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Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Wisconsin

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Wisconsin (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

This one-page hub gives you fast, plain‑English steps to keep power, heat, and water on in Wisconsin. Every program, agency, or help source is linked right in the text so you can click and go. Keep your most recent bill handy and start with the emergency steps below.


If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call the statewide Home Energy Plus Customer Care line now to flag a crisis, start your Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) application, and ask for a crisis review: 1-800-506-5596. You can also apply online at the official portal: Home Energy Plus application, and find your local office via the Wisconsin Department of Administration site: DEHCR WHEAP overview. Expect online applications to be reviewed within about 10 business days; call if you have a disconnect notice or no heat. (energybenefit.wi.gov)
  • Set up a payment plan with your utility before a shutoff date hits. Use your provider’s emergency number and request a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA). For We Energies, call 1-800-842-4565 and see payment options at We Energies bill help; for Alliant Energy, call 1-800-255-4268 and ask about help including the Hometown Care Energy Fund at Alliant Hometown Care; for Madison Gas & Electric, see MGE Help with My Bill. If the utility refuses reasonable terms, call the Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs line at 1-800-225-7729. (we-energies.com)
  • If power or heat is off or a shutoff is imminent, and WHEAP can’t cover it fast enough, apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) through Wisconsin Works (W‑2). EA can provide a one‑time payment toward a utility crisis. Apply via ACCESS Wisconsin, or find your W‑2 office via Find Your Local W‑2 Agency. Veterans can also contact Heat & Housing for Heroes at 1-800-891-9276 via Heat for Heroes after you file a WHEAP application. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

Quick Help Box (numbers and links to keep handy)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Wisconsin Today

Start with the action that buys you the most time: a documented payment arrangement and a crisis application.

  • Call your utility and ask for a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA): Ask for the smallest, realistic down payment and installments you can afford. If they demand unaffordable terms, say you want the PSC‑required “reasonable” terms and note that you’ll call PSC Consumer Affairs if needed. Learn your rights at Utility Customer Bill of Rights; if the utility won’t work with you, call PSC Consumer Affairs at 1-800-225-7729. For We Energies call 1-800-842-4565 via We Energies payment arrangements; Alliant Energy is 1-800-255-4268 via Alliant Hometown Care. (psc.wi.gov)
  • File or update your WHEAP application the same day: Apply online at Home Energy Plus and upload documents, or call Customer Care at 1-800-506-5596 to flag your crisis. Expect online submissions to be reviewed in about 10 business days; crisis cases are prioritized. Read the program overview and find your county office at DEHCR WHEAP. (energybenefit.wi.gov)
  • Use backup help if WHEAP isn’t enough: Apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) if you have a child under 18 at home; EA can provide up to $750 for an energy crisis. Veterans can call Heat for Heroes at 1-800-891-9276 for supplemental support. When offices are closed, dial 211 Wisconsin for live help and warm handoffs. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

Reality check: The state’s winter disconnection moratorium prevents shutoffs of heat‑related electric or natural gas from November 1 through April 15, but you can still be disconnected outside those dates if you don’t act. Make payment arrangements before April 15 to avoid mass disconnections when the moratorium ends. See PSC’s March 24, 2025 alert and dates at PSC moratorium notice and coverage at WisBusiness PSC release. (content.govdelivery.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your doctor’s office or clinic to fax a medical emergency letter to your utility to request a 21‑day hold if disconnection will aggravate a medical emergency; see details under “Medical or Protective Services Emergencies” within the PSC’s Customer Bill of Rights, and call PSC Consumer Affairs (1-800-225-7729) if needed. Also, file EA via ACCESS, and contact a charity listed below (Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, KWW/CF) for gap aid. (psc.wi.gov)

Know Your Wisconsin Protections and Timelines

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a utility does not follow notice rules or won’t offer a reasonable DPA, contact PSC Consumer Affairs at 1-800-225-7729 via PSC complaints and attach your disconnect notice and notes from your calls. Ask 211 (211 Wisconsin) for same‑day referrals if you’re still at risk. (psc.wi.gov)

