Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Weatherization Assistance 📋
| ❓ Critical Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost? | $0—completely FREE for eligible households |
| Who qualifies? | Households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines or that receive Supplemental Security Income |
| What’s included? | Insulation, duct sealing, heating and cooling systems repairs or replacement, air infiltration mitigation, roof repair, mold remediation, and installing ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances |
| Annual savings? | $372 or more every year according to a national evaluation |
| Can renters apply? | Both homeowners and renters are eligible to apply |
| Who gets priority? | Priority is given to the elderly, families with one or more members with a disability, families with children, high-energy users, or households with a high energy burden |
🔧 Yes, You Can Get Up to $8,000+ in FREE Home Improvements
The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient. IHWAP also provides many health and safety upgrades ensuring safe and healthy homes.
Here’s exactly what weatherization crews can install—at no cost to you:
| 🛠️ Service Category | What’s Included | 💡 Energy Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Installation of attic, wall, basement and crawlspace insulation and ventilation to reduce energy loss | 20-35% heat loss reduction |
| Air Sealing | Blower door guided air sealing to effectively locate and reduce air-leakage throughout the home | Eliminates drafts |
| HVAC Systems | HVAC repair or replacement, water heater repair or replacement | Heating efficiency boost |
| Lighting | Electric base load reduction (lighting and refrigerator replacement) | Lower electric bills |
| Health & Safety | Ventilation and moisture control measures (and other health and safety measures) | Mold prevention, air quality |
| Per-Home Maximum | Maximum $20,000 per eligible client’s home for energy-related weatherization and repair work | Illinois example |
Weatherization helps alleviate this heavy energy burden through cost-effective building shell improvements such as insulation and air sealing; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; lighting; and appliances. The program improves health and safety by addressing any energy-related hazards.
💰 The 2025 Income Limits: Who Actually Qualifies?
Eligibility for DOE WAP is calculated at 200% of Federal Poverty Income Limits.
2025 Income Guidelines (200% Federal Poverty Level):
| 👥 Household Size | 💵 Annual Income Limit | 📅 Monthly Income Limit | 💡 Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $31,300 | $2,608 | $602 |
| 2 people | $42,400 | $3,533 | $815 |
| 3 people | $53,500 | $4,458 | $1,029 |
| 4 people | $64,300 | $5,358 | $1,237 |
| 5 people | $75,400 | $6,283 | $1,450 |
| Each additional | +$11,100 | +$925 | +$213 |
IMPORTANT: Each state or territory may elect to use the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) eligibility criteria of 60% of state-median income.
🎯 The Automatic Qualification Loophole That Skips Income Verification
If you currently receive financial assistance from any of the following programs, you may automatically qualify for services.
| ✅ If You’re Already In… | WAP Eligibility | Income Verification | 💡 What This Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Households that receive Supplemental Security Income are considered under DOE guidelines as eligible | Not required | Show SSI letter |
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | If anyone in your home receives SSI, Public Assistance, SNAP (Food Stamps), or HEAP, your household is automatically eligible | Not required | Show EBT card |
| TANF | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) | Not required | Cash assistance documentation |
| LIHEAP/LEAP | Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/LEAP) | Not required | Energy assistance proof |
| HUD Programs | Specific means-tested Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs | Not required | Public housing, Section 8 |
| USDA Programs | United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs | Not required | Rural housing documentation |
If a household contains a member who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Public Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits, the household is considered automatically eligible for weatherization services.
👴 Priority Populations: Who Gets Served First?
Per DOE requirements, households on the waitlist are prioritized by assigning points for households with high energy burden and/or high energy use; points will also be assigned for households where at least one individual with the following characteristics reside; elderly (those 60 years of age or older), disabled, and/or children (18 years of age or younger).
| 🎯 Priority Group | Definition | Why Priority? | 💡 Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elderly | The elderly (60 years plus) | Most vulnerable to temperature extremes | Birth certificate, ID |
| Disabled | Physically disabled residents | Health complications from poor housing | SSI letter, medical documentation |
| Families with Children | Families with children under 12 | Child health and safety | Birth certificates |
| High Energy Burden | Households with a high energy burden (repeated high utility bills) | Greatest need for savings | 12 months utility bills |
| High Energy Users | Households with high-energy consumption | Maximum impact potential | Energy audit data |
| Emergency Situations | Emergency situations | Immediate health/safety | Case-by-case |
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income North Carolinians save energy, reduce their utility bills, and stay safe in their homes, prioritizing the elderly, the disabled, families with children, high energy users, and the energy burdened.
