La Crosse County Human Services

The goal of Wisconsin Works (W-2) is to provide necessary and appropriate services to prepare individuals to work, and to obtain and maintain viable, self-sustaining employment, which will promote economic growth. W-2 is designed to ensure that everyone in Wisconsin shares in our economic opportunities.

You may qualify for W-2 if:

You are a custodial parent with minor children

You are at least 18 years of age

You are a United States citizen or qualified alien

You have not quit or refused employment within the previous 180 days without good cause

You are not receiving SSI/SSDI

W-2 does provide a cash payment depending on placement within W-2. The maximum payment is $673 per month. W-2 is a time limited program. No one may be on any placement for more than 24 months or W-2 for more than 60 months. This would include the receipt of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) in other States.

If placed on W-2 you would be expected to participate in up to 40 hours of activity per week. Activities could include a work site, job search, workshops or classes.

To apply for W-2 you must be screened in person. Come to La Crosse County Economic Support, 300 4th St N, La Crosse, WI.

Job Access Loan - Job Access Loans (JAL) are short-term loans designed to meet expenses related to obtaining or maintaining employment. JALs are designed for an individual needing assistance because of a discrete financial crisis that cannot be resolved with personal resources and other funding sources are not available or have been exhausted. This crisis, if unresolved, could develop into a long-term problem in which the individual may become dependent upon a W-2 employment position. There is no entitlement to a JAL. The W-2 agency has sole discretion in determining and authorizing JALs. In administering JALs, the FEP (Financial & Employment Planner) must determine not only the appropriate amount needed but also if the applicant has an acceptable repayment plan, as well as balance and prioritize other JAL applications.

To apply for a Job Access loan, you must apply in person at La Crosse County Economic Support, 300 4th St N, La Crosse, WI.

Emergency Assistance for the homeless – provides up to $150 per person for persons with minor children in the household and are homeless or have an eviction or foreclosure notice. The emergency must be due to fire, flood, natural disaster, energy crisis, homelessness or impending homelessness.

To apply for emergency assistance for the homeless, you must apply in person at La Crosse County Economic Support, 300 4th St N, La Crosse, WI.