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) – Energy Bill Help

WHEAP is the state’s “LIHEAP” program that pays a portion of your heating and electric costs and offers crisis help if you’re about to be disconnected or out of fuel. Apply online at Home Energy Plus, or use the DEHCR WHEAP page to find your county or tribal office. For questions or status, call 1-800-506-5596 (Customer Care). (energybenefit.wi.gov)

Eligibility (Program Year Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025): Income must be at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI). The state publishes one‑month and annual limits. Confirm your household size against the current chart at DEHCR WHEAP or see LIHEAP Clearinghouse SMI references for FFY25 at ACF LIHEAP Clearinghouse. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)

Current income limits (60% SMI; PY 2024–2025)

Household One-month gross Annual gross
1 $3,061.08 $36,733
2 $4,002.92 $48,035
3 $4,944.83 $59,338
4 $5,886.75 $70,641
5 $6,828.58 $81,943
6 $7,770.50 $93,246
7 $7,947.08 $95,365
8 $8,123.67 $97,484

Source: DEHCR WHEAP; program SMI references at ACF LIHEAP Clearinghouse. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)

Benefits: Heating and electric benefits vary by fuel type, usage, income, and county. For FY2025, federal summaries indicate a heating benefit range with a small minimum and a high maximum, plus separate crisis benefits; always verify with your local agency because amounts can change with funding. Start with DEHCR WHEAP; general FY25 benefit info is aggregated by the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse Wisconsin profile. Call to confirm availability before applying, especially late in the season. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)

When to apply: Regular benefits run October 1–May 15 each year, and crisis help is available year‑round. The Department of Administration reminded residents on May 5, 2025 that benefits were still available through May 15 and that crisis help remains open year‑round. See the DOA notice at DOA press release and news coverage at WEAU story. (content.govdelivery.com)

How to apply (fastest path)

Documents you’ll need

  • Your most recent utility or fuel bill (electric, natural gas, propane, fuel oil). Bring landlord info if heat is included in rent.
  • IDs and Social Security numbers for everyone in the household, or other acceptable identity documentation if you lack SSNs.
  • Proof of gross income for the month prior to application (pay stubs, unemployment printout, child support printout, SSA award letter, VA benefits).
  • Disconnection notice or “past due” bill, if any.

The state outlines documentation at Home Energy Plus application and agency pages; KWW/CF’s intake page also lists typical items at KWW/CF Apply. (energybenefit.wi.gov)

Timelines to expect

  • Online WHEAP applications: review in about 10 business days (longer during peak season). (energybenefit.wi.gov)
  • Crisis decisions: often within a few days when you call and flag a disconnect date; request the 48/18‑hour crisis response standard if you are off service or out of fuel once your application is complete. Federal LIHEAP crisis conventions and reconnection caps are noted in Clearinghouse materials; confirm locally. See LIHEAP Clearinghouse for state profile notes and ask your agency about current crisis caps. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If the season is closed (after May 15) and you lack heat or hot water, still call 1-800-506-5596 to ask about crisis and HE+ referrals. If funds are exhausted, apply for Emergency Assistance (utility crisis category) and contact KWW/CF at 1-800-891-9276. If your utility refuses a reasonable DPA, file with PSC Consumer Affairs. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

Crisis, Reconnection, and Furnace/Water System Help (HE+ Program Services and Weatherization)

  • Crisis and reconnect: If you’re disconnected, ask your WHEAP agency about reconnection assistance. Caps and rules can change with funding; recent federal summaries for Wisconsin show a defined cap for crisis reconnection. Always confirm the amount your local agency can pay and how quickly it can restore service. See LIHEAP Clearinghouse (WI profile) and ask your agency about current limits. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • HE+ HVAC and Water Conservation: The state’s HE+ Program Services can repair or replace unsafe or non‑working primary heat systems and fix leaky or non‑working water heaters and fixtures. Program details are published at DEHCR HE+ Program Services. However, multiple local agencies reported a statewide suspension of new HE+ Program Services referrals effective June 25, 2025 due to funding limits; call to verify availability in your county. See public notices from Western Dairyland EOC and West CAP referencing the June 25, 2025 pause. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)
  • Weatherization Assistance (WAP): If you were approved for WHEAP in the past 12 months, your info may be referred to weatherization. Work can include insulation, air sealing, and sometimes furnace repairs. In Dane/Green counties, Project Home delivers services; statewide info starts at DEHCR Assistance. (projecthomewi.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If HE+ services are paused in your area, ask your WHEAP agency to document your situation for priority when funding resumes, and request alternative referrals (local furnace charity partners, landlord repairs for rentals, Focus on Energy rebates to stretch low‑cost fixes). Consider Focus on Energy income-qualified rebates to reduce energy use after urgent repairs. (focusonenergy.com)

