Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
Wisconsin utility help is not one simple grant. The main statewide program is the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), also called Home Energy Plus. It can help eligible households with heating costs, non-heating electric costs, energy crises, weatherization, and some furnace or water-heater problems.
The regular one-time WHEAP payment period for the 2025–2026 season ended May 15, 2026. If you are disconnected, without heat, close to running out of fuel, or facing another energy emergency, call the Home Energy Plus Customer Care Center at 1-800-506-5596. Crisis and repair help may still be available outside the regular payment window.
Start with the official Home Energy Plus portal, then call your utility and ask what can stop or delay disconnection. The national utility assistance guide explains the broader federal program, while the Wisconsin help page connects you with other state support.
This guide gives general information. It does not promise a payment, restored service, repair, or protection from every shutoff.
If heat, power, or water may be shut off
Act the same day. A completed application does not automatically stop a shutoff.
- No heat or urgent disconnection: Call Home Energy Plus at 1-800-506-5596 and tell the worker the shutoff or fuel date.
- Utility account: Call the company, ask for a payment arrangement, and request written confirmation.
- Local crisis help: Dial 211 or use 211 Wisconsin resources to find local energy, water, food, shelter, and emergency programs.
- Medical or protective-services emergency: Tell the utility immediately and ask what professional documentation is required.
- Utility dispute: Try to resolve it with the utility first, then use the PSC complaint process if the issue continues.
Use our Wisconsin emergency guide if the utility problem is tied to food, housing, medicine, or another urgent need.
Where to start
Use the path that matches the problem. A disconnected home, empty fuel tank, or unsafe furnace needs a crisis call. A normal past-due bill may start with the utility and a regular WHEAP application during the heating season.
I have no heat
Call 1-800-506-5596. Ask about crisis assistance, the local WHEAP agency, and heating-system help.
I have a shutoff notice
Call the utility and WHEAP. Ask what payment, proof, or arrangement is needed to stop disconnection.
My regular bill is high
Ask about the next WHEAP heating season, budget billing, weatherization, and energy-saving support.
I need broader help
Apply for food, health, child care, and cash programs so more income can stay available for utilities.
Related Wisconsin guides include food assistance, health coverage help, and child care assistance.
Quick utility help table
| Need | First step | What may help | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular heat or electric bill | Home Energy Plus | One-time heating-season payment | The 2025–2026 regular window ended May 15. |
| No heat or fuel crisis | Call 1-800-506-5596 | Crisis service or fuel help | Eligibility, proof, and funding still apply. |
| Unsafe or failed furnace | Local WHEAP agency | HE+ HVAC repair or replacement | The program must inspect and approve the work. |
| Winter shutoff risk | Utility payment plan | Moratorium protection through April 15 | The unpaid balance remains due. |
| Water arrears | Water utility and 211 | Payment plan or local aid | State LIHWAP funds are exhausted. |
| Phone or internet | Wisconsin Lifeline | Monthly service discount | One Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. |
WHEAP energy help in Wisconsin
WHEAP helps eligible Wisconsin households with heating and non-heating electric costs. Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds mainly support heating help. Wisconsin Public Benefits funds support non-heating electricity and related services.
The regular benefit is a one-time payment during the heating season, which runs from October 1 through May 15. It pays part of the home’s energy cost and normally goes to the supplier. It is not meant to pay the full annual bill.
The 2025–2026 regular payment period has ended. The program year continues through September 30, 2026, and current eligibility may still connect a household with crisis or Home Energy Plus services. Call the Customer Care Center rather than assuming all help is closed.
What WHEAP may include
- A regular heating benefit during the open payment period
- A non-heating electric benefit for eligible households
- Crisis help when heat or essential electric service is threatened
- Budget and energy counseling
- Weatherization referrals
- Heating-system or water-heater services for eligible homes
The official WHEAP program page explains regular benefits, crisis assistance, and local program contacts. Benefits are not guaranteed when funding is unavailable.
Income limits and how to apply
For the program year from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, household income must generally be at or below 60% of Wisconsin’s state median income. The agency also checks household members, energy costs, residence, and other program facts.
| Household size | One-month income | Annual income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,201.75 | $38,421 |
| 2 | $4,186.92 | $50,243 |
| 3 | $5,172.08 | $62,065 |
| 4 | $6,157.33 | $73,888 |
| 5 | $7,142.50 | $85,710 |
| 6 | $8,127.67 | $97,532 |
| 7 | $8,312.33 | $99,748 |
| 8 | $8,497.08 | $101,965 |
Use the current WHEAP income table before relying on a figure. Income treatment can differ for regular wages, seasonal work, self-employment, benefits, child support, or other money.
