Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)

Quick Facts

• Program focus: WHEAP pays part of winter heating costs, provides electric assistance, and offers crisis intervention and furnace repair services to keep Wisconsin households safe during extreme weather.
• Administration: The Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) manages WHEAP through county human service agencies, tribal governments, and community action partners.
• Benefit range: Typical heating benefits range from $250 to $800, with higher amounts for high-cost fuels or large households. Electric assistance can add $200–$400. Crisis and furnace grants may total over $1,200.
• Climate reality: Wisconsin winters feature subzero temperatures, lake-effect snow, and high wind chills. Reliable heat is essential to prevent frostbite, frozen pipes, and health emergencies.
• Seasonal timeline: Apply between October 1 and May 15 for heating benefits. Crisis services operate year-round, addressing emergencies such as disconnections, fuel shortages, and broken furnaces.

Program Overview

WHEAP is Wisconsin’s implementation of LIHEAP and Public Benefits funding. It covers four main components:

1. Heating Assistance: A one-time payment based on household size, income, fuel type, and energy costs. Paid directly to the energy vendor.
2. Electric Assistance: Helps households with electric bills even if electricity is not the primary heating source.
3. Crisis Assistance: Provides funds to stop disconnections, refill fuel tanks, or secure temporary shelter during no-heat situations.
4. Furnace Assistance: Repairs or replaces unsafe heating systems for eligible homeowners.

Benefits are not loans and do not need to be repaid. WHEAP also coordinates with Focus on Energy efficiency programs and the Weatherization Assistance Program to reduce future energy use.

Eligibility Criteria

Households qualify if their gross income is at or below 60% of Wisconsin’s state median income. For the 2024-2025 season, a family of four can earn roughly $64,000 annually. WHEAP counts income received in the 30 days before application (or 12 months if more representative).

Applicants must:

• Live in Wisconsin and occupy the dwelling as their primary residence.
• Be responsible for paying heating or electric costs (renters whose utilities are included in rent may qualify if rent exceeds 30% of income).
• Provide Social Security numbers or immigration documentation for all household members.
• Submit current energy bills, fuel receipts, or landlord statements.
• Provide photo ID for the primary applicant and proof of income for all members.

Priority is given to households with seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children. Tribal members may apply through tribal energy assistance offices or county agencies.

Benefit Calculation

WHEAP uses a benefit matrix considering:

• Income level relative to poverty and state median income.
• Fuel type (propane, heating oil, natural gas, electric, wood, etc.).
• Dwelling type and energy efficiency.
• Energy burden (cost vs. income) and payment history.

Heating benefits usually cover a percentage of annual heating costs, ranging from 20% to 80%. Electric assistance is calculated separately. Crisis benefits cover actual costs needed to stop disconnection or supply fuel, up to program limits. Furnace assistance pays for emergency repair or replacement when the equipment is unsafe or inoperable.

Application Process

1. Contact your local WHEAP agency via the county energy assistance office, tribal office, or the statewide hotline (1-866-432-8947).
2. Schedule an appointment or apply online through the Energy Assistance Application Portal.
3. Gather required documentation: IDs, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills, rental agreements, and crisis notices.
4. Complete the application—either online, by phone, or in person—providing full household information and consent forms.
5. Attend the interview if required. Caseworkers verify data, discuss energy usage, and screen for related programs.
6. Sign vendor release forms so agencies can communicate with utilities.
7. Receive approval notice within 30 days. Benefits are paid directly to vendors and appear as credits on bills.
8. Request crisis or furnace aid by calling the hotline whenever emergencies arise.

Maximizing Support

• Apply early in October to ensure benefits post before peak winter bills.
• Enroll in budget billing programs like We Energies’ Budget Billing or Xcel Energy’s Averaged Monthly Payment. WHEAP payments reduce the amount owed under these plans.
• Combine with Focus on Energy for insulation, smart thermostats, and appliance rebates to lower future consumption.
• Request weatherization services for insulation, air sealing, and furnace tune-ups. WHEAP households receive priority.
• Document medical needs. Provide letters if someone relies on medical devices requiring electricity. Utilities may grant medical holds during crises.
• Track usage using utility portals to identify spikes. Adjust thermostat settings and adopt energy-saving habits to stretch benefits.
• Coordinate with landlords when utilities are included in rent. Submit the Energy Burden Affidavit showing rent exceeds 30% of income.

Crisis Strategies

When facing disconnection or fuel shortage:

• Call your local WHEAP agency or 1-866-HEAT-WIS immediately.
• Provide the disconnection notice, account number, and any payment arrangement information.
• Ask the utility for a hold while WHEAP processes payment.
• Use community resources—Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, local churches—for interim support.
• If your furnace fails, contact WHEAP’s furnace hotline. Contractors typically respond within 24 hours to restore heat.

Common Challenges

• Missing documents: Bring all required paperwork. If you lack Social Security cards, request verification from the SSA.
• Utility account not in applicant’s name: Provide proof of responsibility (lease, canceled checks) or add your name to the account.
• Late crisis requests: Do not wait until the disconnection date. Submit requests as soon as you receive a notice.
• Moving mid-season: Notify WHEAP so benefits can transfer. Provide new bills and landlord information.
• Self-employment income: Prepare profit-and-loss statements and bank records to document earnings accurately.

Appeals and Rights

If denied or awarded a lower benefit than expected, request a fair hearing within 45 days. Hearings are managed by the Division of Hearings and Appeals. You have the right to representation, interpretation services, and access to your case file. Report discrimination or service issues to DEHCR.

Example Households

• Senior homeowner in Wausau: Receives $750 heating benefit, $250 electric credit, and furnace replacement after a heat exchanger crack is discovered.
• Single parent in Milwaukee: Uses crisis funds to stop disconnection and enrolls in energy coaching that reduces monthly usage by 15%.
• Farmworker family in Door County: Applies in Spanish, receives $600 heating benefit and weatherization upgrades, including attic insulation and LED lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I rent an apartment with heat included? Yes, if rent exceeds 30% of income or you pay separately for electric service. Submit the landlord verification form.

Does WHEAP cover wood or pellets? Yes. Provide receipts or vendor contacts. WHEAP can issue vouchers for approved suppliers.

How often can I receive crisis assistance? Typically two crisis grants per season, but availability depends on funding.

Will benefits affect FoodShare or BadgerCare Plus? No. WHEAP payments are not counted as income and can increase your standard utility allowance for FoodShare.

Is there summer cooling assistance? Wisconsin may offer limited cooling funds during extreme heat events for medically vulnerable households. Provide medical documentation to request support.

Additional Resources

• WHEAP portal: https://energyandhousing.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/WholeHomeEnergyAssistanceProgram.aspx
• 1-866-HEAT-WIS statewide hotline.
• Focus on Energy efficiency programs.
• Weatherization Assistance Program contact directory.
• Legal Action of Wisconsin for appeals support.

By staying organized, applying early, and coordinating with utility providers and community partners, Wisconsin households can harness WHEAP to maintain safe indoor temperatures, reduce debt, and build long-term energy resilience.