Water and Sewer Help (City Programs and What’s Ended)

  • Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): This COVID‑era federal program ended; Wisconsin is no longer accepting new LIHWAP applications. The state page notes the program’s sunset after 2023; see DEHCR LIHWAP and the Home Energy Plus portal notice. If you had a pending LIHWAP case, call 1‑833‑426‑9472. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)
  • Milwaukee Water Bill Help: Payment options and PromisePay pilot details are at Milwaukee Water Works – How to Pay, with customer service at 1-414-286-2830. PromisePay offers interest‑free plans for eligible past‑due accounts; see eligibility FAQs at MWW PromisePay. For emergencies (leaks/main breaks) call 1‑414‑286‑3710 via MWW control center. (city.milwaukee.gov)
  • Madison Water Bill Help: The Madison Customer Assistance Program (MadCAP) provides up to a $30 monthly credit for income‑eligible households. Learn and apply at MadCAP or via the mayor’s office summary at MadCAP overview; call 1‑608‑266‑4651 or email madcap@cityofmadison.com. (cityofmadison.com)
  • Green Bay Water: Call customer service at 1‑920‑448‑3480; see rate updates and contact info at Green Bay Water Customers and outage notices at Outages. Ask about payment plans and any local charity partners (St. Vincent de Paul Green Bay accepts assistance requests at 1‑920‑435‑4040 x102 via SVdP Green Bay Resource Center). (gbwater.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your water utility for a Deferred Payment Agreement (water DPAs are required) and request any hardship or penalty relief programs; see PSC 185.38 DPA rule for water. Call 211 for local charities that pay water bills and check city programs like MadCAP. (regulations.justia.com)

Utility Company Programs and Contact Numbers

The fastest way to stop a shutoff is to set up a payment plan directly with your utility while your assistance applications are processing.

Utility Phone Where to request help and programs
We Energies 1-800-842-4565 Payment arrangements and energy assistance; tips and moratorium reminders at We Energies news. (we-energies.com)
Alliant Energy 1-800-255-4268 Hometown Care Energy Fund (up to $500 if eligible); press releases show recent funding commitments. (alliantenergy.com)
Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) 1-800-245-1125 Help with My Bill and referrals; income‑qualified efficiency help through Focus on Energy. (mge.com)
Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) 1-800-450-7260 Payment help and scam warnings at WPS news; call to request a DPA. (news.wisconsinpublicservice.com)
Xcel Energy (WI) 1-800-895-4999 Ask about income‑qualified support and DPAs; company proposes targeted programs in WI per Xcel WI news. (newsroom.xcelenergy.com)

If you can’t reach an agreement, call PSC Consumer Affairs at 1‑800‑225‑7729 or use the PSC complaint system. The PSC’s March 24, 2025 notice includes more major utility contacts. (wisbusiness.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the utility to note your WHEAP or EA application number while you finalize documents. If you have a medical crisis, request the 21‑day hold under the PSC rule; see Customer Bill of Rights. (psc.wi.gov)

Focus on Energy and Home Energy Upgrades You Can Afford

Cutting usage lowers every bill going forward. Income‑qualified residents can unlock higher rebates and faster approval with “streamlined” eligibility if you already receive WHEAP, SNAP/FoodShare, Medicaid, or WAP.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility about free kits and low‑cost tips; request referrals back to WAP via DEHCR Assistance if you’ve had WHEAP in the past year. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

When the standard programs can’t cover everything, these partners can fill gaps or help with documentation.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use 211 Wisconsin to find a church‑based aid group in your ZIP code, ask your clinic social worker for a “medical emergency” letter to the utility, and call PSC Consumer Affairs to mediate. (uwm211.org)

Resources by Region (quick start)

Region Start here Backup
Milwaukee County KeepWarmMKE scheduling and docs (414‑270‑4653), Community Advocates Energy Assistance We Energies help (1‑800‑842‑4565), PSC complaints (keepwarmmke.org)
Dane County Energy Services, Inc. (1‑800‑506‑5596), Project Home MGE Help (1‑800‑245‑1125), Focus on Energy – income qualified (esiwi.com)
Brown County WHEAP apply and local agency via DEHCR map; Green Bay Water (1‑920‑448‑3480) SVdP Green Bay help (1‑920‑435‑4040 x102) (energybenefit.wi.gov)
Western WI Western Dairyland (715‑836‑7511) for HE+ status; Eau Claire Energy Coop guide 211 Wisconsin for church and CAP referrals (westerndairyland.org)
Statewide Home Energy Plus application (1‑800‑506‑5596) PSC Consumer Affairs (1‑800‑225‑7729), Emergency Assistance (energybenefit.wi.gov)

Diverse Communities: targeted notes and resources

  • LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for private rooms for documents and preferred name use during intake; agencies should accommodate. For Dane/Madison, MGE Help with My Bill lists inclusive local partners; for statewide screening, use 211 Wisconsin and ask for LGBTQ‑friendly agencies; for energy upgrades, Focus on Energy income‑qualified can approve within three business days after documents. TTY users can dial Wisconsin Relay 711 at any time. (mge.com)
  • Single mothers with disabilities or with a disabled child: Request reasonable accommodations (longer appointment times, wheelchair‑accessible offices, large‑print forms). For energy emergency holds due to medical equipment or health conditions, ask your provider about the 21‑day medical emergency delay per PSC Customer Bill of Rights; apply for WHEAP at Home Energy Plus; find disability benefit specialists, including tribal specialists, via DHS benefit specialists. (psc.wi.gov)
  • Veteran single mothers: After filing WHEAP, contact Heat for Heroes at 1-800-891-9276 for supplemental crisis help; ask about “Heat & Housing for Heroes” support through Energy Services, Inc.. If you need referrals beyond utilities, check the DHS Tribal Affairs contacts for local VA navigation. (heat4heroes.org)
  • Immigrant/refugee single moms: WHEAP eligibility is based on income and Wisconsin residency; if you need language access, ask for interpreters when you call 1‑800‑506‑5596. For broader safety‑net help (food/health), see DHS 211 guidance and W‑2 Emergency Assistance if there’s a utility crisis. TTY/voice services: Wisconsin Relay 711. (dhs.wisconsin.gov)
  • Tribal‑specific resources: Many tribes administer WHEAP locally. Example: Oneida Nation WHEAP (920-490-3939). DHS lists tribal benefit contacts at DHS tribal benefit specialists and statewide tribal contacts at Tribal Affairs Office. Use the W‑2 agency locator for Emergency Assistance on or near reservations. (oneida-nsn.gov)
  • Rural single moms with limited access: Ask for phone interviews and mail‑in options with your WHEAP agency via DEHCR WHEAP map. For water or septic emergencies outside city service areas, ask your county about any remaining septic system grants, noting that the Wisconsin Fund ends June 30, 2025; call to confirm county‑level options. Use 211 for nearby churches that pay fuel oil or propane fills. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)
  • Single fathers: The same programs apply regardless of gender. Apply at Home Energy Plus and consider Emergency Assistance if you have a child at home and face a utility crisis. PSC mediation is available to all at PSC complaints. (energybenefit.wi.gov)
  • Language access: Ask every agency for interpretation. 211 texts are available by texting your ZIP to 898211 via 211 Wisconsin. Many city programs, like MadCAP, host forms in Spanish and Hmong and will mail large‑print copies on request; TTY/relay is available statewide at 711. (uwm211.org)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality Check

