Energy Assistance
Energy Assistance (funded by LIHEAP and Public Benefits) includes the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, Weatherization Assistance, and HE+ Program Services.
- Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations.
- Weatherization helps renters and homeowners reduce their energy consumption.
- HE+ Program Services provides services to eligible households to repair or replace their heating systems, leaky or non-working water heaters, leaky fixtures, toilets, and piping.
Operating with federal LIHEAP and state Public Benefits funding, the programs provide energy assistance payments to over 200,000 households and weatherization services to more than 6,000 households in Wisconsin each year.
Through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), Western Dairyland is able to help households with a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1 to May 15). The funding pays a portion of energy costs, and the payment is not intended to cover the entire annual energy costs of a residence. The amount of energy assistance varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household's size, income, and energy costs. The benefit is paid directly to the household's energy supplier.
How to Apply
To Apply in Clark, Eau Claire, or Trempealeau County
- Option 1: Call Western Dairyland at 715-836-7511 or email energy@wdeoc.org to schedule a phone or in-person appointment, or have an application sent to you.
- Option 2: Complete a fillable application (English | Spanish | Hmong) and email your saved document along with your income verification to energy@wdeoc.org or print and return it to Western Dairyland at 418 Wisconsin Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703.
If you have any questions or need assistance, call us at 715-836-7511. Priority is given to applicants in a crisis or at risk of a shut-off.
WHAT'S NEXT? You will receive a benefit status letter in the mail within 14 days after your verification documents have been received. Any payment is usually made directly to the household energy supplier.
IMPORTANT - contact us immediately if you are experiencing a no-heat situation.
Am I Eligible?
If your household gross income (before taxes and other deductions) is less than the amount shown on this chart, you may be eligible to receive energy assistance.
Income Guidelines
The 2026 program year runs October 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026
| Household Size | 1 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 |
What Information Do I Need?
To avoid unnecessary delays, applicants must provide Social Security numbers for all household members and verify all income for the previous month. This includes but is not limited to:
- Wages: Copies of paystubs or a printout from each employer showing each household member's gross income for each check date in the previous month.
- Child Support: You must verify the gross amount and the date of each payment received in the previous month. If you pay child support, verification from your paystub or printout from the child support office showing the previous month is required for this to be an eligible deduction.
- Social Security, SSDI, SSI, Veterans benefit, Railroad Retirement, etc.: Gross monthly amount must be verified with a copy of an award letter or recent bank statement listing direct deposit.
- Pensions, Annuities, IRAs, Interest/ Dividends, Royalties: Gross dollar amounts must be verified covering 12 months with a copy of the most recent 1040 Income tax return, the most recent 1099 tax statement, or a written statement from the source of the payment.
- Self-Employment, Rental income, or Cash Work: Copy of most recent 1040 Income Tax Return including all supporting schedules (The most common tax schedules are Schedule C, Schedule F, and Schedule E). If taxes have not been filed, the agency will provide a form to be completed.
- Seasonal Workers: Must provide 12-month income verification for wages and unemployment. Copies of the most recent W2's and 1099 are acceptable.
You May Qualify for More Help
Qualifying for Energy Assistance gives you access to other benefits like the following: Emergency Crisis Assistance, HVAC & Water Conservation, and Weatherization.
More Energy Assistance & Weatherization Programs
This program is administered by the State of Wisconsin Home Energy Plus (HE+) Program
More information is available from the Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR)