Wisconsin Heating Energy Assistance Program
More people may now qualify for WHEAP
The state of Wisconsin has announced changes in income guidelines for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), making it possible for more people to qualify for help paying their energy bills. Apply early to make sure you don't miss out on your benefits.
Until recently, the income of households hoping to qualify for WHEAP assistance was based on federal guidelines, with income over a three-month period not to exceed 150% of the poverty income level. Starting with the 2009 heating season, federal guidelines are dropped and income-qualification will now be based on 60% of state median income level over the same three-month period.
For limited-income families in Wisconsin, that 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 | $5,859.00 |
| 2 | 7,661.00 |
| 3 | 9,464.00 |
| 4 | 11,267.00 |
| 5 | 13,069.00 |
| 6 | 14,872.00 |
| 7 | 15,210.00 |
| 8 | 15,548.00 |
For each additional person, add $1,350.
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.
Focus on Energy
If you're interested in finding out about additional assistance programs available to Wisconsin residents, contact Focus on Energy at 800-762-7077 or visit www.focusonenergy.com.
| 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 Office | 715-478-7206 | |
| Mole Lake/Sokaogon Chippewa Tribe | 715-478-7600 | |
| Oneida Nation Social Services | 920-490-6800 or 888-216-3216 | |
Contact Us
WPS wants to help you lower your monthly energy bills — and we can do that by showing you how to use less energy without giving up any of your comfort or conveniences. We encourage you to enroll in Budget Billing, which spreads your energy charges out evenly over 12 months, helping you better manage energy costs. If you think you may experience payment difficulties this winter, call us early at 800-450-7260, so we can help.