🏢 Renters CAN Get Weatherization—Here’s How
The weatherization of rental units is not new to the Weatherization Assistance Program. In fact, it has been part of the regulations guiding the Weatherization Program since 1984.
| 🏠 Housing Type | Eligible? | Requirements | 💡 Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Rental | ✅ YES | If you are a renter, the weatherization provider will work with you and your landlord to receive permission before weatherization work can begin | Landlord agreement needed |
| Apartment (5+ units) | ✅ YES | You may qualify for WAP if you currently live in a building with five units or more. Ask the Building Owner or Manager to contact Energy Outreach Colorado | 66% of units must be eligible |
| Manufactured Home | ✅ YES | Manufactured residences may be eligible for the program | Must be stationary |
| RV | ❌ NO | RVs are not eligible | Not permanent residence |
| Public/Subsidized Housing | ✅ YES | Tenants of public and subsidized housing are eligible for weatherization | HUD automatic eligibility |
| Duplex | ✅ YES | 50% occupancy eligibility | Simpler than multifamily |
According to the WAP regulations, eligibility for weatherization assistance is based on the income or categorical eligibility of a household, not on the type of dwelling unit occupied by the household.
Landlord Protections: Landlord shall not increase the rents during the term of this Agreement unless the increase is demonstrably related to matters other than weatherization work performed. Landlord shall not evict Tenants for the time period of this Agreement.
📝 The Complete Application Process: Step-by-Step
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is administered at the state and local level. To apply for WAP assistance, first identify your state weatherization administrator and reach out to them.
| Step | What Happens | Your Action | 💡 Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Find Provider | Locate local WAP agency | Visit energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance | 1 day |
| 2. Complete Application | Your local provider will require your proof of income for the prior year, such as pay stubs or social security payments | Gather 12 months income docs | 1-2 weeks |
| 3. Eligibility Determination | Agency reviews income/categorical eligibility | Wait for response | 2-4 weeks |
| 4. Waitlist Placement | If you’re income eligible, then your name will be placed on a waitlist | Be patient | Varies by state |
| 5. Energy Audit | The energy audit is a computerized assessment of your home’s energy use carried out by a professional energy auditor | Be home for 2-4 hours | 1 appointment |
| 6. Work Performed | Crews install improvements | Allow access to home | 1-5 days |
| 7. Final Inspection | A local WAP provider’s inspector will review the work to ensure everything was completed, meets the Standard Work Specifications | Final walkthrough | 1 day |
⏳ The 15-Year Rule Nobody Tells You About
Homes that have been weatherized within the previous 15 years are not eligible for re-weatherization.
| ⚠️ Re-Weatherization Rules | What It Means | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| 15-Year Wait | Each home is eligible for weatherization assistance once every 15 years | Major damage may qualify |
| Previous WAP Work | Check if home was previously weatherized | Ask agency to verify |
| New Technology | Some states allow updates for new efficiency standards | Varies by state |
📊 Real Savings: What Families Actually Experience
WAP saves participants an average of 372peryearinenergycosts(2022372 per year in energy costs (2022 372peryearinenergycosts(2022), while improving comfort, safety, and health outcomes for thousands of households annually.
| 💵 Savings Metric | Amount | Source | 💡 Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Savings | $372 or more every year | DOE national evaluation | Conservative estimate |
| Utah Households | Approximately $583 per year | Utah Division of Housing | 35% bill reduction |
| Heating Bill Reduction | Reducing heating bills by an average of 32% | DOE Recovery Act | Winter focused |
| Energy Use Reduction | An average savings in excess of 20% | NY State | All energy types |
| One Family’s Experience | Tillman’s monthly bills in the hottest and coldest months were reduced by roughly $200 | ACEEE case study | $2,400/year |
| Per-Home Investment | An average investment of up to $6,500 per home | DOE guidelines | Maximum allowed |
Since 1976, the Weatherization Assistance Program has served seven million households, which enjoy saving an average of 30% on their energy bills.
💬 Comment 1: “What if my home has problems that prevent weatherization?”
Short Answer: 🔧 Weatherization Readiness Funds exist to fix those issues first!
Deferrals occur when an auditor visits a residence and determines that existing conditions impede the ability to implement energy efficiency measures.
| 🚫 Common Deferral Reasons | Percentage | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Roof leaks | 45% | Weatherization Readiness Funds |
| Floor/framing damage | 23% | Pre-weatherization repairs |
| Unsafe electrical panels | 23% | Electrical upgrades first |
| Foundation damage | 15% | Structural repairs |
| Pest infestation | 15% | Pest remediation |
| Asbestos | 13% | Abatement required |
| Mold | 10% | Remediation first |
WRF: Weatherization Readiness Funds (WRF) are a supplemental allocation from DOE. The WRF is being used to address structural and/or health and safety repairs required in homes in order to prevent eligible WAP units from being deferred.
💬 Comment 2: “What does the energy audit actually involve?”
Short Answer: 🔍 A comprehensive 2-4 hour professional assessment—FREE!
The audit includes an analysis of your energy bills, a blower-door test to determine the infiltration of outside air into your house, and an inspection of all energy equipment and all areas of your home (living area, attics, basement, etc.) for potential improvements and health and safety issues.
| 🔬 Audit Component | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Blower Door Test | Pressurizes home to find air leaks | Identifies invisible drafts |
| Energy Bill Analysis | Reviews 12+ months usage | Spots high-consumption patterns |
| Attic Inspection | Measures insulation depth/type | Major heat loss area |
| Basement/Crawlspace | Checks for moisture, insulation | Foundation heat loss |
| HVAC Assessment | Tests heating/cooling efficiency | Replacement decisions |
| Safety Inspection | Carbon monoxide, gas leaks, electrical | Protects your family |
💬 Comment 3: “What WON’T weatherization cover?”
Short Answer: ⚠️ WAP is NOT a general home renovation program!
A home remodeling or renovation service: WAP’s purpose is to improve energy efficiency and health/safety related to energy usage. WAP does not perform home improvements, cosmetic work, or address plumbing issues.
| ❌ NOT Covered | Why | Alternative Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing repairs | Not energy-related | USDA Rural Housing Repair |
| Cosmetic improvements | Not energy-related | CDBG programs |
| General construction | WAP does not operate as a commercial contractor | HUD 203(k) loans |
| Non-residential spaces | Meeting rooms, game rooms, laundry rooms, maintenance rooms, daycare centers, office areas or commercial business areas, and non-residential facilities are not eligible | Commercial programs |
| Payment for services | WAP provides assistance and cannot accept payment for weatherization work or other services | Program is FREE |
💬 Comment 4: “How long is the waitlist?”
Short Answer: ⏳ Varies dramatically by state and funding—prepare for 6 months to 2+ years!
Due to the increased number of wait-listed clients from FY25, there is no guarantee that you will receive full service for FY26.
| 📊 Waitlist Factors | Impact | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| State funding levels | Major variation | Apply to multiple programs |
| Priority status | Elderly, disabled, children move up | Document your priority |
| Season | Winter applications surge | Apply in spring/summer |
| Local capacity | Rural areas may have fewer crews | Be patient |
| Infrastructure funding | The historic $3.5 billion the Biden-Harris Administration has invested in the Weatherization Assistance Program | More capacity coming |
🗺️ WAP Operates Nationwide: All 50 States + DC + Territories + Tribes
DOE provides program funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes, and five U.S. territories—American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands—through formula grants. With DOE grants, states contract with nearly 800 local agencies nationwide.
📞 Essential Contact Information
| 🏢 Resource | 📞 Contact | 🌐 Website | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOE WAP How to Apply | — | energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance | Find your state agency |
| State Agency Map | — | energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program | Interactive locator |
| LIHEAP (Bill Help) | — | liheapch.acf.hhs.gov | Energy bill assistance |
| Benefits.gov | — | benefits.gov/benefit/580 | All energy programs |
| USAGov Weatherization | — | usa.gov/weatherization-energy-programs | Federal overview |
Select State Contacts:
| State | Agency | Phone/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Energy Outreach Colorado | (303) 825-8750 |
| DC | DOEE Residential Services | 202-299-3316 |
| New York | HCR Office of Housing Preservation | hcr.ny.gov/weatherization |
| Pennsylvania | DCED WAP | dced.pa.gov/programs/weatherization-assistance-program-wap |
| Illinois | DCEO Home Weatherization | dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/homeweatherization |
| Minnesota | Second Harvest Heartland | 1-800-944-3281 |
| Colorado (NWCCOG) | Energy Program | 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) |
📊 Quick Recap: Why You Should Apply for WAP Today 📝
- $8,000+ Value FREE 💰: Average expenditure per household is $7,669
- $372+ Annual Savings 📉: Households save on average $372 or more every year
- 7.2 Million Helped ✅: WAP has helped improve the lives of more than 7.2 million families
- Homeowners AND Renters 🏠: Both homeowners and renters are eligible to apply
- Automatic If On SNAP/SSI 🎯: Automatically eligible for weatherization services
- Priority for Elderly/Disabled 👴: Priority is given to the elderly, families with one or more members with a disability
- All 50 States + DC 🗺️: Funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes, and five U.S. territories
- 800 Local Agencies 🏢: States contract with nearly 800 local agencies nationwide
- Health & Safety Included 🛡️: Ensuring their health and safety
- Apply Now ⏰: Waitlists exist—don’t delay!
The West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded program that helps to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons or to provide such persons renewable energy systems or technologies, reduce their total residential expenditures, and improve their health and safety.
Together, these measures can reduce your energy bills, make your home more comfortable, and increase residents’ safety.
Start here: energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance or call your local Community Action Agency 💚