  • Funding can pause mid‑year: In late June 2025, agencies reported a statewide pause on HE+ Program Services referrals due to funding limits; service availability can change quickly. See notices from Western Dairyland and West CAP and always call to confirm current status. (westerndairyland.org)
  • Federal uncertainties: In spring 2025, state officials acknowledged federal staffing changes at HHS but confirmed WHEAP benefits remained available through May 15, 2025; see DOA press release. Verify current funding before you apply late in the season. (content.govdelivery.com)
  • Scam warnings: Utilities do not demand payment via gift cards, crypto, or instant apps. See warnings from WPS and use your bill’s phone number to verify. (news.wisconsinpublicservice.com)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need Do this first Then do this
Shutoff notice in hand Call your utility and request a DPA; document terms. Use We Energies 1‑800‑842‑4565, Alliant 1‑800‑255‑4268, MGE 1‑800‑245‑1125. See PSC Bill of Rights. Apply at Home Energy Plus and call 1‑800‑506‑5596 to flag a crisis; if refused reasonable terms, contact PSC Consumer Affairs. (psc.wi.gov)
Already disconnected Call 1‑800‑506‑5596 and ask about crisis/reconnect funds; upload all docs. See DEHCR WHEAP. Apply for Emergency Assistance; ask charity partners like KWW/CF. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)
Furnace failed Call WHEAP to request HE+ HVAC referral; see DEHCR HE+ Program Services. If paused, ask about local charity/landlord repairs and Focus on Energy income‑qualified rebates. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)
Water bill crisis Ask for a DPA with your water utility; see PSC 185.38. Milwaukee: MWW payment options; Madison: MadCAP. (regulations.justia.com)

Application Checklist (print/screenshot and check off)

If Your Application Gets Denied (troubleshooting)

  • Ask for a supervisor review: Politely request a supervisor callback and a list of the missing or unacceptable documents. Use Home Energy Plus to upload missing items. (energybenefit.wi.gov)
  • Recheck income: Compare your household size to the 60% SMI chart at DEHCR WHEAP; if you were just over, ask whether your last 3‑month income can be considered (some agencies consider different proof windows for related services). (energyandhousing.wi.gov)
  • Use Plan B: File Emergency Assistance for a one‑time utility crisis payment; if a utility arrangement is the only block, file a PSC complaint to get mediation and a written outcome. Call KWW/CF to ask for gap aid. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)

County-Specific Variations That Matter

  • Municipal utilities and DPAs: Some municipal utilities are not required to offer DPAs to tenants, though many still do. The PSC and local articles reiterate that you should ask anyway and call PSC if refused. See the PSC’s public notice and local reporting at PSC moratorium release and Racine County Eye. (content.govdelivery.com)
  • Water shutoffs: Water utilities operate under PSC water rules, but there is no statewide winter moratorium for water. Many cities avoid water disconnections and instead use payment plans or tax roll. Ask your city utility about local policy; examples: Madison MadCAP and Milwaukee MWW payment options. (cityofmadison.com)

Real‑World Examples

  • Milwaukee mom with a March shutoff notice: She called We Energies at 1‑800‑842‑4565 to set a DPA and then booked a WHEAP phone appointment via KeepWarmMKE. She uploaded pay stubs and her bill to Home Energy Plus, and crisis aid covered the minimum to stop the disconnect. If the plan hadn’t worked, her next step was Emergency Assistance. (we-energies.com)
  • Rural propane user facing empty tank: She called 1‑800‑506‑5596 to flag a “no‑heat” crisis and asked for a vendor authorization through WHEAP. She also asked for weatherization referral at DEHCR Assistance and explored Focus on Energy income‑qualified upgrades to reduce usage. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)

Tables You’ll Use Often

Table: Fast links by situation

Situation Primary link Backup link
Disconnection notice PSC Bill of Rights PSC complaint (psc.wi.gov)
Apply for WHEAP now Home Energy Plus DEHCR WHEAP (energybenefit.wi.gov)
Need EA cash help Emergency Assistance (EA) Find W‑2 agency (dcf.wisconsin.gov)
Water bill discount MadCAP Milwaukee MWW payments (cityofmadison.com)

Table: Major utility phone numbers (keep on your fridge)

Utility Phone Help page
We Energies 1-800-842-4565 We Energies assistance (we-energies.com)
Alliant Energy 1-800-255-4268 Hometown Care Energy Fund (alliantenergy.com)
Madison Gas & Electric 1-800-245-1125 MGE Help with My Bill (mge.com)
WPS 1-800-450-7260 WPS news and scams (news.wisconsinpublicservice.com)
Xcel Energy (WI) 1-800-895-4999 Xcel WI assistance news (newsroom.xcelenergy.com)

