Resource Binder
Electrical/Energy Assistance
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Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
updated 3.7.2025
Phone Number: 1 800 506 5596
About the Agency: WHEAP helps with heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations to help lower the burden of monthly energy costs. They are only able to provide assistance during the "heating season" which is from Oct 1 - May 15.
Who can use this resource? Check income guidelines!
Next Steps:
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Go to https://energybenefit.wi.gov/ to determine eligibility and fill out application.
**If veteran or widow of a veteran, patient may be eligible for additional assistance (See Heat for Heroes)
**For emergency energy assistance, see Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund or Emergency Assistance Grant.
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Bring required documentation (WHEAP_Checklist)
Madison Gas and Electric (MG&E) Deferred Payment Agreement
Updated 3.7.2025
Phone number: (608) 252-7144 M-F 7am-7pm
Who can use this resource? According to their website, anyone at riskof being late on their payments can sign up for a personal payment arrangement plan.
About this resource: Sign up for a personalized payment arrangement or Deferred Payment Agreement to avoid collection action, late payment fees or disconnection of service.
Next Steps:
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Call *608) 252-7144 M-F from 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund
Phone: 1-800-891-9276
About this resource: Emergency energy assistance in winter
Who can use this resource? Individuals experiencing significant energy burden where other available resources are inadequate. If an individual qualifies for WHEAP, they may qualify for supplemental support from the fund. Resource is used mostly for energy emergencies.
Next Steps:
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Find out if you qualify for WHEAP- Check income guidelines on the website listed above.
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If you qualify and do not have WHEAP, you can apply at https://energybenefit.wi.gov and mention interest in applying for Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool fund.
**This program is different than WHEAP.
Heat for Heroes
Phone: 1-800-891-9276 (Option 1)
About this resource: Provides energy assistance to veterans to alleviate life-threatening energy related emergencies (for example, out of fuel, disconnection of services, broken furnace, behind on utility bills).
Who can use this resource? Veteran, widow or widower of a veteran
Next Steps:
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Find out if individual qualifies for WHEAP. Check income guidelines.
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If they qualify and do not have WHEAP, they can apply at Energy Services, Inc. (make sure to bring required documents… See WHEAP_Checklist) and mention interest in applying for Heat for Heroes (will need to bring documentation of military service).
Energy Services, Inc.
1225 S. Park St.
Madison, WI 53715
Open: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
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If they have WHEAP, they may call 1-800-891-9276 (Option 1) to get more information on the Heat for Heroes and learn more on how to apply OR call Energy Services, Inc. at 800-506-5596 to learn more about how to apply for additional assistance.
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If an individual does not qualify for WHEAP, you can call 1-800-891-9276 (Option 1) OR contact Heat for Heroes online (https://heat4heroes.org/Apply-For-Assistance). The patient may still qualify for assistance.
**This program is different than WHEAP.
Dane County Department of Human Services Emergency Assistance Grant
Phone number: 608-242-7458
About the Agency: Provides a one-time payment that can help low-income parents pay and emergency housing or utility-related expense
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Pay utility bills if your heat, electricity, sewer, or water service has been turned off
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Pay a security deposit on a new apartment if you have been evicted
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Stop an eviction from current apartment
**Cannot be used for past-due energy applications
Who can use this resource? Low income individuals who have at least one child in the house and are facing an emergency.
Emergencies include:
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Fire, flood, or natural disaster
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Homelessness or impending homelessness
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Energy Crisis
**You may not apply if you have received an Emergency Assistance payment in the last 12 months.
To Apply for Emergency Assistance
OR
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You can also come to the Dane County Job Center to submit an application:
1819 Aberg Avenue, Madison, WI
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Please do NOT fax or mail in applications
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Bring required documents (Emergency Assistance Checklist).
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Open: Monday-Friday 7:45 AM-4:30 PM
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UW Health Derzon Fund
About this resource: The Derzon Fund is used to help UW Health patients with expenses such as transportation, medications, lodging, meals, and other needs that may arise.
Who can use this resource? All UW Health patients BUT this resource should only be used if all other options have been exhausted.
** At Wingra, some patients are considered Access patients, and some are considered UW Health patient (Double check with front desk staff to find out if a patient is a UW Health patient)
Next Steps:
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Talk to Lane (lane@patientpartnerships.org) to see if patient is eligible.
Focus On Energy
Phone: 1-800-762-7077
About this resource: This program is designed to maximize energy efficiency in your home. *basically, if you install new/energy efficient equipment into your home and this program will give you incentives ($$). All equipment must be approved and installed by a Trade Ally Contractor.
Who can use this resource? Anyone that is a customer of a participating utility company and meets eligibility guidelines.
Next Steps:
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Read through the 2019 Income Eligibility Application Guidelines. Make sure the individual meets the income guidelines and is a customer of a participating utility company.
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Call 1-800-762-7077 to learn more about how to apply and eligibility for this resource.
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Open: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM