COVID-19 Response

Human Services

This is a collection of resources to help individuals and families deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some services are provided through the Dane County Human Services Department, through state and federal programs. Other services are organized by community organizations. Regardless of who operates the program, our focus is on getting you the resources you need.

Unemployment

There is expanded eligibility for Unemployment Benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's site for more information.
View DWD's Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-related unemployment policies
For help with online services, call (414) 435-7069 or toll-free (844) 910-3661.

Apply For Unemployment

Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance is a one-time payment to help low-income parents pay an emergency housing or utility-related expense.

Apply online at www.access.wisconsin.gov or download the application and email the completed application to: emergency.assistance@countyofdane.com
Phone number: (608) 242-7458

More Information

School District Meals

Some School Districts in Dane County are providing free meals for children under 18 at several locations, Monday through Friday

View Meal Locations and Times

Community Food Resources

Several Community Partners are offering food resources at several locations around Dane County.

View Locations and Times

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program

WIC Program works to improve the health of women, infants and children who may be nutritionally at risk by providing healthy foods, health information, and referrals to health care.

The WIC Program provides:

Education about nutrition
Education and support for breastfeeding
Healthy foods to supplement your diet
Referral to other services

More information

FoodShare, BadgerCare/Medicaid, and Child Care

FoodShare provides people with money to buy the food they need.
BadgerCare/Medicaid are programs to provide health care coverage to certain groups of Wisconsin residents.
Wisconsin Shares (Child Care Subsidy Program) supports low-income working families by subsidizing a portion of the cost of quality child care so parents may work, go to school, or participate in approved training programs.
For eligibility in all of these programs visit: https://access.wisconsin.gov/access/ or call 1 (888) 794-5556.

Apply

W2 (Wisconsin Works)

W-2 is a program that provides employment preparation services, case management, and cash assistance to eligible families.

To determine if you are eligible, visit www.access.wisconsin.gov or call the W-2 Eligibility Call Center: 1-855-733-1311

United Way 2-1-1

United Way 2-1-1 provides a free and confidential service that helps find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dial 2-1-1 on your phone or visit: 211wisconsin.org

Mental Health Services

Journey Mental Health operates a crisis line. Journey is a local provide that deals with a broad spectrum of mental health services. Call (608) 280-2600.
The National Suicide Prevention Line is also available: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433): Veterans Press 1, En Espanol Oprima El 2 Education and support for breastfeeding
Local recovery groups are available for to support sobriety from drugs and alcohol:

More Information

Housing Assistance

Homeless Services Consortium, City of Madison, and Dane County are coordinating efforts to provide services to homeless individuals during the pandemic.
Tenant Resource Center promotes positive relations between housing tenants and landlords and has information and resources for renters during the pandemic.

More Information

Job Center

The Dane County Job Center will be closed to the public until further notice, except by appointment. Customers can call (608) 242-7429 to make appointments for mail pick-up or benefits.
For an appointment, enter at 1801 Aberg Avenue, wear a mask or cloth face covering and follow marked signage related to movement through the space. A mask will be provided if needed. Three customers maximum are allowed in the lobby at this time. Temperature checks will be conducted upon entry. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 will not be admitted and asked to seek services virtually.
Information and applications continue to be taken over the phone and online as described above. This continues to be our most efficient way to serve you.

Partner Agencies - Currently Not Open:

Housing Helpdesk: Please contact (608) 826-8093
DVR: Please contact (608) 261-0050
FSET: Please contact (608) 440-2239
Covering WI: For marketplace assistance please contact (608) 261-1455 or www.coveringwi.org/enroll

There is currently no job search or workshops available at the Job Center.

There is currently no child care available at the Job Center (for W-2 appointments only).

The Unemployment Office is not located at the Job Center. Please contact (844) 910-3661 or https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov

Aging and Disability Resource Center

The ADRC is closed to the general public until further notice. However all services will be offered virtually. Information and applications continue to be taken over the phone at 608-240-7400 or Toll-Free at 855-417-6892 or by email to: ADRC@countyofdane.com.