Weatherization Assistance Program

What this program is, in plain English

The Weatherization Assistance Program sends a crew to your house at no cost to you. They do an energy audit and then fix what is wasting money: insulation in the attic and walls, sealing around doors and windows, duct repair, and often repairing or replacing an unsafe or failing furnace or water heater. They also check for carbon monoxide and gas leaks. Renters can qualify with the landlord's permission. Households with someone 60 or older are given priority in most states, and if you already get LIHEAP or SSI you are usually automatically income-eligible. Waiting lists are long, so apply and then wait.

What you actually get

An average of several thousand dollars of permanent home energy work, with typical annual utility savings of a few hundred dollars a year afterward.

Who qualifies

• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm
• No asset test.
• Limit is 200% of the federal poverty level or 60% of state median income, at state option. LIHEAP or SSI receipt usually confers automatic eligibility.

What to have ready

• Proof of income for everyone in the home
• Proof of home ownership or a signed landlord agreement
• Recent utility bills
• Photo identification

How to apply

This program is run by State weatherization offices and local community action agencies, funded by the US Department of Energy. Most decisions take Months to more than a year because of waiting lists.