Benefits for seniors in Wisconsin

Medicaid for people 65 and over

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) runs Elderly, Blind, or Disabled (EBD) Medicaid. Your county or tribal income maintenance agency handles applications.

• Income (full coverage): Up to $1,086.16 a month for one person, or $1,636.26 for a couple. This equals federal SSI plus the Wisconsin state supplement.
• Savings and other assets: $2,000 for one person, or $3,000 for a couple.
• Over the income limit? The medically needy limit is $1,330 a month for one person. If your income is higher, you can "spend down" by counting your medical bills.
• What it covers: Doctor and hospital care, medicine, and costs Medicare does not pay.

Long-term care Medicaid. For nursing home care or home and community waiver care, the income limit is $2,982 a month for one person. In a nursing home you keep $55 a month for personal needs. A spouse who stays at home keeps at least $50,000 in assets, or half of the couple's assets, up to $162,660. The spouse may also get up to $4,066.50 a month from your income. If your home equity is over $752,000, you may not qualify.

Estate recovery. If you are 55 or older and get long-term care (nursing home, Family Care, IRIS, PACE or other waiver care), the state may seek repayment from your estate after your death. It waits while a spouse, a child under 21, or a blind or disabled child is alive, but it may later recover from your spouse's estate. Medicare Savings Program benefits are not recovered. Questions: Estate Recovery Program, 608-264-6755.

Help paying Medicare costs

Wisconsin has the standard Medicare Savings Programs and uses the federal income limits.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Income up to $1,350 a month for one person, or $1,824 for a couple.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays the Part B premium. Income up to $1,616 a month for one person, or $2,184 for a couple.
• SLMB+ (also called QI-1): Pays the Part B premium. Income up to $1,816 a month for one person, or $2,455 for a couple.

These limits include the first $20 of income that is not counted. Asset test: Yes. Assets must be under $9,950 for one person, or $14,910 for a couple. Apply even if you are a little over.

If you get any of these programs, you also get Extra Help with drug costs automatically.

Prescription drug help

SeniorCare is Wisconsin's prescription drug program for people 65 and over.

• Who can join: Wisconsin residents 65 or older who are U.S. citizens or qualifying immigrants and not on full Medicaid. You can have other coverage, including Medicare Part D.
• Cost: $30 per person each year. No asset test.
• What you pay depends on yearly income:
  • Level 1, up to $25,536 for one person ($34,624 for a couple): no deductible. You pay $5 per generic and $15 per brand-name drug.
  • Level 2A, up to $31,920 for one person ($43,280 for a couple): a $500 deductible first.
  • Level 2B, up to $38,304 for one person ($51,936 for a couple): a $850 deductible first.
  • Level 3, higher incomes: first a spenddown equal to your income above the Level 2B limit, then the $850 deductible.
• How to apply: You can apply in the month you turn 65. Call SeniorCare Customer Service at 800-657-2038 (TTY 711). Renew every year.

The federal Extra Help program is for incomes below about $23,940 a year for one person.

Extra state payment with SSI

Wisconsin adds a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to federal SSI. For 2026 it is $92.16 a month for one person living on their own, or $145.26 for a couple. Federal SSI is up to $994. Social Security pays federal SSI; DHS pays the state part. Both arrive in the first week of the month. You do not apply separately. If you live in certain care facilities or need extra support to live on your own, your county human services agency may certify you for the SSI E supplement, up to $105.59 more a month. State SSI questions: 800-362-3002.

Food help

SNAP is called FoodShare in Wisconsin.

• Easier rules for seniors: If someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled, there is no gross income test. Medical costs over $35 a month can be deducted. There is no work requirement. Your interview is usually by phone.
• Meals: FoodShare can pay for meals at senior dining sites or home-delivered meals that take it.
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: People 60 and older (Native Americans 55 and older) with income up to $29,526 a year for one person get checks for fresh produce, June 1 to October 31. Contact your local program office.
• Elder Nutrition Program: Meals at senior dining centers or delivered to your home for people 60 and older. A donation is asked but not required. Ask your ADRC.
• How to apply: Online at access.wi.gov, or through your county or tribal income maintenance agency. Questions: 800-362-3002.

Help staying at home

• Family Care: Medicaid long-term care for frail older adults and adults with disabilities, in every county. A managed care organization arranges services so you can stay at home when possible. You must qualify for Medicaid and pass a functional screen.
• IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct): You get a budget, choose your supports, and hire and manage your own workers.
• Family Care Partnership: Combines health care and long-term care for adults 18 and over, including people with both Medicare and Medicaid. Offered in some counties.
• PACE: All-in-one medical care, long-term care and drugs for people 55 and over in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha counties.
• Where to start: Your local ADRC checks if you qualify and explains your choices. Call 844-947-2372.

Property tax and housing help

• Homestead credit: A tax credit for homeowners and renters with low income. For 2025 claims, household income must be below $24,680, and the largest credit is $1,168. You (or your spouse) must be 62 or older, disabled, or have earned income. File Schedule H or H-EZ with the Department of Revenue. Renters need a rent certificate from their landlord. You have up to four years to file. You cannot claim it while living in a nursing home and getting Medicaid.
• Property tax deferral loan: The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) offers loans to older homeowners to pay property taxes. Call 800-334-6873.

Help with energy bills

Wisconsin's energy help is called Home Energy Plus. It includes heating help, crisis help and weatherization.

• Who qualifies: For the 2026-27 season, household income at or below $39,864 a year for one person, or $52,129 for two.
• When: Apply between October 1 and May 15. You can get regular help once a year.
• How to apply: Online at energybenefit.wi.gov, or call 1-866-432-8947 (1-866-HEATWIS) to reach your local agency.
• Crisis help: If your heat is off or about to be shut off, call 1-800-506-5596.

Free help and counseling

• Medigap Helpline (SHIP): Free Medicare counseling from the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care. Call 800-242-1060.
• Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline: 855-677-2783.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Free, unbiased help with long-term care and benefits. Elder benefit specialists help people 60 and over with Medicaid, Medicare, FoodShare and Social Security. Call 844-947-2372.

How to apply

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Wisconsin agencies

Check what you may qualify for