New Assistance to Help Pay Overdue Bills Available for Wisconsin Members
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Administration has adjusted the eligibility requirements for residents who are seeking heating and electric assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Eligibility will now be based on the household's previous month of income, rather than the former requirement of the previous three months of income. This move was made to ensure that those who are recently affected by the COVID-19 response are able to receive assistance quickly.
WHEAP details
WHEAP heat and electric assistance is a one-time benefit payment per heating season that is intended to help pay a portion of a household's heat and electric costs. The benefit amount depends on household size, income, and energy costs. In most cases, the benefit is applied as a credit directly to the household's Rock Energy account. You do not need to duplicate your efforts by applying for assistance with both your local agency and Rock Energy. We will send you a letter about one month after receiving your application that will include details on your assistance status and dollar amounts.
Eligibility
You are eligible for heating assistance if your household's combined income is at or below the levels shown on this chart:
| WHEAP Income Guidelines for the 2022-2023 Heating Season |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Household |
Combined Household Income | |
| 1-Month | Annual | |
| 1 | $2,675.25 | $32,103 |
| 2 | $3,498.42 | $41,981 |
| 3 | $4,321.58 | $51,859 |
| 4 | $5,144.83 | $61,738 |
| 5 | $5,968.00 | $71,616 |
| 6 | $6,791.17 | $81,494 |
| 7 | $6,945.50 | $83,346 |
| 8 | $7,099.83 | $85,198 |
How to Apply
Online: To complete an Online Home Energy Plus (WHEAP) application: https://energybenefit.wi.gov
In Person: To apply for assistance, you'll need to complete a Home Energy Plus application and provide information on each household member and their income as well as records of your heating costs. For more information and application details, please call your local office:
- Rock County: 608-363-9200.
- Green County: 608-328-1111.
- Walworth County: 262-427-8505.
- Dane County: 608-267-8601.
Weatherization Services
When you apply for energy assistance, the local agency also will see if you qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps fund energy efficiency home improvement projects. If you are eligible for weatherization services, an energy auditor will look at your home to see what can be done to make it more energy efficient. Weatherization services differ with each home, depending on how it was built and its condition.
For general information about WHEAP or the Weatherization Assistance Program,
call 866-HEATWIS (432-8947) or click here.