Energy Assistance

Overview of the Program:
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance to low income people to help assist in paying their heating and electric bills. In addition to the financial assistance towards utility costs, the WHEAP program also offers additional benefits, such as home weatherization services and assistance with furnace repair or replacement of malfunctioning furnace units during the cold winter months to eligible applicants,
 
WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1^st – May 15^th).The funding provided is intended to pay for a portion of the applicants energy costs, but not intended to pay the entire energy costs of a residence.
The amount of the assistance payment, varies depending on a variety of factors, including household size, income and annual energy costs. 
 
Crisis Assistance is also available to clients that are in immediate danger of being disconnected by their Fuel or Electric vendors.
 
Income Limits:
The program is an income based program and you must provide proof of income in order to be eligible to receive benefits. You will need to provide verification of the gross income earned in the previous month by all household members over the age of 18. 

• Income verifications accepted include paycheck stubs, payroll summaries, Social Security award letters, unemployment payment summaries, 1099 income tax forms, or the current year's federal income taxes. 

When Can I Apply:
You may apply for regular heating season benefits from October 1st – May 15th of each year. 
 Crisis Assistance is also available throughout the year, please contact the Energy Assistance Coordinator for more information.

How to Apply:

Apply by Phone: Call the Energy Assistance Coordinator at (608) 685-4412 to schedule your phone appointment.

Apply by Mail:            Download and print an Application for Energy Assistance here.
                                     Descargue e imprima una solicitud de Asistencia Energética en español aquí.

                   
 
 Completed applications can be mailed to: 
 Buffalo County DHHS
 Attn: Energy Assistance
 P.O. Box 517
 Alma, WI 54610

Applications are also accepted via email or fax to (608) 685-3342.

Apply In Person: Walk In appointments are taken at the Buffalo County Department of Health & Human Services as time permits. Appointments are recommended. Buffalo County Courthouse, 3rd Floor 407 S. Second Street – Alma, WI 54610  

Home Visits: If you are over the age of 60 and are disabled, homebound or otherwise unable to apply in person, a home visit may be arranged by calling (608) 685-4412.

 Apply Online: www.energybenefit.wi.gov. You will be redirected to the Wisconsin Home Energy website to complete your application. Applications completed online, are not processed by your local agency.