Wisconsin Low-Income Assistance Programs

Energy Assistance Available for Low-Income Households

state of WisconsinContinued high unemployment rates will make the 2011-2012 heating season another challenging one for many Wisconsin households. In some cases, families will be forced to make painful decisions about which bills to pay and which necessities to cut. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. Fortunately, Rock Energy Cooperative works with WHEAP, which benefits about 225,000 Wisconsin households each year.

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 2011-2012 Heating Season

Household

Size

Combined Household Income

1 Month
3 Month
Annual
1
$2,027
$6,080

$24,319

2
$2,650
$7,950
$31,802
3
$3,274
$9,821
$39,285
4
$3,897
$11,692
$46,768
5
$4,521
$13,563
$54,250
6
$5,144
$15,433
$61,733
7
$5,261
$15,784
$63,136
8
$5,378
$16,135
$64,539

Source: Wisconsin Home Energy Plus Program


Where to Apply


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 contact your local office:


Rock County

Eclipse Center

118 Eclipse Center

Beloit, WI 53511

(608) 363-9200

Green County 
Human Services Department
N3152 Highway 81
Monroe, WI 53566

(608) 328-9344

Walworth County 
Health and Human Services Department
W4051 Highway NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121

(262) 741-3337

Dane County
Energy Services Inc.

1225 S. Park St.
Madison, WI 53715

(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.

 

Rock Cooperative Care

Rock Energy also helps low-income members through Rock Cooperative Care, which provides energy assistance to supplement the state and federal programs. Click here for program details.

 

 

For general information about WHEAP or the Weatherization Assistance Program, call (866) HEATWIS (432-8947) or visit www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov.