Energy Assistance in Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin has established the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to assist low-income individuals with their energy costs. WHEAP and WAP are funded by the federal and state government. An estimated 225,000 households receive assistance from WHEAP annually. WAP is designed to permanently reduce the costs of energy for low-income individuals with the greatest energy burden. The state of Wisconsin works with various agencies -- nonprofit organizations, housing authorities and local governments -- to implement WAP.
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About WHEAP
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The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance to eligible low-income individuals to help with their heating and cooling costs. The heating assistance offered under WHEAP provides one-time payments during the heating months. The program runs from October 1 to May 15. The electric assistance under WHEAP helps program participants pay their electricity bills. Assistance under the program is not intended to cover a household's entire energy costs. WHEAP also offers crisis assistance which is available to eligible individuals who have no heat or have received disconnect notices from heating vendors. WHEAP also offers furnace assistance for individuals whose furnace or boiler top is no longer working during heating months. The program provides payments to eligible individuals for repairs or replacements of broken furnaces.
WHEAP Eligibility
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Eligibility for WHEAP is determined by a household's income. The maximum gross annual income is $24,568 for a one-person household, $32,127 for a two-person household, $39,686 for a three-person household, and $47,245 for a four-person household. Individuals seeking assistance must apply through their local WHEAP office (see Resources).
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About WAP
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The Wisconsin's Weatherization Program offers weatherization services to eligible low-income individuals. The Division of Energy Services gives the information of all eligible individuals to local agencies that provide weatherization services. Priority for services is given to households with elderly persons, disabled persons and children under 6. Services offered under WAP include insulation of attics, walls and floors; installation of energy-efficient lighting; insulation or replacement of water heaters; repair or replacement of furnaces and refrigerators; and energy audits.
WAP Eligibility
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Eligibility for the WAP is based on a household's gross annual income. Individuals seeking assistance from WAP must first apply to WHEAP. The income guidelines for WAP are the same as the income guidelines for WHEAP. Eligible individuals must live in a residence that has not received weatherization services in the past.
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