Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)

What You Need To Know?

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, better known as WHEAP is made up of two benefit programs. This includes the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Public Benefits Energy Assistance Program. WHEAP is overseen by Wisconsin’s Division of Energy Services. Its objective is to help low-income households with their home energy bills. This helps in keeping the residences of people habitable during extreme weather. During the heating season which takes place from October 1 to May 15, the eligible households can access these benefits.

They receive payment for their heating system. There are also crisis assistance funds available as well as financial aid in improving the heating systems. WHEAP provides its qualified members with amounts that are determined through various eligibility factors. Among these, there are household size, income level, and energy cost.

Country social services offices, tribal governments, and private non-profit agencies have administered WHEAP locally. Therefore, it is present in each county of Wisconsin. The services provided to make sure that people can improve their living standard includes:

• Emergency fuel assistance
• Counseling for energy conservation and energy budgets
• Emergency furnace repair and replacement
• Pro-active co-payment plans
• Targeted outreach services

This allows people to focus on other aspects of their life without having to worry about utility bills. The payment for the heating or home energy is made directly to the vendor or energy supplier.

Are You Eligible?

Program requirements have been outlined for those individuals who wish to be a part of this benefit program. It is important that the applicant is:

• A resident of the state of Wisconsin
• A part of a household that meets the eligibility requirements
• A part of a household that has an energy burden
• A part of a household that meets other non-financial aspects of the eligibility as well

To ensure that the most deserving families receive the benefits of WHEAP, income criteria has been set. It takes into account both the household size and its annual gross income.

The type of fuel used by a household does not play a part in the eligibility of the household. If the above-mentioned criteria are fulfilled along with any other requirements, the family will be provided for. The types of fuel mentioned by WHEAP that is covers include the following, however, no importance is given to any specific one:

• Wood
• Propane
• Natural gas
• Electricity
• Fuel oil

How To Apply?

Administering agencies are spread all over the state of Wisconsin. Therefore, if an interested individual wish to enjoy the benefits of WHEAP, they must approach them. They can be located through the help of the interactive map found on their website. This has the contact information for each agency outlined. This makes it easier for applicants to visit their nearest agency and kick start their process. With a helpful representative, they are also able to gain the appropriate guidance and assistance.

To ensure the smooth running of the procedure, it is encouraged that the applicants bring certain documents with them. These are required for verification concerning the eligibility. The interested individuals should must sure that they bring these documents from all household members:

• Social Security numbers
• Photo ID
• Proof of income for the previous 3 months.

The incorporation of Wisconsin’s Public Benefits Program also allows the eligible household to receive non-heating energy costs. Crisis assistance is provided to those residences that have no heat or receive a termination notice. It may also be given in cases where the family has scarce fuel supply and is unable to afford more. The 24-house crisis phone number has been set up to deal with such situations. It makes sure that people are catered to even after business hours. The WHEAP emergency services also provide eligible homeowners with heating system assistance. This is in case the furnace or boiler of the house stops operating. This assistance includes payment for repairs or total replacement, depending on the situation.

For Further Information?

Detailed information about the program and its eligibility can be found on the WHEAP Website. To make sure all inquiries are dealt with, the program has set up a number as well.

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