Emergency Assistance What is Emergency Assistance? Emergency Assistance is a one-time payment that can help low-income parents pay an emergency housing or utility-related expense. Who can receive Emergency Assistance? Low income individuals who have at least one child in the house and are facing an emergency can receive Emergency Assistance. An emergency could be due to: • Fire, flood, or natural disaster; • Homelessness or impending homelessness, or • Energy crisis. To be eligible for an Emergency Assistance payment, you must not have received an Emergency Assistance payment in the past 12 months. A worker at the W-2 Agency will determine if you are eligible.  What can I use an Emergency Assistance payment for? Emergency Assistance payments can be used to: • Pay a utility bill if your heat, electricity, sewer, or water service has been stopped; • Pay a security deposit on a new apartment if you have been evicted; or • Stop an eviction from your current apartment. How do I apply for Emergency Assistance? You must apply for Emergency Assistance at your local Wisconsin Works (W-2) Agency. Please visit the “ Find a W-2 Agency ” page for contact information.   What should I bring with me when I apply for Emergency Assistance? This  brochure   provides you with a checklist of what to bring with you when you apply for Emergency Assistance. Emergency Assistance is part of the W-2 column. Wisconsin Works (W-2) Wisconsin Works (W-2) is Wisconsin’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. What is W-2? W-2 is a time-limited program that provides temporary cash assistance and case management services to low-income parents and pregnant women. W-2 is a work program for adults willing to engage in work activities; it is not an entitlement. Read the  W-2 Benefits and Services   brochure. Who can participate in W-2? Low-income parents and pregnant women may participate in W-2. Both you and your child's other parent may be eligible for W-2, even if your child only lives with you. What is the purpose of W-2? W-2 can help you gain the skills you need to get a job and provide for your family. If you have a disability, a worker at a W-2 agency can help you apply for disability-related benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Lastly, if you are a pregnant woman, W-2 can provide cash assistance and case management services. A worker at the W-2 Agency determines if you are eligible for W-2. Read about the W-2 Philosophy and Goals. What services are offered through W-2? W-2 provides: Case management services; Vocational education and training; Assistance with searching for housing, child care, and employment; Assistance applying for SSI/SSDI; and Work experience, through supervised worksites. Do I have to work to get cash assistance? You are required to participate in work, or activities to help you get ready to work, in exchange for cash assistance. A worker at the W-2 Agency will determine which activities are appropriate for you and if you need additional services to participate. How do I apply for W-2? You must apply for W-2 at your local W-2 Agency. Please visit the “ Find a W-2 Agency ” page for contact information. What should I bring with me when I apply for W-2? This  brochure   provides you with a checklist of what to bring with you to apply for W-2. How do I know if I might be eligible for W-2? The  ACCESS website   has an interactive interview that can help determine if you might be eligible for W-2. You must apply at your local W-2 Agency even if you complete the ACCESS interview. I am a minor parent. What services are available to me through W-2? W-2 provides services specific to minor parents. Read about  Minor Parent Services . I am a parent, but my children don't live with me. What services are available to me through W-2? If your children don't live with you, you are considered a noncustodial parent. Wisconsin offers many services to help low-income noncustodial parents become self-sufficient and able to pay child support. Read about  Noncustodial Parent Services .