Table: Income limits quick view (PY 2024–2025)

HH size One‑month Annual Source
1–4 3,061–3,061–5,887 36,733–36,733–70,641 DEHCR WHEAP (energyandhousing.wi.gov)
5–8 6,829–6,829–8,124 81,943–81,943–97,484 ACF SMI table (liheapch.acf.gov)

Table: City water help (examples)

City Program Contact
Madison MadCAP water/sewer credit 1‑608‑266‑4651; madcap@cityofmadison.com (cityofmadison.com)
Milwaukee MWW payment plans and PromisePay FAQ 1‑414‑286‑2830 (billing); 1‑414‑286‑3710 (emergencies) (city.milwaukee.gov)
Green Bay Green Bay Water customers 1‑920‑448‑3480; ask about DPAs and partner charities (gbwater.org)

Table: Where to appeal, complain, or get mediated

Issue Where to go Notes
Utility won’t offer reasonable DPA PSC Consumer Affairs (1‑800‑225‑7729) Document dates, names, and offers. (psc.wi.gov)
WHEAP ran out of funds locally Emergency Assistance (EA) EA can provide up to $750 for utility crises. (dcf.wisconsin.gov)
Water disconnection or big arrears PSC water DPA rule Ask for a DPA and written terms. (regulations.justia.com)

FAQs (Wisconsin‑specific)

  1. How fast can WHEAP stop a shutoff: Once you submit all documents and your crisis is confirmed, agencies can often process in days; online applications are typically reviewed in about 10 business days. Always call 1‑800‑506‑5596 to flag a crisis. Apply at Home Energy Plus and review DEHCR WHEAP. (energybenefit.wi.gov)
  2. What happens on April 15: The winter moratorium ends April 15; if you haven’t set a DPA or paid the minimum, disconnection can proceed. See PSC moratorium notice and WisBusiness release. (content.govdelivery.com)
  3. Does WHEAP cover electric if my heat is included in rent: Yes, WHEAP can help with non‑heat electric if you qualify. Confirm with your local agency via DEHCR WHEAP. (energyandhousing.wi.gov)
  4. I heat with propane—can WHEAP help: Yes. Ask for a crisis fuel fill authorization if you’re near empty. Call 1‑800‑506‑5596 and apply at Home Energy Plus. (energybenefit.wi.gov)
  5. How much will I get: Amounts depend on fuel, usage, income, and county. Federal summaries list Wisconsin heating benefit minimums and maximums, and crisis caps; always verify current local amounts. See LIHEAP Clearinghouse Wisconsin profile and DEHCR WHEAP. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  6. Can the utility make me pay a deposit: Utilities must consider your ability to pay and offer alternatives like DPAs; review PSC 113 and 134 deposit/DPA rules and PSC 134.063. If you get a deposit demand you can’t afford, call PSC. (docs.legis.wisconsin.gov)
  7. Where do I get water bill help: LIHWAP ended, but cities like Madison offer MadCAP credits; Milwaukee Water Works has payment plans and PromisePay; see MWW payment options. For rules on water DPAs, see PSC 185.38. (cityofmadison.com)
  8. Are there rebates to lower bills long‑term: Yes—income‑qualified Focus on Energy rebates can cover larger portions of upgrades; local governments publish updates, like City of Milwaukee homeowner info. (focusonenergy.com)
  9. Where can veterans get extra help: After you file WHEAP, call Heat for Heroes at 1‑800‑891‑9276, and ask ESI for coordination. (heat4heroes.org)
  10. Who do I call if the utility won’t work with me: PSC Consumer Affairs at 1‑800‑225‑7729 via PSC complaints; for 24/7 community referrals use 211 Wisconsin. (psc.wi.gov)

What to Expect: Timelines and Wait Times

Spanish Summary (Resumen en español)

Resumen breve de los pasos más importantes (traducción generada con herramientas de IA; verifique siempre con las oficinas oficiales):

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified: September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This resource is informational and not legal advice. Program availability, amounts, and rules change with funding; always confirm with your local agency or utility before you decide. If you’re facing life‑threatening conditions (no heat in extreme cold, unsafe wiring, medical device without power), call your utility, 911 for emergencies, and your healthcare provider for a medical emergency letter immediately.

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