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In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Administration (DOA) has adjusted the eligibility requirements for residents who are seeking heating and electric assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).

Eligibility is now based on the household’s previous month of income, rather than the former requirement of the previous three months of income. This move was made to ensure those who are recently affected by the COVID-19 response are able to receive assistance quickly. Eligibility requirements are available below. 

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. Operating with federal and state funding, the program provides assistance to households across the state to help lower the burden incurred with monthly energy costs.

Most types of fuel are eligible to receive assistance. Whether you use wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, or fuel oil to heat your home, energy assistance is available if you qualify.

Heating Assistance

WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season. The funding pays a portion of the heating costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of heating a residence. The amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy costs. In most cases the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier.

Electric Assistance

Your household may be eligible to receive a payment for non-heating electric energy costs through funding provided by Wisconsin’s Public Benefits.

WHEAP electric (non-heating) assistance is a one-time benefit payment during the heating season. The funding pays a portion of the household’s electrical (non-heating) costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of the non-heating costs.

The amount of the non-heating assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and non-heating costs. In most cases the non-heating assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier.

Crisis Assistance

A household may be eligible for crisis assistance if you are experiencing an energy emergency. Crisis assistance is available through local WHEAP agencies that provide a 24-hour crisis phone number to help with emergencies that occur after business hours. Crisis assistance is intended to provide emergency and/or preventative services to assist eligible households experiencing an energy emergency.

Non-emergency or preventative crisis services are also available and include providing information on how to reduce fuel costs, counseling on budgeting and money management, providing payments to a fuel supplier, and co-pay agreements.

Furnace Assistance

WHEAP emergency heating system assistance can provide services to eligible home owners if the furnace or boiler stops operating during the heating season. Heating system assistance includes payment for repairs, or in some situations your residence may qualify for a total replacement of a non-operating furnace or boiler. Call the local energy assistance office immediately if you are experiencing a no heat situation.

How to Apply

Your household may be eligible for Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) services based on a number of factors. However, if the gross income for your household is less than the amount shown on the following chart, you might be eligible to receive assistance. Households must complete a Home Energy Plus application through the local WHEAP agency or apply online via: https://energybenefit.wi.gov/.

For more information on the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and how to apply, please call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947), or visit the “Where to Apply” tab on http://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov to find your local energy assistance agency. You may also apply online at https://energybenefit.wi.gov/.

Income Guidelines For The 2020-2021 Home Energy Plus Program Year (9/01/2020 through 9/30/2021)

60 Percent Of State Median Income Guidelines

Household size 1, one month income, $2,490.09, annual income, $29,881. Household size 2, one month income, $3,256.33, annual income, $39,076. Household size 3, one month income, $4,022.50, annual income, $48,270. Household size 4, one month income, $4,788.67, annual income, $57,464. Household size five, one month income, $5,554.83, annual income, $66,658. Household size six, one month income, $6,321.00, annual income, $75,852. Household size seven, one month income, $6,464.67, annual income, $77,576. Household size eight, one month income, $6,608.33, annual income, $79,300.