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The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is a federally funded program that gives some Wisconsin households an annual cash grant to help pay for home heating and cooling costs. It was created for people with low income who are having trouble paying their home energy bills.
How does the Wisconsin WHEAP program work?
Wisconsin WHEAP helps people with low income stay safe and comfortable year-round. The two main parts of this energy assistance program are Regular Benefits and Crisis Assistance.
If you qualify, the program offers financial assistance for:
- Heating, cooling, and electricity (non-heating) bills
- Weatherizing your home to save energy
- Small energy-related home repairs
- Emergency help if you're at risk of losing heat or power
WHEAP also includes HE+ Program Services. If your home heating system stops working, is unsafe, or doesn’t heat well, or your water heater, pipes, toilet, or other water parts are leaking or broken, you may get help.
Who can get help from Wisconsin WHEAP?
To get Regular Benefits from this program, you must be a Wisconsin resident and own or rent the home where you live and have limited income. The program looks at your household income and your heating costs to decide if you can participate. Wisconsin residents with income at or below 160% of the state median income are eligible for WHEAP.
Qualifying for WHEAP does not mean you will get money. Each year, there is only so much WHEAP money to go around. That means only some of the people who qualify will get help—about 1 out of every 5 households.
That’s why it is important to apply as soon as you can, before the application deadline. The sooner you apply, the better your chance of getting help.
Crisis Assistance and HE+ Program Services are extra help for people who have an emergency with their energy bills or other needs. You must apply through your local WHEAP office, and they will decide if you qualify. Even if you do qualify, help is not guaranteed.
What decides my WHEAP benefit amount?
Regular Benefits help pay for heating costs during the cold season. They do not pay the whole bill—just some of it. This help is only for the current heating season or program year.
How much help you get from regular WHEAP depends on things like:
- How much money your state has for the program
- How much money your household makes
- What kind of fuel you use (like gas or electric)
- How many rooms are in your home
- How much you usually pay for heat
- What kind of home you live in (like apartment or house)
You can only get Regular Electric (PB) Benefits if your utility company is part of the State Public Benefits program. The amount of help you get depends on how much money your state has for the program, your household income, and how much you usually pay for electricity that is not used for heating.
The amount you get for Crisis Assistance and HE+ Program Services depends on your unique situation and if there is money available.
How do I apply for Wisconsin WHEAP?
To get help from WHEAP, you need to fill out a form called the HE+ Application. You must apply through a local WHEAP office in your county or tribe, or you can apply online.
Every county and six tribes in Wisconsin have a WHEAP office that can help you apply. Visit this website and click on your county on the map to see a list of resources in your area.
What happens after I apply for Wisconsin WHEAP?
After you apply for Wisconsin WHEAP, a caseworker will look at your income, household size, and energy use to see if you qualify. You may need to turn in more papers like your utility bill or proof of income.
If you are approved, you will get a letter telling you how much help you will get, and WHEAP will usually send the money straight to your energy company. Watch your bill for changes. If you do not hear back in a few weeks, call your local WHEAP office.
How can I get help with my application?
There are several ways to get help applying for WHEAP. You can:
- Call the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program at 1-866-432-8947 or find energy assistance resources in your county.
- Ask a trusted family member or friend.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.
- NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.
What if I cannot get help from WHEAP?
If Wisconsin WHEAP cannot help you, there are other things you can try:
1. Talk to your utility company
Call and tell them you are having trouble paying your energy bills. They may have a program to help people with low income. Some offer lower rates or payment plans.
2. Look for other assistance programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin may have other programs that help people pay their energy bills. Ask around or find energy assistance resources in your county.
3. Call a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)
These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to help them afford food, health care, and energy bills. Click here to see if there is a BEC in your area.
