Help for electric and heating costs available
Families whose income has been affected to Covid-19 can get assistance under new guidelines that count income one month prior to the date of application under new rules from the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), which provides assistance for low-income families to pay for heating and electric costs and energy crisis situations.
The program became effective April 1 and has been extended through Sept. 30.
Most types of fuel are eligible to receive assistance, including wood, propane, natural gas, electricity or fuel oil to heat homes.
WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season to cover a portion of the heating costs. The amount of the energy assistance varies depending the household’s size, income and energy costs.
In most cases the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier.
WHEAP electric non-heating assistance is a one-time benefit paid during the heating season, in most cases paid directly to the household energy supplier.
A household also may be eligible for crisis assistance if there is no heat, the household has received a disconnect notice or are nearly out of fuel and do not have the money to purchase more.
Crisis assistance is available through local WHEAP agencies that provide a 24-hour crisis phone number to help with emergencies that occur after business hours.
There are also non-emergency or proactive crisis services that include providing information on how to reduce fuel costs, counseling on budgeting and money management, providing payments to a fuel supplier and co-pay agreements.
Assistance is also available if the furnace or boiler stops operating during the heating season. It includes help paying for repairs or for a total replacement of a non-operating furnace or boiler.
To apply or for more information call 1-866-432-8947 or visit the “Where to Apply” tab at www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov.
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