Madison
Ask about Madison
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Madison and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Madison
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
State office
Capital Consortium Benefits Office
1819 Aberg Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Help here
- FoodShare and health benefitsApply for or manage FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, and other benefits.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dhs.wisconsin.gov
Housing help · City office
Madison Community Development Authority Housing
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 161, Madison, WI 53703
Help here
- Public housing and housing vouchersGet information about public housing, Section 8 vouchers, applications, and wait lists.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Utilities · City office
Madison Municipal Services Billing
119 E. Olin Ave., Madison, WI 53713
Help here
- MadCAP utility bill creditEligible households can apply for a monthly credit of up to $30 on their municipal services bill.Apply online
- Municipal bill payment helpGet help with questions or in-person payments for a Madison Municipal Services bill.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Local office · City office
City of Madison Contact
Help here
- Contact city servicesFind contact details for city departments and ask about city services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Local office · City office
Department of Civil Rights
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 100, Madison, WI 53703
Help here
- Equal opportunity complaintsAsk about discrimination complaints and equal opportunity protections in Madison.Apply onlineRead more
- Language accessRequest free interpretation or translation help when using city services.
- Neighborhood Resource TeamsShare neighborhood concerns with city staff working with residents and community groups.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Human services · City office
Community Development Division
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53703
Help here
- Child care tuition assistanceEligible Madison families can apply for help paying child care costs.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Older adults · City office
Madison Senior Center
330 W. Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703
Help here
- Older adult programs and resourcesFind programs, events, and community resources for older adults.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Local office · City office
Neighborhood Programs and Services
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 017, Madison, WI 53703
Help here
- Neighborhood programsFind neighborhood grants, community gardens, block party permits, and other local programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Jobs and training · State office
Dane County Job Center
1819 Aberg Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Help here
- Job and workforce servicesFind local help with job searches, employment services, and workforce training.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on wisconsinjobcenter.org
State office
Wisconsin DMV Madison East Service Center
2001 Bartillon Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Help here
- Driver licensing and identificationVisit this DMV service center for driver license and state identification services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on trust.dot.state.wi.us
State office
Wisconsin DMV Madison Southwest Service Center
2344 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53713
Help here
- Driver licensing and identificationVisit this DMV service center for driver license and state identification services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on trust.dot.state.wi.us
Library · City office
Madison Public Library
201 W. Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703
Help here
- Library servicesUse library collections, public computers, programs, and neighborhood library locations.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madisonpubliclibrary.org
Local office · City office
Metro Transit
1245 E. Washington Ave., Suite 201, Madison, WI 53703
Help here
- Half-price faresEligible youth, older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes can get half-price fares.Apply onlineRead more
- ParatransitLearn about accessible rides for riders who qualify for paratransit service.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Parks and recreation · City office
Madison Parks Division
330 E. Lakeside St., Madison, WI 53715
Help here
- Parks and recreationFind city parks, recreation activities, reservations, and seasonal programs.
- Goodman Pool pass scholarshipEligible residents can apply for a discount on a Goodman Pool season pass.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on madison.gov
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Madison first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Food pantry
Grace Food Pantry
Grace Episcopal Church
2.4 miles from the center of Madison116 West Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703
Hours
- Tue1 PM to 3 PM
- Wed1 PM to 3 PM
- Thu1 PM to 3 PM
- Sat10 AM to 12 PM (1st and 3rd of the month)
What to bring: Information for each household member and proof of Wisconsin address are required
Listed on gracechurchmadison.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Luke House
3.2 miles from the center of Madison310 South Ingersoll Street, Madison, WI 53703
Hours
- Mon11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Lunch; 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM. Dinner
- Tue11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Lunch; 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM. Dinner
- Wed11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Lunch; 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM. Dinner
- Thu11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Lunch; 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM. Dinner
- Sun5:45 PM to 6:30 PM. Dinner
Listed on lukehousemadison.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Madison
3.3 miles from the center of Madison2033 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53713
Hours
- Mon10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Tue10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Thu2:30 PM to 6 PM
- Fri10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Who can come: Dane County residents
What to bring: One household member must show a valid ID
Listed on svdpmadison.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Lussier Community Education Center Food Pantry
Lussier Community Education Center
4 miles from the center of Madison55 S Gammon Rd, Madison, WI 53717
Hours
- Wed7 PM to 8 PM
- Sat11 AM to 12 PM
Who can come: Anyone in need
What to bring: No ID or proof of address is required
Listed on lcecmadison.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Extended Hands Pantry
4.3 miles from the center of Madison6402 Schroeder Rd, Madison, WI 53711
Hours
- Mon2 PM to 6 PM
- Tue2 PM to 6 PM
- Fri10 AM to 1 PM
Who can come: Anyone from Dane County
Languages: Spanish
Listed on extendedhandspantry.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Lakeview Food Pantry
Lakeview Lutheran Church
4.3 miles from the center of Madison4001 Mandrake Road, Madison, WI 53704
Hours
- Mon4 PM to 6 PM. During daylight saving time; 2 PM to 4 PM. Outside daylight saving time
Listed on lakeviewlutheranchurch.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Madison
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
2802 Dairy Drive, Madison, WI 53718
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc.
4101 E Towne Blvd, Madison, WI 53704-3731
Listed on dcf.wisconsin.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Dane County
Madison is in Dane County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Dane County Department of Human Services
1202 Northport Dr., Madison, WI 53704
Help here
- Economic and family assistanceGet help applying for food, health care, child care, utility, and housing assistance.Read more
- Immigration AffairsGet support and connections to services for immigrant and refugee residents.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on danecountyhumanservices.org
Public health · County office
Public Health Madison & Dane County WIC Program
2705 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Help here
- Women, Infants & Children nutrition programGet nutrition help and food benefits for eligible pregnant people, infants, and children.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on publichealthmdc.com
Child support · County office
Dane County Child Support Agency
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 365, Madison, WI 53703
Help here
- Child support servicesGet help establishing parentage and support orders or reviewing child support obligations.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on childsupport.danecounty.gov
State office
Capital Consortium Dane County Benefits Office
1819 Aberg Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Help here
- FoodShare, Medicaid, and BadgerCare PlusVisit or call to apply for, renew, or ask questions about FoodShare, Medicaid, and BadgerCare Plus.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dhs.wisconsin.gov
Housing help · County office
Dane County Housing Authority
2917 International Lane, Suite 201, Madison, WI 53704
Help here
- Housing Choice Voucher programGet information about the authority’s rental assistance and housing voucher programs.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dcha.net
Public health · County office
Public Health Madison & Dane County
2705 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Help here
- Public health servicesFind county public health services and health information for residents.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on publichealthmdc.com
Wisconsin programs by kind of help
These are run by Wisconsin and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way 211 of Dane County
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988