Looking for grants for felons in Wisconsin? We’ve put together this handy guide explaining the different types of financial assistance felons can apply for.
Basic Needs Grants For Felons in Wisconsin 2025
Felons in Wisconsin can qualify for the following government-funded assistance programs:
- FoodShare (Food Stamps)*
- Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF)*
- Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
- Lifeline Free phone plans
- Rent Assistance
- Badger Care Plus (Health Insurance)*
(*Apply through the Access Wisconsin portal at https://access.wi.gov/.)
FoodShare Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
In Wisconsin, the FoodShare program gives low-income residents a monthly allowance to spend on food. While the Foodshare program is open to felons, the amount you’ll get depends on your income, assets, and family size.
A single person with a gross monthly income under $2510 can get up to $292/ month.
Visit the official website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/fpl.htm.
Monthly Cash Grant For Low-Income Families
Felons with dependent children may be eligible for a monthly cash grant of up to $653 from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF).
Unlike FoodShare which can only be spent on food, TANF cash doesn’t have any usage restrictions.
The program requires participation in work-related activities, job training, or community service programs.
Visit to learn more: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/parents/w2
Grants To Help You Pay Your Bills
Apply for these Wisconsin grants for individuals to get help paying for utility bills and phone service.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
WHEAP and the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund help low-income households pay for heating and cooling. If you meet the income limits for your household size you can qualify for a grant to help you pay your energy bills.
The program runs from October 1 to May 15 each year. Funding for WHEAP is limited, so apply early before funds run out.
Lifeline Phone Plans
Low-income felons qualify for free phone calls and texts plus 4.5 GB of data/month with a Lifeline plan. Income limits based on household size apply. For example, a single-person household earning less than $23,331 will qualify.
You can learn more at: https://lifewireless.com/plans/wisconsin-lifeline-free-phone-service
Utility Grants From Nonprofits
Charities like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA can help you if you get behind on your utility bills.
Emergency payments are available to eligible Wisconsin residents (felons included) at risk of having their supply disconnected.
Call the free 2-1-1 helpline to find out how to get help.
Badger Care Plus
BadgerCare Plus is a public health insurance program for low-income residents in Wisconsin that provides access to comprehensive healthcare services. Most services are provided at little to no cost, depending on your income level.
Rent Assistance For Felons
Low-income felons who pass their Public Housing Authority (PHA) background check will qualify for rent assistance programs.
Passing the criminal background check depends on the type of offense on your record, its age, and your rehabilitation efforts.
Wait lists for rent assistance programs are common but once you get a housing voucher the amount you need to spend on rent is capped at 30% of your adjusted income.
Find your local PHA HERE.
Wisconsin Community Action Agencies
Your local community action agency is another resource that can help you find affordable housing. In addition to the numerous services on offer to low-income residents, community action agencies often own rental housing and run rent assistance programs.
For more information, visit this website: https://wiscap.org/find-an-agency-2/
Education Grants Felons Can Qualify For
Felons are eligible for federal and state education grants. Grants are awarded based on the information you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission – https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Federal Pell Grants: Get financial assistance of up to $7,395 per year to help cover the cost of a college degree or trade school certification.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: This grant provides additional funding of up to $4,000 per year for students with exceptional financial need.
Learn about federal education grants: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants
Wisconsin Grant: Maximum annual award $3,150. Eligible students include those enrolled in degree or certificate programs at the University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, and Tribal institutions.
Talent Incentive Program Grant: First-time freshmen students may qualify for a grant award of up to $1,800.
Learn about Wisconsin education grants: https://heab.state.wi.us/programs.html
Grants That Help Felons Get Back To Work in Wisconsin
Government grants support three key programs designed to help felons secure stable jobs:
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
- Federal Bonding Program
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Employers qualify for this valuable tax credit when they hire individuals with felony convictions within one year of their conviction or release from incarceration.
Your local Job Center can supply you with a letter of introduction to share with potential employers, explaining the financial benefit of hiring you.
Federal Bonding Program
This free insurance covers employers for up to $5,000 against dishonest acts by the employee, giving businesses added peace of mind when they take a chance on hiring someone with a criminal record.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
The WIOA program funds training and certification for in-demand skills in fields like healthcare, construction, technology, transportation, and manufacturing.
Many companies also partner with WIOA to provide on-the-job training programs where you can earn an income while you train.
Speak to an advisor at your local Job Center to learn more: https://jobcenterofwisconsin.com/
Get More Help From Wisconsin Reentry Providers
Project Return and JustDane are two Wisconsin reentry providers helping felons with housing, benefit programs, education, training, mentoring, and support. Small grants and micro-loans may also be available depending on your circumstances.
Project Return: https://www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org/
JustDane: https://justdane.org/journey-home/
Recent Post: