction and dependent care deduction, which can increase benefits. Use the agency FoodShare handbook limits for reference. (emhandbooks.wisconsin.gov)

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Cash Help When Caregiving Stops You from Working: Wisconsin Works (W‑2)

Who can qualify: Low‑income parents at or below 115% FPL who meet other program rules. Assets must be $2,500orless\ast \ast (onevehicleupto\ast \ast$10,000 excluded). (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

Payment levels (2025):

• CSJ (Community Service Job) full: $653/month.
• W‑2 Transition (W‑2 T): $608/month (often used when a parent is caring for a family member with significant barriers).
• Pregnancy placements (ARP/CMC): $673/month\ast \ast duringlatepregnancyorpost‑partumwindows.Paymentsreduce\ast \ast$5/hour for unexcused non‑participation. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

Realistic timeline: W‑2 uses a “participation period” from the 16th to the 15th of the next month; first payments can be prorated depending on when you start. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

Where to apply: Use ACCESS or Find Your Local W‑2 Agency from DCF’s site for in‑person help. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

Plan B—If W‑2 doesn’t fit: Ask about Caretaker Supplement (CTS) if you, the parent, get SSI; CTS pays $275\ast \ast forthefirsteligiblechildand\ast \ast$165 for each additional. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Social Security Income (SSI), Wisconsin State Supplement, and SSI‑E

2025 federal SSI maximum: $967/month\ast \ast (individual);\ast \ast$1,450 (couple). Wisconsin adds a state supplement depending on living arrangement. (ssa.gov)

Table D — Wisconsin 2025 SSI + State Supplement (Selected Living Arrangements)

Source: WI DHS SSI benefits and SSI‑E pages (2025 tables). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Note: The Caretaker Supplement (CTS) is separate and paid to SSI‑eligible parents: $275\ast \ast forfirsteligiblechild;\ast \ast$165 for each additional. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Plan B—If SSI is denied or delayed: Appeal within 60 days of denial, submit new medical and school records (IEP, functional reports), and ask for a hearing if needed. Meanwhile, pursue Katie Beckett and CLTS to cover services. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Education Supports: IEPs, School Choice for Special Needs, and Open Enrollment

IEP rights: Your school must find and evaluate children suspected of disabilities and, if eligible, provide special education and related services under IDEA. Some IEP services may also be billed to Medicaid with your consent. For dispute resolution (mediation, state complaint, due process), use DPI’s Special Education resources; ask your district for the latest Procedural Safeguards Notice. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)

Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP): For students with an active IEP or services plan, the 2024‑25 per‑pupil scholarship is $15,409. Partial scholarships apply if a student is later found no longer disabled. Some high‑cost cases allow up to 150% of the scholarship with state approval. Check participating schools and capacity. (Amounts updated annually by statute/funding.) (schoolchoicewi.org, edchoice.org)

Open Enrollment travel help: Low‑income families may request partial reimbursement for parent transportation under open enrollment rules; deadlines apply each spring. See DPI’s open enrollment parent FAQs for dates (e.g., 2025 denial mail deadlines were June 6/June 13). (sms.dpi.wi.gov)

Plan B—If school options aren’t matching your child’s needs:

• Call your Children’s Resource Center (regional phone numbers below) for IEP coaching and referrals (Wisconsin CYSHCN).
• Consider SNSP if your child already has an IEP and a participating private school fits better.
• Use DPI dispute options if services listed in the IEP aren’t being delivered.

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Local Navigation Help: Wisconsin Wayfinder and CYSHCN Children’s Resource Centers

One call solution: Wisconsin Wayfinder 877‑947‑2929 connects you to children’s resource guides in your region (free, confidential). They help you apply for CLTS, CCOP, KB, and more and offer language access. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Table E — Children’s Resource Centers (CYSHCN)

Sources: WI DHS CYSHCN and regional center pages. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, southeastregionalcenter.org)

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Housing and Utilities: Practical Path for Disability Households

