Wisconsin calls its LIHEAP program “WHEAP” — the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program — also known as Home Energy Plus (HE+). Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR), WHEAP provides one-time seasonal payments for heating and electric bills through county and community action agencies statewide.
Wisconsin’s WHEAP is distinctive for being funded by two sources simultaneously: the federal LIHEAP block grant plus Wisconsin’s Public Benefits (PB) fund — a state-level fee charged on Wisconsin customers’ electric bills. The PB fund allows WHEAP to cover electric costs (non-heating electricity) in addition to heating, which most states’ LIHEAP programs do not.
Wisconsin also operates HE+ Program Services — specialized services under WHEAP that include HVAC (heating/cooling system) repair and replacement, water heater repair and replacement, and water conservation measures — available to eligible WHEAP households.
What Does Wisconsin WHEAP Cover?
Regular Heating Benefit — a one-time payment per heating season toward home heating costs, paid directly to the fuel supplier or utility. Benefit range: $30 minimum to $2,147 maximum. Based on household size, income, and heating costs (actual fuel use or a proxy table). Program period: October 1 through May 15.
Regular Electric Benefit (Non-Heating) — WHEAP also provides a one-time benefit for non-heating electricity costs, funded through the Wisconsin Public Benefits (PB) fund. This electric assistance is a distinctive feature — most states’ LIHEAP programs do not cover non-heating electricity as a separate component.
Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households in an immediate energy emergency: no heat, disconnect notice from heating vendor, or nearly out of fuel without money to purchase more. Maximum: $1,200. Program period: October 1 through May 15. Priority given to households in a crisis or at risk of shutoff.
HE+ HVAC Program Services — repair or replacement of heating and cooling (HVAC) systems, plus water heater repair/replacement and water conservation measures (leaky fixtures, toilets, piping). Available to eligible WHEAP households — contact your local agency if you have a broken furnace, boiler, or water heater.
“WHEAP benefits are not guaranteed” — Wisconsin explicitly states this: when funds have been exhausted for a program year, no benefits are issued to households regardless of eligibility. Apply as early as possible each October.
Weatherization Assistance (WAP) — free home energy efficiency upgrades. Program period: July 1 through June 30. Administered through the same county-level network as WHEAP.
Wisconsin’s Public Benefits Fund — State Supplement
Wisconsin is one of a small number of states with a dedicated state electricity surcharge that supplements federal LIHEAP. The Public Benefits (PB) fund is a fee charged on all Wisconsin customers’ electric bills. PB funds are fully integrated into WHEAP and used to:
- Pay non-heating electric assistance to eligible WHEAP households
- Fund weatherization for customers of investor-owned utilities
Important exception — Commitment to Community utilities: The law that established the PB program allows cooperative and municipal utilities to operate their own Commitment to Community Program instead of contributing to the state PB fund. Customers of utilities that choose this option are not eligible for benefits from the state’s PB programs (under energy assistance or weatherization). Many municipal and co-op utilities use their Commitment to Community funds for their own internal low-income/weatherization programs — if approved for WHEAP, customers of some of these utilities can receive additional bill credits, efficiency measures, or refrigerator replacements.
Wisconsin WHEAP Income Limits 2026
Wisconsin uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) for WHEAP. Income eligibility is based on the previous one month of income, annualized — this is the income test used for the WHEAP application.
When a categorically eligible household is over 60% SMI, benefits are paid as if the applicant’s income is 60% SMI — meaning categorical eligibility can actually produce higher benefit amounts.
The 2025–2026 income guidelines are published at energyandhousing.wi.gov and homeenergyplus.wi.gov. Representative thresholds based on 60% Wisconsin SMI:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (approx. 60% WI SMI) | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$3,086 | ~$37,032 |
| 2 | ~$4,036 | ~$48,432 |
| 3 | ~$4,987 | ~$59,844 |
| 4 | ~$5,937 | ~$71,244 |
| 5 | ~$6,887 | ~$82,644 |
| 6 | ~$7,838 | ~$94,056 |
| 7 | ~$8,015 | ~$96,180 |
| 8 | ~$8,193 | ~$98,316 |
Based on 60% Wisconsin SMI for 2025–2026. Confirm the official Home Energy Plus income table at energyandhousing.wi.gov or homeenergyplus.wi.gov before applying.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Wisconsin WHEAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households with members receiving FoodShare (SNAP), W-2 (Wisconsin’s TANF), SSI, or other qualifying assistance may be automatically income-eligible. Wisconsin calls its SNAP program FoodShare and its TANF program W-2 — both qualify for categorical eligibility.
