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, assistance with furnace repair or replacement of malfunctioning or non-working furnace units during the cold winter months, and water heater repair for malfunctioning or non-working water heaters to eligible applicants.
WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1st – May 15th).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.
View a short video below on the benefits of the WI Home Energy Assistance Program
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.
Income Limits for the 2025-2026 Heating Season
When Can I Apply
How to Apply
Apply by Phone
Call the Energy Assistance Coordinator at (608) 685-4412 to schedule your phone appointmentor click here to schedule your own appointment
Apply by Mail
Download and print an Application for Energy Assistance here.
Descargue e imprima una solicitud de Asistencia Energética en español aquÃ.
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, 407 S. Second Street, 3rd Floor – 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.
The WHEAP program is administered by the State of Wisconsin Home Energy Plus (HE+) Program.
If you are eligible for Energy Assistance benefits, you may also be eligible for additional Home Energy + such as:
- Furnace Repair/Replace
- HVAC Central Air Repairs
- Water Conservation Repairs
- Weatherization Services
Some exclusions may apply. For eligibility determination or questions, please call (608) 685-4412.
