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Energy Assistance

Cut Your Bills and Stay Connected

The 2023-2024 Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Benefit Season begins October 1, 2023, and runs through May 15, 2024. During the benefit season, eligible county residents can apply for a one-time payment to help cover a portion of their energy bills. The amount of the benefit varies depending on a number of factors, including household income and size, as well as their heating bills. Residents may also qualify for other benefits as well to reduce their utility costs.

Milwaukee County DHHS Energy Assistance Announcement

Changes Due to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Due to coronavirus, all of our sites are temporarily closed. You may apply via phone, mail, or online. Please schedule your appointment by calling 414-270-4653 or going to keepwarmmke.org. At the time of your scheduled appointment, you will receive a call to start your application. If you prefer to apply online, you can access the link to apply online at keepwarmmke.org. If you are having a no-heat emergency, call 2-1-1. 

Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Hours

Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For no-heat emergencies on holidays, evenings or weekends, dial 2-1-1.


VISIT KEEPWARMMKE.ORG OR CALL 270-4-MKE (4653) FOR A PHONE APPOINTMENT!


Update: Changes to Income Requirements

The Home Energy Plus Program uses a previous one-month income test, which is annualized to determine program income eligibility. Unemployment and stimulus payments will not be counted as income when applying before the season ends. 

Income for people who are self-employed, farmers, or seasonal workers is based on federal income tax forms for the previous year.

Beginning October 1, 2023, the income requirements are as follows:

Family Size                          1-Month Income            Annual Income

1                                                  $2,820.67​                         ​$33,848


2                                                  $3,688.58​                          ​$44,263


3                                                  $4,556.50​                          $54,678​


4                                                  $5,424.50                          $65,094


5                                                 $6,292.42​                           $75,509​


6                                                 $7,160.33                           $85,924


7                                                 $7,323.00​                          $87,876


8                                                 $7,485.75                          $89,829​​


All Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Application sites are temporarily closed to the public but we are taking applications on the phone. To schedule a phone appointment, call 414-270-4653 or go to KeepWarmMKE.org. In the case of a heating emergency, call 2-1-1. Community Advocates is a proud partner in the Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program.

Year-Round Benefits

The Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program also offers year-round benefits as well to help eligible utility customers reduce their bills, make repairs or upgrades to their homes or furnaces, and stay connected. Go to keepwarmmke.org to learn more.

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We're Just a Phone Call Away

The Milwaukee County Energy Assistance team is ready to help you apply for the program. You can schedule a phone appointment online at KeepWarmMKE.org or by calling 414-270-4653. We are only taking phone appointments or you can apply online at this link.  

Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Hours

Monday to Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you a completed an application interview and need to return verification documents to expedite your Energy Assistance application, please send the documents to eadocuments@communityadvocates.net. Please be sure to block out your Social Security number, date of birth, bank account numbers, or EIN prior to submitting the documents. 

If you are seeking the status of your application, you will receive a benefit status letter in the mail within 7-14 business days after your verification documents have been received. If it has been more than 14 business days, please call 414-270-4653.

Milwaukee County residents who are in need of additional information, have questions or are requesting an update of their online application status and/or payment of benefits, please contact ESI at 414-800-4240, 1-800-506-5596 or mke-support@esiwi.com.

If you have a complaint in regards to your experience with the energy assistance program please call 414-289-6656 or email EnergyAssistance@Milwaukeecountywi.gov and a representative will follow up with you within 48 hours. 

 

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Administered by the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration.

If you have an emergency after hours, on the weekend, or during a holiday, call 2-1-1.