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Utilities and phone

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) (LIHEAP) in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), part of Home Energy Plus, makes a one-time payment toward heating costs during the heating season and can also help with electric bills through a state fund.

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From the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR)
An older woman in a warm cardigan turns up the thermostat in her hallway

Crisis help is available all year if you have no heat, are nearly out of fuel, or face an electric shut-off. You can apply online, by phone, by mail or in person with your local agency.

How to apply in Wisconsin

In person
Apply by phone, mail or in person with the WHEAP agency for your county or tribe. The state's county resources map on its Assistance page lists each local agency.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in Wisconsin

Who may qualify for Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
Income limit, one person (2026–27 program year, Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027)$3,322 a month ($39,864 a year) for one person (60% of state median income)
Income limit, two people (2026–27 program year)$4,344.08 a month ($52,129 a year) for two people (60% of state median income)

Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration (source 1)

What you may get

What Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) pays
Heating benefit (FFY 2027 state plan)$30 to $2,784, one payment per heating season, based on household size, income and energy costs
Crisis assistanceHelp if you have no heat, are nearly out of fuel, or your electricity has been or will soon be shut off. Local agencies keep a 24-hour crisis phone line for after-hours emergencies.
Furnace repair or replacement (HE+ HVAC)For homeowners whose main heating system stops working or is unsafe; contact your local WHEAP agency right away

Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration (source 3)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
Heating season (2026–27)Oct. 1, 2026 to May 15, 2027. Benefits stop when the year's funds run out, even for eligible households.
Crisis assistance (2026–27)Year-round, Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027

Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration (source 3)

How Wisconsin is different

Where Wisconsin's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.

  • A state Public Benefits fund, paid by a fee on electric bills, adds help with non-heating electric costs. Customers of co-op and municipal utilities that run their own programs instead aren't eligible for it.
  • Crisis help is available all year, not just in winter.
  • Home Energy Plus can also repair or replace a broken furnace, or a leaking water heater in participating utility areas.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration (source 1)

Good to know

  • Local agencies are required to target outreach to households with elderly or disabled members and young children.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration (source 4)

Free help

Free help with this in Wisconsin

More help in Wisconsin

Help with heating and cooling bills in another state

Sources

  1. Wisconsin Department of Administration, Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. Wisconsin Department of Administration, Assistance: Energy Assistance Programs (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. Wisconsin Department of Administration, Federal Fiscal Year 2027 LIHEAP Plan (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  4. Wisconsin Department of Administration, Program Year 2027 WHEAP Manual (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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