Renter Rules — Landlord Must Also Qualify
Wisconsin has a distinctive WHEAP rule for renters in multi-unit dwellings: for 2- to 4-unit dwellings, the building must be owner-occupied (the landlord must also qualify for WHEAP). This means renters in investor-owned multi-family properties of 2–4 units may not qualify unless the landlord also lives in the building and meets WHEAP requirements.
Single-family renters and renters with heat included in rent may still qualify — contact your local WHEAP agency to determine eligibility based on your specific housing situation.
How to Apply for Wisconsin WHEAP
Step 1 — Apply Online, By Phone, or In Person
Online: Apply at energybenefit.wi.gov — Wisconsin’s Home Energy Plus online application portal. This is the statewide application portal accepting applications from any county.
By phone — Statewide Customer Care Center: Call 1-800-506-5596 to complete an on-demand phone application. This statewide line routes to the appropriate local agency.
For general WHEAP information: Call 866-HEATWIS (866-432-8947).
By phone or in person — local agency: Contact your county agency directly. Local intake workers can schedule phone or in-person interview appointments.
For a general overview of the LIHEAP application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Wisconsin’s DEHCR contacts are in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
By paper application: The Home Energy Plus Application Form is available in English, Spanish, and Hmong at energyandhousing.wi.gov. Download, complete, and submit to your local agency by email, mail, or in person.
Step 2 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of gross income for the previous month — pay stubs, FoodShare/SSI/W-2 award letters, Social Security benefit statements (annualized income)
- Most recent heating utility bill or fuel delivery receipt
- Heating system information (for HE+ HVAC — documentation of broken or unsafe system)
Step 3 — Processing
You will receive a benefit status letter in the mail within approximately 14 days after verification documents are received (timeline from Western Dairyland). Any payment is usually made directly to the household energy supplier. If you have not received a letter within this window, contact your local agency.
To follow up, contact your local WHEAP county agency or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Wisconsin WHEAP Funding 2026
Wisconsin received $112,832,158 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $1,623,927 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The state Public Benefits fund adds additional electric assistance funding annually. In FY 2024, Wisconsin served 182,938 heating households and 87,091 crisis households, with 2,439 weatherization projects — among the highest absolute enrollment numbers in this series. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Wisconsin with other states.
Wisconsin Utility Assistance Programs
Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund — for households denied WHEAP or needing supplemental/additional crisis assistance, call 1-800-891-9276. Also available: Heat and Housing for Heroes for veterans through the same number.
Focus on Energy — a public-private partnership offering energy information, efficiency services, and rebates for Wisconsin energy utility customers. The Targeted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program assists income-eligible Wisconsin residents with energy efficiency improvements. Visit focusonenergy.com.
Commitment to Community utility programs — many municipal and co-op utilities have their own supplemental programs for WHEAP-approved customers: bill credits, efficiency measures, refrigerator replacements, and more. Contact your local utility to ask about supplemental programs.
Cedarburg Light & Water Utility Energy Assistance Program — if approved for WHEAP, Cedarburg customers automatically qualify for additional assistance through this local program (funded by Commitment to Community dollars).
Additional Resources for Wisconsin Families
Wisconsin SNAP (FoodShare): Check Wisconsin SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Medicaid: Check Wisconsin Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Wisconsin WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WHEAP / Home Energy Plus?
WHEAP (Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program), also called Home Energy Plus, is Wisconsin’s LIHEAP program. Administered by DEHCR through county agencies, it provides one-time seasonal heating and electric benefits plus crisis assistance and HE+ equipment repair services.
What are the income limits for Wisconsin WHEAP?
60% of Wisconsin State Median Income — approximately $5,937/month for a household of 4 in 2025–2026. Income is based on the previous one month, annualized. There is no asset limit. Categorical WHEAP eligibility (FoodShare, W-2, SSI) is also available. Confirm the current income table at energybenefit.wi.gov.
Does WHEAP cover electricity in addition to heating?
Yes — Wisconsin’s Public Benefits fund allows WHEAP to provide non-heating electric assistance in addition to the federal heating component. Most states’ LIHEAP programs do not cover non-heating electricity as a separate component.
What is FoodShare? What is W-2?
FoodShare is Wisconsin’s name for SNAP (food stamps). W-2 (Wisconsin Works) is Wisconsin’s TANF/cash assistance program. Households receiving either program may be categorically eligible for WHEAP.
What is the HE+ HVAC Program?
HE+ HVAC Program Services provides repair or replacement of heating and cooling systems, water heaters, and water-conservation measures (leaky fixtures, toilets, piping) to eligible WHEAP households. Contact your local agency immediately if you have no heat.
For current Wisconsin WHEAP information and to apply, visit energybenefit.wi.gov or energyandhousing.wi.gov, or call 1-800-506-5596. For general information, call 866-HEATWIS (866-432-8947).