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Energy and Weatherization Assistance is Available to Farmers HEAT ASSISTANCE The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) helps pay the cost of heating your home. WHEAP is a one-time benefit payment for the heating season lasting October 1st through May 15th. It is intended to help you pay a portion of your heating costs, but not your entire annual heating cost. The amount you receive depends upon your household size, income level, and household heating costs. Your income level must be within 150% of poverty level, which has increased slightly this year. For example, 150% of poverty for a family of four for a twelve month period is $26,475.00, and for a three month period is $6,618.75. Farmers whose income is derived exclusively from the farm must use their Schedule F from last year’s tax returns. If you have additional income, you must also show your check stubs for your off-farm income from the past three months. You will need to fill out an Energy Services Program application form or complete an interview. You must provide information about your home energy costs in addition to your income. The benefit is for the entire household. Only one person can apply. If you are homebound and cannot apply in person, ask for special assistance. A staff member will come to your house to assist you in filling out your application. Your heating assistance benefit will be sent directly to your fuel supplier, and your vendor will credit the amount to your account. You will be sent a notification from the Department of Energy telling you the amount of your benefit credit . If you don’t know whom to contact in your county for energy assistance, call the state WHEAP Help line at 1-608-267-3680. WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCEIf you are eligible for WHEAP assistance, you are probably eligible for weatherization assistance. Weatherization services can help you reduce your home heating bills and conserve energy. People with high heating costs who receive WHEAP benefits will receive priority for weatherization services. Regardless of your income, you may be eligible if a member of your household has received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are a renter on a farm or in a house, or live in a mobile home, you may also be eligible. Common services provided are attic insulation, sidewall insulation, furnace replacement, and reducing air leakage.. After you sign up for the program, an auditor is sent to your home to perform an energy check-up. A household is sometimes able to save up to 50% after receiving weatherization assistance. For more information about the program and/or whom to contact in your county, call 1-608-267-3681. PUBLIC BENEFITS ELECTRIC ASSISTANCEIn addition, if you are a customer of a utility company or coop that is participating in the Pubic Benefits program and you are having trouble making your payments to them, you may be eligible for assistance from your utility in meeting your financial obligations to them. Weatherization assistance is sometimes available. If you are a customer of Wisconsin Electric/Wisconsin Gas, for example, call 1-800 - 887-6467 or 1-414-221-3800 for information. Alliant customers should call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT. Customers of other companies should call the customer service department of their utility to find out if the company is participating in the program. Daphne Newman Stassin Outreach Specialist DATCP
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