County Map

Economic Support

MISSION STATEMENT/DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE:
The function of the Economic Support Unit is to advocate on behalf of the low-income persons in St. Croix County in order that their primary needs may be met and their self-sufficiency increased. 

SERVICES:
CHILD CARE:  For assistance in paying childcare costs to regulated providers for eligible children. A local county child care certifier provides certification of providers.

Link: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare//wishares/eligibility.htm

Western Dairyland Community Action Agency offers a Child Care Partnership Resource and Referral (CCPR&R). All parents seeking child care are offered free referrals to regulated child care providers. You may access their web site at: http://www.westerndairyland.org/index.html or contact them directly at 1.800.782.1880 regarding your free child care provider referrals. If they are unavailable for assistance you may also contact the local Child Care Certifier.

FOOD SHARE WISCONSIN:  Provides food benefits to households that meet income guidelines that enable them to have a nutritious and adequate diet. Certain non-financial requirements apply to students and those in group-living situations.
LINK: http://dhs.wi.gov/foodshare/
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202)720.5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

JUDICARE: Helps low-income clients obtain legal services. The Department of Health and Human Services will provide clients with information and an application for this program. The Department will then refer the client to Judicare’s Wausau Wisconsin office via a toll-free phone number.
LINK: http://www.judicare.org

WISCONSIN HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WHEAP): Assists in paying the cost of heating for low-income households. A one-time-per-heating-season payment is issued to the client and fuel provider. Crisis assistance is available to persons who have already received their regular LIHEAP payment but have an emergency fuel need or problem with their heating units. Assistance for furnace repair or replacement may also be available.
LINK: Home Energy +

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: Related programs-Badgercare and Healthy Start.  Programs to cover medical expenses for persons who are blind or disabled, under the age of 19 or over 65.  Certain programs also may cover pregnant women and families. 
LINK: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/Medicaid/index.htm?ref=hp

MEDICAID PURCHASE PLAN (MAPP): For individuals with disabilities whose income is below 250% of the federal poverty level. The individual must be working or enrolled in a Health and Employment Counseling Program and have countable assets under $15,000.
LINK: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid1/recpubs/factsheets/phc10071.htm

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Persons who qualify may not have to pay their Medicare premiums or out of pocket medical expenses.

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT: Provides reimbursement for transportation to obtain services under the medical assistance program.

CTS (CARETAKER SUPPLEMENT): A financial assistance program for minor children of SSI parents.
LINK: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/ssi/caretaker.htm

ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEWS:
Non-financial and financial eligibility criteria must be met in order to qualify for assistance.  Every program has different requirements.  Eligibility is determined on an individual case basis during an interview for any and all services requested.  If you are requesting Medicaid, Badgercare and/or Healthy Start only, you will have a choice of a face to face, phone, or mail application interview process. All other programs require you to come into our office for the interview unless it causes a hardship, at which point we will conduct a telephone interview. When you call to request services, you will be asked to provide information for all persons in the household, including but not limited to: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and educational level, income and assets.

To check eligibility or to apply online, visit the ACCESS website at: https://access.wisconsin.gov/.