WDVA Bulletin 1115: Subsistence and Health Care Aid Poverty Guidelines

March 20, 2026 - Madison, WI

WDVA Bulletin No. 1115

TO: County and Tribal Veterans Service Offices

SUBJECT: Subsistence and Health Care Aid Poverty Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) in the Federal Register for 2026. These guidelines govern the income limits for the Subsistence and Health Care Aid grant programs. Except in limited circumstances, the maximum income limit to qualify for these grants is 200% of the FPG. The new income limits are listed in the table below.

In accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code VA 2.01(2)(a)(4) and VA 2.01(3m)(a)(4), applicants must apply for all aid offered through or administered by the county before WDVA will initiate the process for determining an applicant’s eligibility for the Subsistence and Health Care Aid grants. This includes all county medical programs. Please include a current eligibility notice from the county with all Subsistence and Health
Care Aid grant applications.

For questions regarding the grant program, please call 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387) and ask to speak with the Grants section or submit an email to VetsBenefitsGrants@dva.wisconsin.gov.