There are plenty of reasons you may need some relief. From the challenges of losing your job to unexpected health issues to rising costs. We can help you find solutions.
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) helps with heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. The program uses federal and state funding to support about 225,000 Wisconsin families every year. We all pay into WHEAP, so it’s your money to use if you qualify. No matter how you heat your home (electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil), or what type of support you need, help is available.
When you qualify for WHEAP, you become eligible for all the programs below. So, to get the most help, apply now!
Heating Assistance
WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of the heating costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of heating a residence. The amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy costs. In most cases the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier.
Electric Assistance
Your household may be eligible to receive a payment for non-heating electric energy costs through funding provided by Wisconsin’s Public Benefits. WHEAP electric (non-heating) assistance is a one-time benefit payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of the household’s electrical (non-heating) costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of the non-heating costs.
As with heating assistance, the amount of the non-heating assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and non-heating costs. In most cases the non-heating assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier.
Crisis Assistance
Your household may be eligible for crisis assistance if you have no heat, have received a disconnect notice from the heating vendor, or are nearly out of fuel and do not have the money to purchase more. Crisis assistance is available through your local WHEAP agency via a 24-hour crisis phone number, 800-506-5596. WHEAP crisis assistance provides both emergency and proactive services.
There are also non-emergency or proactive crisis services that include providing information on how to reduce fuel costs, counseling on budgeting and money management, providing payments to a fuel supplier, and co-pay agreements.
Furnace Assistance
WHEAP Furnace Program helps eligible homeowners if their heating system stops working between October 1 and May 15. This program includes payment for repairs, or in some cases, a total replacement of a broken furnace or boiler. In most cases, the furnace program will not reimburse for work that has already been completed. If you do not have heat, immediately call your local weatherization and furnace assistance office, Newcap, Inc. at 800-242-7334 or the statewide 24-hour customer care center at 800-506-5596.
How to Apply
Even if you can afford all your bills right now, applying for WHEAP can give your family relief and give you access to emergency programs (like furnace assistance) in the future. Your family may be eligible for WHEAP services and grants based on a few different factors, including your household income, household size and past eligibility.
For more information on WHEAP or with questions about the application process, please call 800-506-5596. Otherwise, get started and apply for your benefits today.