• Public Housing/Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Use HUD’s PHA finder to reach your local housing authority; ask for Mainstream vouchers (non‑elderly disabled) and disability preferences where available. HUD WI office: 414‑297‑3214. (hud.gov)
• Supportive housing/HOME & CDBG contacts: Some cities/counties fund accessibility repairs, security deposit help, or rent assistance through local programs (see HUD Wisconsin HOME/CDBG contacts). (hud.gov)
• Plan B: If waitlists are closed, apply to multiple PHAs in commuting range, ask about project‑based units with disability set‑asides (e.g., HUD 811 properties), and request reasonable accommodations for application processes. (hud.gov)

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Transportation: Getting to Appointments Without a Car

• NEMT rides through MTM: Schedule at 866‑907‑1493 (or 711 TTY). You can bring your children; ask for a car seat if needed. Register for text reminders for pickups/returns. File complaints directly with MTM if late or no‑show. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Plan B: Ask your provider to fax urgent ride documentation if an appointment is medically critical; use gas mileage reimbursement via the MTM Link portal if you have a driver. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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ABLE Accounts & Special Needs Trusts (for saving without losing benefits)

ABLE accounts (529A): Wisconsin currently allows residents to open ABLE accounts in other states; a Wisconsin ABLE program is under development following 2023 Wisconsin Act 267, with a decision due by August 1, 2025. Contributions may qualify for a Wisconsin income subtraction. 2025 national contribution limit changes are in effect. (dfi.wi.gov, revenue.wi.gov, ablenrc.org)

• Key numbers (2025): Annual contribution limit varies by federal updates; ABLE NRC posts current amounts and work‑related additional contributions. Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account is excluded for SSI resource tests. (ablenrc.org)
• Special needs pooled trusts: Wispact offers pooled and community trusts; review fees and consider legal advice (fee schedule updated). (wispact.org)
• Plan B: If you need to save quickly for equipment or housing expenses and worry about SSI/Medicaid limits, open an ABLE in a National ABLE Alliance state that accepts non‑residents now, then consider moving to WI’s program after it launches. (dfi.wi.gov)

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Tables You Can Screenshot

Table F — FoodShare Income & Maximums (WI FY 2025)

Source: WI DHS FoodShare income page; USDA FY 2025 SNAP memo. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, fns.usda.gov)

Table G — W‑2 Monthly Payments (2025)

Source: DCF W‑2 manual/payment policies. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

Table H — CYSHCN Resource Center Phones (Repeat)

Sources: WI DHS and regional centers. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Table I — SSI & Wisconsin Supplements (2025)

Source: WI DHS SSI tables; SSA. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, ssa.gov)

Table J — BadgerCare Plus Key Income Limits (Monthly, 2025)

Source: WI DHS. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Application Checklist (Print and reuse)

• IDs and numbers: Child’s ForwardHealth ID (if any), Social Security numbers, birth certificate, custody papers if applicable.
• Medical proof: Diagnoses, medication list, therapy notes, IEP/IFSP, discharge summaries, seizure logs, behavior/safety notes.
• Financial items (when needed): Recent pay stubs, rent/lease and utilities, child care receipts, medical bills/transport costs.
• Contacts: Pediatrician, specialists, school case manager, therapists, county SSC name and email.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting for someone to call you back: Always get a direct name/number, and set a calendar reminder to follow up in 5–7 business days.
• Not keeping proof: Save PDFs/screenshots of online submissions, and keep a folder of letters/notices.
• Missing medical detail during CLTS/Katie Beckett reviews: Daily care and safety examples matter (night monitoring, feeding routines, elopement risk), not just diagnoses. Reference the Children’s Functional Screen domains. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Assuming SNAP work rules apply to you: Caregivers of disabled dependents are often exempt; tell your agency and submit proof. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Forgetting school‑based Medicaid: Sign consent if you want your district to bill Medicaid for IEP health services; it won’t lower your child’s personal benefits. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)

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If This Doesn’t Work (Plan B Options)

• Ask for supervisory review at your county or HMO.
• File a fair hearing/appeal if you receive a denial you disagree with; note 45‑ or 60‑day deadlines depending on the program (e.g., Katie Beckett 45 days). (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Switch the entry door: Call Wayfinder 877‑947‑2929, a CYSHCN regional center, or Well Badger 800‑642‑7837 for live help with applications and referrals. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Diverse Communities

