Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
**NEW WHEAP SEASON
STARTED OCTOBER 1, 2024**
What is Energy Assistance?
The Energy Assistance Program provides qualified Rusk County Residents with a one-time annual payment to make energy (heating and electric) bills more affordable.
The funding pays a portion of energy costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire energy costs of a residence. The amount of the energy assistance payment varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income and energy costs. In most cases the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household’s energy supplier.
See the brochure on the top left of the page for more information about Energy Assistance and other benefits.
Don't Get Disconnected!! Call and apply for Energy Assistance today or ask about crisis assistance.
When is the application period?
The heating season runs October 1st and May 15th. If you are approved, it is a one-time payment during this period. If you are denied for any reason, you may re-apply in a new month to determine if you may be eligible now.
Who is eligible to apply?
Rusk County households with a utility burden and are under the 60% State Median income may be eligible for the Energy Assistance Program. Click on the HE Brochure for current income guidelines.
How and where can you apply?
- By phone with an intake worker, please call 715-532-2299 to schedule an appointment
- In person with an intake worker, please call 715-532-2299 to schedule an appointment
- By mail, please call if you need an application mailed to you or you can print one online (found on left side of the page). Drop off, mail or email completed application with checklist verification to our office.
- Online application, please click the following link: Energy Benefit (note: online applications are processed by ESI and not Rusk County)
- At our outreach site. The dates and times will be advertised in the Ladysmith Newspaper.
- Photo ID (recommended)
- Social Security Numbers and dates of birth for everyone in the household
- Current gas, electric or oil energy bill (or lease/letter from your landlord if heat is included in your rent)
- Proof of all income sources for the entire household’s gross income for the month prior to the application month (child support, wages, pension, social security, unemployment, etc.
- Seasonal employees and self-employed persons will require the prior year’s tax packet. Rental income must be verified by taxes and schedule E.
Additional Benefits
Qualifying for Energy Assistance gives you access to other benefits, too, including:
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Furnace/heating system repair or replacement
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Crisis benefits
For a "no heat" situation (either a furnace issue or out of propane or fuel oil), please call 715-532-2299 during business hours. If calling outside our business hours or on the weekend, please call Rusk County Dispatch at 715-532-2200.