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PY26 WHEAP Manual

Revised: August 2025 2.1.3 WHEAP – HE+ Program Services HE+ HVAC Heating Program Services: Eligible households whose primary heating system no longer provides heat, is inoperable, or becomes unsafe may be eligible to receive services.

HE+ Water Conservation Program Services: Eligible households who are in need of repair or replacement of leaky or non-working water heaters, leaky fixtures, toilets, and/or piping.

The local WHEAP agency must determine eligibility for HE+ Program Services before services are provided. HE+ Program Services are a discretionary benefit to households; even if a household is eligible, they may not receive services.

The HE+ Program Services eligibility criteria and service requirements are outlined in the HE+ Program Services Manual (available on the Division website). The HE+ Program Services Manual outlines when a repair or replacement is appropriate.

Services provided to a household through HE+ Program Services and in conformance with the HE+ Program Services Manual requirements will never result in a property lien or in a charge to the eligible household.

HE+ Program Services payments are paid from a central account managed by DEHCR.

2.2 WHEAP − General Eligibility There are financial and non-financial parts to the eligibility determination. Non-financial eligibility criteria include Wisconsin residence, eligibility to receive federal benefits (for non-citizens), provision of a SSN, having an energy burden, and other issues. Detailed discussion of non- financial eligibility requirements is presented in Chapter 3.

Financial eligibility requires a household’s income to be less than or equal to sixty percent (60%) of the state median income (SMI). The income levels for various family sizes are published by DEHCR at the beginning of the heating season. The HE+ Program uses a one-month income test which is annualized to determine program income eligibility. The test period for determining the income level for the household is usually the one month prior to the month of application. If an agency determines that a household’s prior month income exceeds the WHEAP eligibility limit, and the household’s financial circumstances have recently changed, the agency may use the present month income to establish eligibility. See Section 3.3.2 for more information. The income for certain income types, such as seasonal wages and self-employment income, have a test period that is based on income received during the 12 months prior to the date of the application, or the previous tax year. A detailed discussion of financial eligibility is presented in Chapter 3.

When a household is found to be eligible for Regular WHEAP Benefits, the determination of eligibility is used for Crisis Assistance and HE+ Program Services for the remainder of the program year (October 1 to September 30). Application eligibility does not continue for the remainder of the program year if either the case head or a household member is deceased. A new application shall be processed to establish eligibility for the remaining household members. Crisis Assistance and