Money and help
Credits, bill help, and benefits people often don’t know to ask for, plus food, health, and housing help.
Money you might be missing
Answer any of these to see credits, bill help, and benefits worth checking. Your answers aren’t saved or sent anywhere.
Programs show up here as you answer. Each one links to the agency that decides who qualifies.
Programs the screener checks
Lottery and gaming credit
Lowers the property tax on a home the owner lived in on January 1. It isn’t automatic: an application has to be on file.
Who it’s for: Owners who lived in the home as their primary residence on January 1. Renters don’t qualify.
How to check your bill and applySource: City Treasurer lottery and gaming credit questions
Homestead credit
A Wisconsin credit of up to $1,168 that returns part of the rent or property tax you paid. You can also claim past years, and free tax sites can prepare it for you.
Who it’s for: Renters and owners with household income under $24,680 who have earned income, a disability, or are 62 or older.
Who qualifies and how to fileSource: Wisconsin DOR homestead credit questions
Energy assistance
Help paying heating and electric bills, through Milwaukee County’s program. Benefits aren’t guaranteed. When a year’s funds run out, no more are issued.
Who it’s for: Milwaukee County households with income at or below 60% of the state median: $39,864 a year for one person, $76,661 for four (2026–2027).
How to applySource: Wisconsin DEHCR energy assistance income guidelines
FoodShare
Monthly food benefits on a card you use at grocery stores. Apply through Wisconsin ACCESS, which also covers health care and child care programs.
Who it’s for: Households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level: $2,660 a month for one person, $5,500 for four (2026–2027). Some older or disabled members have different limits.
Rent help and eviction prevention
Mediation, referrals, and legal help if you’re behind on rent. Direct rent assistance from Community Advocates has been paused for new applications since January 7, 2026, except for tenants facing a placard, a fire, or domestic violence.
Who it’s for: Tenants who are behind on rent or facing eviction. Each program sets its own rules.
Find rental helpSource: Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center
Rides for older adults
Volunteer drivers from Eras Senior Network are free, and OATS rides cost $5 each way for medical and dental rides.
Who it’s for: Milwaukee County residents 60 and older
Compare ride programsSource: Milwaukee County older adult transportation
WisGo reduced fare card
Rides on any MCTS bus for $1.25 each, with daily, weekly, and monthly caps.
Who it’s for: Riders 65 and older, children 6 to 11, people enrolled in Medicare or Transit Plus, and people with a qualifying disability
Transit Plus
Rides anywhere in Milwaukee County for $4 each way after you apply and are approved.
Who it’s for: People whose physical or cognitive disability prevents them from using regular buses. Apply and be approved first.
How Transit Plus worksSource: Milwaukee County older adult transportation