Wisconsin Energy Assistance
Programs For 2011-2012
You or someone you know may be eligible for help with home heating bills. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is a federally-funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home heating costs. The amount of heating assistance benefit depends on the household's size, income and heating costs.
Prior to the 2009 heating season, income of households hoping to qualify for WHEAP assistance was based on federal guidelines, where income over a three-month period could not exceed 150% of the poverty income level. Since then, federal guidelines have been dropped, and income qualification is currently based on 60% of the state median income level over the same three-month period. For limited-income families in Wisconsin, this means being allowed to claim as much as 35% more income, without jeopardizing the chance to qualify for assistance.
Who's Eligible
You may qualify for assistance if your gross income for the last three months is less than the amount shown below for your family size.
| Household Size | 60% of State Median Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $6,080 |
| 2 | $7,950 |
| 3 | $9,821 |
| 4 | $11,692 |
| 5 | $13,563 |
| 6 | $15,433 |
| 7 | $15,784 |
| 8 | $16,135 |
A few notes about WHEAP energy assistance:
- It's a one-time yearly benefit payment
- Benefits are normally available between October 1 and May 15
- You do not have to pay the money back
- It is not intended to cover the entire cost of heating your home
- Your heating assistance benefit may be sent directly to your fuel supplier
In addition to energy assistance, WHEAP provides the following assistance programs:
- Electric Assistance (Non-Heating) helps eligible households pay a portion of non-heating electric energy costs.
- Crisis Assistance provides assistance to households that have no heat, received a disconnect notice from their heating fuel dealer, or are nearly out of heating fuel and do not have any way to pay for their heating needs. Proactive non-emergency assistance is also available through the entire year to avoid future emergencies.
Winter Weatherization Program
In these difficult economic times, improving your home's energy efficiency can make a big difference. If you meet WHEAP income eligibility guidelines, you may also qualify for assistance in caulking, weather-stripping and insulation.
| County | Agency | Telephone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Brown | Integrated Community Solutions | 920-498-3737 |
| Calumet | Dept. of Human Services | 920-849-1622 |
| Door | Door County Job Center | 920-743-7273 |
| Florence | Dept. of Human Services | 715-528-3475 |
| Fond du Lac | Energy Services, Inc. | 800-506-5596 |
| Forest | NEWCAP | 715-478-3871 |
| Kewaunee | Dept. of Human Services | 920-388-3777 |
| Langlade | Dept. of Human Services | 715-627-6500 |
| Lincoln | Dept. of Human Services | 715-536-6200 |
| Manitowoc | Dept. of Human Services | 920-683-2888 |
| Marathon | Energy Services, Inc. | 715-842-3111 |
| Marinette | Dept. of Human Services | 715-732-7740 |
| Oconto | Dept. of Human Services | 920-834-7000 or 920-834-7038 |
| Oneida | Dept. of Human Services | 715-362-5695 |
| Outagamie | Energy Services, Inc. | 800-506-5596 |
| Portage | Energy Services, Inc. | 715-344-5999 |
| Shawano | Dept. of Human Services | 715-526-4740 |
| Sheboygan | Dept. of Human Services | 920-459-3207 or 800-596-1919 |
| Vilas | Dept. of Human Services | 715-479-3668 |
| Waupaca | Energy Services, Inc. | 800-922-2393 |
| Winnebago | Energy Services, Inc. | 800-506-5596 |
| Tribal | ||
| Lac du Flambeau Tribal Office | 715-588-4235 | |
| Potawatomi Tribal | Please contact your local Energy Assistance office. | |
| Mole Lake/Sokaogon Chippewa Tribe | 715-478-7600 | |
| Oneida Nation Social Services | 920-490-6800 | |
Contact Us
If you are having trouble paying your bills, please call us at 800-450-7260.