Application choices
During an open regular benefit period, you can apply online, by telephone, by mail, or through a county or Tribal WHEAP agency. Use the local assistance finder to locate the correct office.
The online system says an application can take 45 to 60 minutes to complete. Because of high volume, review may take up to 10 business days. An incomplete online application may be denied after 30 days.
Keep proof of submission
Save the application number, document-upload confirmation, worker name, and date. Check email, voicemail, and mail until you receive a decision.
Crisis help and shutoff protections
Crisis assistance may be available when a home has no heat, is almost out of deliverable fuel, has a disconnection notice, or has essential electric service at risk. Call instead of relying only on the online application.
Winter disconnection rules
Wisconsin utilities cannot disconnect a residential service for nonpayment from November 1 through April 15 when that service supplies the main heat or affects the main heating system. A customer who was already disconnected may still need an arrangement before service is restored.
The 2025–2026 moratorium ended April 15, 2026. A household with an unpaid balance should not wait for the next winter. Ask the utility for a deferred payment agreement or another written plan now.
Medical or protective-services emergency
If disconnection would worsen a medical or protective-services emergency, a utility may delay shutoff for up to 21 days. The company may require documentation from a medical or other professional involved with the emergency.
The utility bill rights page explains notice, payment-plan, dispute, winter, and emergency rules. A short delay does not erase the bill, so keep working on assistance and a payment plan.
Furnace, water-heater, and weatherization help
HE+ HVAC services
Home Energy Plus HVAC services operate year-round. They may help an eligible household when the primary heating system no longer produces heat, is inoperable, or is unsafe. The program may repair the system or, in some cases, approve replacement.
The HE+ repair page explains the year-round heating-system program. Do not hire a contractor and expect repayment unless the local agency approved the work first.
Water-heater and leak services
HE+ Water Conservation services may address a leaking or failed water heater and certain plumbing leaks for eligible households. Call 1-800-506-5596 or the local WHEAP agency and describe the exact problem.
Weatherization
Wisconsin’s Weatherization Assistance Program can improve energy efficiency and home safety. Work may include insulation, air sealing, heating-system measures, efficient lighting, or other approved improvements after an energy audit.
The weatherization program is not an emergency bill payment. Agency priorities, home condition, rental approval, and waitlists can affect timing. The national Community Action guide explains how local agencies often connect families with this work.
Water and sewer bill help
Wisconsin’s temporary Low Income Household Water Assistance Program received more requests than available funding. The state program site currently says funds are exhausted, so do not plan around a new LIHWAP payment.
The water program status confirms that the available funds were used. A closed statewide fund does not mean every local option is closed.
What to do now
- Call the water utility and ask about a payment plan, leak adjustment, restoration payment, or hardship process.
- Ask 211 about local water and sewer funds, Community Action, town or county help, and charities.
- Ask whether housing assistance can address utility arrears when the household is at risk of losing housing.
- Call Home Energy Plus if the problem is a failed water heater or an active qualifying plumbing leak.
Use our Wisconsin housing guide when water debt is tied to eviction, rent, or unsafe housing.
Phone and internet help
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. Wisconsin Lifeline still helps eligible residents lower the cost of phone, cellular, or internet service.
The Wisconsin Lifeline page explains eligibility and participating providers. The monthly discount varies by service and provider and can be as high as $18.50 in Wisconsin.
A household may qualify through income or participation in certain benefit programs. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. Our phone and internet guide covers other low-cost service paths.
Documents to gather
Apply in an emergency even if one paper is missing, then ask what replacement proof is accepted. Use our documents checklist to organize copies.
| What to gather | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Household details | Names, birth dates, Social Security information | Used to review the household. |
| Identity and status | ID and requested status records | Used for applicant verification. |
| Income | Pay stubs, tax forms, benefits, child support | Used for the income test. |
| Energy records | Full bills, account numbers, fuel supplier records | Shows the provider and energy cost. |
| Emergency notice | Disconnect notice, empty-fuel notice, repair statement | Shows the crisis and deadline. |
| Housing | Lease, landlord contact, heating-cost statement | Helps explain rental and included-utility costs. |
| Medical proof | Professional emergency documentation | May support a 21-day shutoff delay. |
The official WHEAP document checklist lists common information to prepare. Agencies may not be able to obtain income or Social Security information for you.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the shutoff date. Call when the bill first becomes unmanageable.
