How to Apply for Energy Assistance in Wisconsin

Many individuals and families live on a low income and need help paying electric and heating bills. In Wisconsin, the winters are cold and the heating season starts as early as October. The heating season can run to the end of May depending on the weather conditions. Energy assistance for those in need also includes improving apartments and homes with weatherization. Weatherization helps cut the costs of heating and cooling costs as well as electric costs. There are some requirements that must be followed when applying for energy assistance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Prior years income tax return
• Current paycheck stub for all adults in the home
• Energy bills in your name for electric and gas
• Social security numbers for all persons living in the home

1. Look at the guidelines for the 2008-2009 seasons to see if you qualify per your income. Income includes every person in the home over 18 years of age.
   
   
   Family Size--- 1 month ---- 3 months----year income
   
   1-------------- 1,300.00------- 3,900.00----15,600.00
   2-------------- 1,750.00------- 5,250.00----21,000.00
   3-------------- 2,200.00------- 6,600.00----26,400.00
   4-------------- 2,650.00------- 7,950.00----31,800.00
   5-------------- 3,100.00------- 9,300.00----37,200.00
   6-------------- 3,550.00------- 10,650.00---42,600.00
   7-------------- 4,000.00------- 12,000.00---48,000.00
   8-------------- 4,450.00------- 13,350.00---53,400.00
   Each
   Additional------450.00--------- 1,350.00----5,400.00

2. Gather up all the things you will need to apply for energy assistance. The prior years income tax return should include the state and federal copies. If the qualifying persons are working, all current paycheck stubs are needed. Bring a copy of your electric and gas bills along. The bills must be in the family members name and have the correct address on them. Each person living in the house must have a social security number, which must be brought along for the appointment.

3. Schedule an appointment with the local office of Energy Assistance. This office is sponsored through the County's social services offices, or tribal governments. Complete the Energy Assistance application that you can find at any office for heating assistance. If you cannot find a local office, call Home Energy at 1-866-432-8947.

4. Arrive about a half hour early for your appointment and do not be late. Upon acceptance, the office will mail your utility companies a check to cover some of your heating and electrical costs.

5. Energy assistance is available for people in crisis as well. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact the nearest office for help. If you need repairs to the furnace and cannot afford it, contact the office for help.

Tips & Warnings

• Supply accurate information.
• If you receive assistance for energy, you will need to claim this if filing for the homestead credit with your state income tax.
• Take all the weatherization help you can receive. It helps cut costs on heating and cooling.
• Never try to omit any persons on the application if they are permanent residents of the home.

[greatgreat8]

on 4/27/2009 great information