Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Wisconsin. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Wisconsin)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Wisconsin SHIP)
Wisconsin's SHIP services run through the Medigap Helpline, operated by the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care. The counselors are certified SHIP counselors who give free, unbiased help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement (Medigap), and related coverage. Statewide line: 1-800-242-1060 (weekdays). For Part D and prescription drug questions, people age 60 and older can call the Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline at 1-855-677-2783. Locally, your county or tribal Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) also has benefit specialists who help with Medicare.
Medicaid in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Medicaid system is run through ForwardHealth. Older adults usually apply for Medicaid for the Elderly, Blind, or Disabled (EBD). Apply online through ACCESS at access.wisconsin.gov, at your local county or tribal agency, or with help from your ADRC. Long-term care services are delivered through Family Care and IRIS, which you enroll in through your ADRC. Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Wisconsin's state drug program is SeniorCare, for residents age 65 and older. It charges a $30 annual enrollment fee and then helps pay for covered prescription drugs and vaccines. Copays for covered drugs are $5 for generics and $15 for brand-name drugs, after any income-based deductible or spend-down (your annual income sets your coverage level, generally targeting people at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level). You can apply the month you turn 65 or any time after, and you renew each year. Call SeniorCare Customer Service at 1-800-657-2038 or visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare. If your income is very low, also ask about Medicare Extra Help.
Energy and utility help
Wisconsin runs LIHEAP as the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), part of Wisconsin Home Energy Plus. It helps with heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations, with the heating season running roughly October 1 through May 15. Call the statewide customer care center at 1-866-432-8947 (1-866-HEATWIS), apply online at energybenefit.wi.gov, or contact your local WHEAP agency. Eligibility is based on household income at or below 60 percent of the state median income.
Property tax relief (Wisconsin)
- Wisconsin Homestead Credit (claimed on Schedule H or H-EZ with your state income tax return): a refundable credit that helps both homeowners and renters with property taxes (or rent) relative to income. You must be a full-year Wisconsin resident and, to qualify without earned income, be age 62 or older or disabled. For the 2025 claim year, household income must be under $24,680, and the maximum credit is $1,168. Because the credit is refundable, you can receive a state check even if you owe no Wisconsin income tax. Details: Wisconsin Department of Revenue, revenue.wi.gov.
- Property tax deferral loan: Wisconsin also has a deferral option that lets some older homeowners borrow against their home to pay property taxes, repaid later. A deferral places a claim against the home, so understand the terms before you sign. Ask your county or the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority about current deferral options. Wisconsin does not have a statewide senior property tax freeze, so confirm any local relief with your county treasurer.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Your county or tribal Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is the front door for home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation. ADRCs also have elder benefit specialists for adults 60 and older who give free, confidential help with FoodShare, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. Find your ADRC at dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc, through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, ask your ADRC or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wisconsin's SHIP program? Wisconsin's SHIP help is delivered through the Medigap Helpline at the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care. Free Medicare counseling at 1-800-242-1060, plus a Part D helpline for people 60+ at 1-855-677-2783.
Does Wisconsin offer senior property tax relief? Yes, through the refundable Wisconsin Homestead Credit (Schedule H/H-EZ) for residents 62+ or disabled, with 2025 household income under $24,680 and a maximum credit of $1,168. There is no statewide senior freeze, so check your county treasurer for local options.
How do Wisconsin seniors get help with prescription costs? Through SeniorCare, the state program for residents 65+, with a $30 annual fee and $5 generic / $15 brand copays. Call 1-800-657-2038.
How do Wisconsin seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Call 1-866-432-8947, apply at energybenefit.wi.gov, or dial 211.
Sources
- Wisconsin DHS, SHIP / Medigap Helpline (Board on Aging and Long-Term Care, 1-800-242-1060): https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/medigap.htm . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Wisconsin DHS, SeniorCare ($30 fee, $5/$15 copays, 1-800-657-2038): https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/index.htm and FAQs https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/faqs.htm . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Wisconsin DHS, ForwardHealth Apply for Benefits (Medicaid EBD via ACCESS): https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forwardhealth/apply.htm . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Energy and Housing, WHEAP (1-866-432-8947): https://energyandhousing.wi.gov/Pages/AgencyResources/energy-assistance.aspx . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Homestead Credit 2025 Fact Sheet (income under $24,680, max $1,168, age 62+): https://www.revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/1116hc.pdf . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Wisconsin DHS, Aging and Disability Resource Centers: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm . Verified June 7, 2026.