You or someone you know may be eligible for help with home heating bills. The Wisconsin Home Energy Plus Program provides energy assistance to help
customers pay for winter heating. The amount of heating assistance benefit depends on the household's size, income and heating costs.
Income qualification is currently based on 60 percent of the state median income level during the past month. Apply online at energybenefit.wi.gov.
Who's eligible
You may qualify for assistance if your gross income for the last month is less than the amount shown below for your family size.
60% of state median income guidelines
Family size |
Monthly income |
1 |
$2,490.08 |
2 |
$3,256.33 |
3 |
$4,022.50 |
4 |
$4,788.67 |
5 |
$5,554.83 |
6 |
$6,321.00 |
7 |
$6,464.67 |
8 |
$6,608.33 |
A few notes about energy assistance:
- It's a one-time yearly benefit payment
- Benefits are normally available Oct. 1 to 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, these assistance programs are also available:
- Electric assistance (nonheating) helps eligible households pay a portion
of nonheating 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
nonemergency 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 the energy assistance eligibility guidelines,
you may also qualify for assistance in caulking, weather stripping and insulation.
For more information about applying for energy or weatherization assistance, contact the agency in your county or the Wisconsin Home Energy Plus Program at
866-432-8947 (866-HEAT-WIS).
If you are having trouble paying your bills, apply for energy assistance online at energybenefit.wi.gov or call us at 800-450-7260.