Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Current News
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)State Plan
Program Description
The Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides eligible households with full-scale home energy conservation services.
The program is administered by a network of local agencies, in many areas the same agency that administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP or Fuel Assistance) program. See the “How to Apply” section below to find the local weatherization agency.
Eligible Applicants
Households that are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP or Fuel Assistance) are eligible for weatherization services. Eligibility is based on a maximum gross annual income not to exceed 60% of the Estimated State Median Income. Priority of service is given to those households with elderly, disabled, children (6 and under), LIHEAP high-energy users, and Native Americans. Homeowners and tenants with their landlord's permission are eligible.
Typical weatherization activities include:
- Air sealing to reduce infiltration
- Attic Insulation
- Sidewall Insulation
- Floor Insulation
- Pipe and/or Duct insulation
- Limited Energy Related Repairs.
Homes also receive a thorough evaluation of the heating system as well as health and safety testing of all combustion appliances. Local licensed and insured private-sector weatherization contractors complete the work at no cost to the residents. The local agency inspects all completed work to be certain that the authorized work was completed in a satisfactory manner.
Funding Limits
An average grant of $5,500 in weatherization funds is awarded for each home for installed energy efficiency measures. Households may also be eligible for a variety of utility funded energy efficiency programs that vary by utility service area.
Selection Criteria
Households must be eligible for the LIHEAP (Fuel Assistance) program. Priority of service is given to those households with elderly, disabled, children (6 and under), LIHEAP high-energy users, and Native Americans. Applicants may contact their local weatherization agency to express interest in the program.
How To Apply
The application for the Fuel Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also serves as the application for the Weatherization Assistance Program; it must be completed at the Fuel Assistance Agency Service Locator . You may also contact the HEATLINE at 1-800-632-8175 to learn where to apply. Please call ahead for an appointment to fill out the application with an intake worker. Households will be required to verify their income, household characteristics, and address.
Applications Guidelines
Households with a gross annual income that does not exceed 60% of the Estimated State Median Income may be eligible for weatherization services. Additionally households in which a member receives Supplemental Social Security (SSI) or TAFDC benefits are also eligible.
Other Resources
DOE Weatherization Assistance Program
Gas Utility Funded Energy Efficiency Programs
Electric Utility Funded Energy Efficiency Programs
Contact
For additional information about Weatherization, the Fuel Assistance Program
or HEARTWAP, please call the HEATLINE at 1-800-632-8175.
For more information about other DCS programs, please call: 617-573-1400.