- Assuming the winter rule pays the bill. It only limits certain disconnections during a set period.
- Using only the online form. Call when service is off or an emergency is close.
- Ignoring document requests. An incomplete online case may be denied after 30 days.
- Hiring a repair company first. HE+ work must be screened and approved.
- Paying a grant finder. Use official agencies and known nonprofits.
If WHEAP is denied, delayed, or not enough
Ask for the reason in writing. A case may be denied because income is over the limit, proof is missing, the regular benefit period is closed, the household does not meet crisis rules, or funds are unavailable.
Request a fair hearing
Wisconsin WHEAP applicants have the right to request a fair hearing if an application was not processed on time, was incorrectly denied, or the payment appears wrong. Current certification materials give a 15-day deadline after receiving the notification letter.
Use the official WHEAP appeal form. Keep a copy and proof of the date it was emailed or mailed.
Use backup help
Ask the utility for the smallest written payment arrangement that can prevent shutoff. Then call 211 and ask for a local agency, Community Action program, or charity serving the same bill.
The Keep Wisconsin fund may provide supplemental energy help to some households within WHEAP income guidelines when other resources are not enough. Veterans can also ask about the organization’s Heat for Heroes program.
Use our benefits problem guide to track calls and deadlines. For case-specific advice, use the Wisconsin legal guide.
Phone scripts
Calling Home Energy Plus
“Hi, my household has [no heat, a disconnect notice, low fuel, or a failed furnace]. The deadline is [date]. Can you tell me which crisis or year-round service is open and what proof I need today?”
Calling the utility
“I am applying for energy help. What payment arrangement can stop disconnection, what amount is due now, and can you send the agreement to me in writing?”
Calling about medical risk
“A shutoff may worsen a medical or protective-services emergency in my home. What professional documentation do you require, and when must it be returned?”
Calling about a denial
“I received a WHEAP notice on [date]. Please explain the reason, the 15-day hearing deadline, and whether I can submit missing proof or request crisis review.”
Resumen en español
En Wisconsin, WHEAP o Home Energy Plus ayuda a algunos hogares con calefacción, electricidad, crisis de energía, climatización y ciertas reparaciones. El período regular de pago terminó el 15 de mayo de 2026, pero todavía puede haber ayuda para crisis, calefacción o calentadores de agua.
Si no tiene calefacción, recibió un aviso de corte o se está quedando sin combustible, llame al 1-800-506-5596. También llame a la compañía para pedir un plan de pago. Para ayuda local, llame al 211.
Si WHEAP niega la solicitud, lea la carta. Los documentos actuales dan 15 días para pedir una audiencia. Guarde cada factura, aviso y número de confirmación.
FAQs about Wisconsin utility help
Can single mothers get utility help in Wisconsin?
Yes. Eligibility depends on household income, size, energy costs, program rules, and available funding. Being a single mother does not guarantee approval.
Is regular WHEAP open in July 2026?
The regular one-time payment window ended May 15, 2026. Call Home Energy Plus about crisis help, repairs, or other year-round services.
What are the 2026 WHEAP income limits?
The limits are based on 60% of Wisconsin’s state median income. For example, the current annual limit is $62,065 for a three-person household.
Can a Wisconsin utility shut off heat in winter?
A service that supplies or affects the main heat cannot be disconnected for nonpayment from November 1 through April 15. The unpaid bill remains due.
Can WHEAP repair a furnace?
HE+ HVAC services may repair or replace an eligible household’s failed or unsafe primary heating system after program review and approval.
Is Wisconsin water assistance open?
The temporary statewide LIHWAP site says available funds are exhausted. Call the water utility, 211, and local agencies about other current options.
How do I appeal a WHEAP denial?
Use the state appeal form and follow the notice. Current WHEAP materials give 15 days after the notification letter to request a fair hearing.
Can Lifeline lower my phone or internet bill?
Yes, for eligible Wisconsin households. The discount varies by provider and service, and only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.