Households can apply for energy bill help | Daily Updates – Leader-Telegram

EAU CLAIRE — Low-income households could begin applying Thursday for help paying their heating and electric bills during cold-weather months.

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program also has changed its qualification process in consideration of the many people who have faced unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously eligibility was determined by a household’s income from the previous three months. That has changed to a single month’s income to ensure people hit hard by the pandemic’s economic impact can get aid quickly.

WHEAP provides funding for a portion of home heating costs for income-eligible households, not paying their entire energy bill. The amount of the benefit varies depending on the number of people living in the residence, their combined income and typical energy costs. In most cases, the payment is made directly to the household’s energy provider.

Those looking to apply can go online to energybenefit.wi.gov.

To speak with a person on the phone, residents of Eau Claire and Trempealeau counties should call Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, which administers WHEAP in this area. Eau Claire County residents can call Western Dairyland’s office at 715-836-7511. The phone number in Trempealeau County is 715-985-2391.

Residents of other counties should call 866-432-8947.

Original Source: https://www.leadertelegram.com/news/daily-updates/households-can-apply-for-energy-bill-help/article_9f951086-4297-5630-be40-2cb34d9d29ae.html