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Many county offices and providers can note your child’s preferred name and your family structure in records. Wisconsin Wayfinder offers language options and will connect you to inclusive providers and peer supports. Phone: 877‑947‑2929. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: If you receive SSI, ask about the Caretaker Supplement ($275\ast \ast firstchild/\ast \ast$165 each additional). For accessibility (appointments, communications), request reasonable accommodations from agencies and clinics. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Veteran single mothers: You may qualify for both CLTS/KB and VA family supports. For transportation, NEMT via 866‑907‑1493 is available if your child has ForwardHealth; ask your VA social worker to coordinate. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Immigrant/refugee single moms: Your child may qualify for BadgerCare Plus and CLTS based on their citizenship/immigration status and residency. Emergency Services may help certain caregivers. Wayfinder can route you to language‑accessible help. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Tribal citizens: FoodShare ABAWD work rules are waived on many WI tribal lands through September 30, 2025; check your tribe’s status. Use tribal clinics with BadgerCare Plus coordination. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Rural single moms: Use MTM for long trips and ask about meals/lodging reimbursement for far‑away appointments. Keep receipts and pre‑authorize. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

Single fathers: All programs here are gender‑neutral. Fathers raising disabled kids can use CLTS, KB, W‑2, FoodShare, and CYSHCN supports.

Language access: Request an interpreter for DHS/ForwardHealth calls and county visits. Wayfinder phone menu offers multiple language options. Phone: 877‑947‑2929. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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Real‑World Example Scenarios

• Milwaukee mom of a 6‑year‑old with autism: Applies for KB by phone 888‑786‑3246, enrolls child in BadgerCare Plus KP, gets ABA authorized via Behavioral Treatment Benefit, adds CLTS for respite and safety equipment, uses MTM for therapy rides. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, forwardhealth.wi.gov)
• La Crosse mom with a 2‑year‑old with developmental delays: Calls Birth to 3 county contact, gets IFSP started, then transitions at 2.5 to school district for an evaluation so there’s no gap at age 3. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Green Bay mom denied SSI at first: Appeals, adds school IEP, neuropsych, and pediatric notes; wins at reconsideration. Keeps FoodShare and BadgerCare, later uses ABLE to save for a communication device without losing SSI. (ssa.gov, fns.usda.gov, ablenrc.org)

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Local Organizations, Charities, and Support

• Wisconsin Wayfinder & CYSHCN Centers: See numbers above; free navigation and peer support. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Well Badger Resource Center: For WIC, clinics, parenting, disability resources statewide. Phone: 800‑642‑7837; Text: 608‑360‑9328. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin: Regional info and family supports; can point you to CYSHCN centers and CLTS providers. (autismgreaterwi.org)
• County human services (housing/EA/utility crisis): Use HUD contacts and local city community development pages to find CDBG/HOME programs. (hud.gov)

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What to Bring to Each Appointment (Fast list)

• Insurance cards (ForwardHealth and any private plan).
• Medical notes (top three concerns; top three goals).
• Proof of address/income (only when required by program).

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10 Wisconsin‑Specific FAQs

1. Where do I start if I’m overwhelmed: Call 877‑947‑2929 (Wayfinder). They connect you to county CLTS, Birth to 3, and more. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
2. Is there still a CLTS waitlist: No. Wisconsin uses continuous enrollment; services begin after eligibility and plan approval. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
3. Does parent income matter for Katie Beckett: No. It evaluates the child’s medical level of care and safe care at home. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
4. How much is FoodShare for a family of 4: Up to $975/month (FY 2025), subject to deductions. (fns.usda.gov)
5. What’s the W‑2 payment if I can’t work while caregiving: $608/month in W‑2 T if you meet eligibility; other placements vary. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)
6. Can the school bill Medicaid for IEP services: Yes, with your consent; it won’t reduce your child’s personal limits. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)
7. Who provides medical rides: MTM at 866‑907‑1493 for ForwardHealth members. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
8. Does my child keep BadgerCare if my income goes up: Most children have 12‑month continuous coverage after enrollment. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
9. How much is Wisconsin’s SSI supplement: For independent individuals it’s $83.78\ast \ast (total\ast \ast$1,050.78 with federal in 2025); amounts vary by living arrangement. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
10. Can I save without losing SSI/Medicaid: Yes—open an ABLE account (out‑of‑state plan allowed) and/or look at Wispact pooled trusts. (dfi.wi.gov, wispact.org)

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Resources by Region (Examples)

• Milwaukee/Southeast: CYSHCN 800‑234‑5437; City grants via Community Development; public housing via Milwaukee Housing Authority; MTM 866‑907‑1493. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, hud.gov)
• Madison/South‑Central: CYSHCN 800‑532‑3321; City of Madison CDD; Dane County CDBG office; BadgerCare enrollment help at local agencies. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, hud.gov)
• Green Bay/Northeast: CYSHCN 877‑568‑5205; City of Green Bay Community Development. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, hud.gov)
• Wausau/North: CYSHCN 866‑640‑4106; County programs via Marathon County. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Eau Claire/La Crosse/West: CYSHCN 800‑400‑3678; city CDBG/HOME contacts. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, hud.gov)

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Reality Checks, Pitfalls, Timelines

• CLTS provider shortage: Services depend on local provider capacity. Ask your SSC about interim supports and recruiting. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• W‑2 sanctions: Payments drop $5/hour for missed required hours without good cause. Keep documentation for caregiving conflicts. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)
• FoodShare recertification: Set phone reminders so you don’t lapse; ask about exemptions if you’re caring for a disabled child. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Wisconsin Department of Health Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits. This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified: September 2025, next review: April 2026.

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Disclaimer

Accuracy and change: Program rules, amounts, and contacts change. Always verify with the relevant agency before applying or acting. We cite Wisconsin DHS, SSA, USDA, HUD, DCF, DPI, DFI, and established nonprofits above. If you see an error or broken link, email info@asinglemother.org and we will review within 48–72 hours. This site is informational only and not legal advice or a government agency. We take steps to keep this website secure and free of malicious links, but always use up‑to‑date antivirus and avoid sharing sensitive information over public Wi‑Fi.

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Source Notes (selected)

• CLTS pages and continuous enrollment: WI DHS CLTS overview; functional screen instructions (updated April 2025); provider directory; rates; waiver manual/resources. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Wisconsin Wayfinder: Contact and overview. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• Birth to 3: County contacts; family info; eligibility criteria via ForwardHealth. (dhs.wisconsin.gov, forwardhealth.wi.gov)
• Katie Beckett Medicaid: Apply, eligibility, benefits; ACCESS management. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• ForwardHealth benefits: Behavioral Treatment Benefit; school‑based services; 12‑month continuous coverage for kids. (forwardhealth.wi.gov)
• NEMT (MTM): How to contact and schedule; manager transition information. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• BadgerCare Plus income limits and continuous coverage: WI DHS FPL table; news release. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• FoodShare: FY 2025 COLA memo; WI DHS income/max tables; ABAWD waivers through Sept 30, 2025. (fns.usda.gov, dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• W‑2: Overview; 115% FPL table (Feb 2025); payment amounts; sanctions; calendar/timing. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)
• SSI & WI state supplement/SSI‑E: 2025 tables and program pages. (ssa.gov, dhs.wisconsin.gov)
• SNSP: Scholarship amounts and program basics (2024‑25). (schoolchoicewi.org, edchoice.org)
• ABLE & Wispact: DFI ABLE program updates (Act 267), WI DOR ABLE FAQ (state tax subtraction), ABLE NRC contribution/resource rules, Wispact fees. (dfi.wi.gov, revenue.wi.gov, ablenrc.org, wispact.org)

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What to do next

• Call Wayfinder: 877‑947‑2929 to start CLTS/CCOP/KB/Birth to 3.
• Apply in ACCESS for BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, and (if advised) to manage Katie Beckett.
• Put deadlines on a calendar: appeal windows (45–60 days), recert dates, IEP meetings, and any premium or document requests.

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🏛️More Wisconsin Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Wisconsin

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery