Weatherization Assistance: The FREE $8,000+ Home Upgrade Program Budget Seniors, December 27, 2025February 5, 2026 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Weatherization Assistance 📋 ❓ Critical Question✅ Quick AnswerHow much does it cost?$0—completely FREE for eligible householdsWho qualifies?Households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines or that receive Supplemental Security IncomeWhat’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 appliancesAnnual savings?$372 or more every year according to a national evaluationCan renters apply?Both homeowners and renters are eligible to applyWho 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 CategoryWhat’s Included💡 Energy ImpactInsulationInstallation of attic, wall, basement and crawlspace insulation and ventilation to reduce energy loss20-35% heat loss reductionAir SealingBlower door guided air sealing to effectively locate and reduce air-leakage throughout the homeEliminates draftsHVAC SystemsHVAC repair or replacement, water heater repair or replacementHeating efficiency boostLightingElectric base load reduction (lighting and refrigerator replacement)Lower electric billsHealth & SafetyVentilation and moisture control measures (and other health and safety measures)Mold prevention, air qualityPer-Home MaximumMaximum $20,000 per eligible client’s home for energy-related weatherization and repair workIllinois 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💡 Weekly1 person$31,300$2,608$6022 people$42,400$3,533$8153 people$53,500$4,458$1,0294 people$64,300$5,358$1,2375 people$75,400$6,283$1,450Each 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 EligibilityIncome Verification💡 What This MeansSSI (Supplemental Security Income)Households that receive Supplemental Security Income are considered under DOE guidelines as eligibleNot requiredShow SSI letterSNAP (Food Stamps)If anyone in your home receives SSI, Public Assistance, SNAP (Food Stamps), or HEAP, your household is automatically eligibleNot requiredShow EBT cardTANFTemporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)Not requiredCash assistance documentationLIHEAP/LEAPLow Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/LEAP)Not requiredEnergy assistance proofHUD ProgramsSpecific means-tested Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programsNot requiredPublic housing, Section 8USDA ProgramsUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programsNot requiredRural 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 GroupDefinitionWhy Priority?💡 DocumentationElderlyThe elderly (60 years plus)Most vulnerable to temperature extremesBirth certificate, IDDisabledPhysically disabled residentsHealth complications from poor housingSSI letter, medical documentationFamilies with ChildrenFamilies with children under 12Child health and safetyBirth certificatesHigh Energy BurdenHouseholds with a high energy burden (repeated high utility bills)Greatest need for savings12 months utility billsHigh Energy UsersHouseholds with high-energy consumptionMaximum impact potentialEnergy audit dataEmergency SituationsEmergency situationsImmediate health/safetyCase-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 TypeEligible?Requirements💡 Special NotesSingle-Family Rental✅ YESIf you are a renter, the weatherization provider will work with you and your landlord to receive permission before weatherization work can beginLandlord agreement neededApartment (5+ units)✅ YESYou 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 Colorado66% of units must be eligibleManufactured Home✅ YESManufactured residences may be eligible for the programMust be stationaryRV❌ NORVs are not eligibleNot permanent residencePublic/Subsidized Housing✅ YESTenants of public and subsidized housing are eligible for weatherizationHUD automatic eligibilityDuplex✅ YES50% occupancy eligibilitySimpler 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. StepWhat HappensYour Action💡 Timeline1. Find ProviderLocate local WAP agencyVisit energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance1 day2. Complete ApplicationYour local provider will require your proof of income for the prior year, such as pay stubs or social security paymentsGather 12 months income docs1-2 weeks3. Eligibility DeterminationAgency reviews income/categorical eligibilityWait for response2-4 weeks4. Waitlist PlacementIf you’re income eligible, then your name will be placed on a waitlistBe patientVaries by state5. Energy AuditThe energy audit is a computerized assessment of your home’s energy use carried out by a professional energy auditorBe home for 2-4 hours1 appointment6. Work PerformedCrews install improvementsAllow access to home1-5 days7. Final InspectionA local WAP provider’s inspector will review the work to ensure everything was completed, meets the Standard Work SpecificationsFinal walkthrough1 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 RulesWhat It MeansExceptions15-Year WaitEach home is eligible for weatherization assistance once every 15 yearsMajor damage may qualifyPrevious WAP WorkCheck if home was previously weatherizedAsk agency to verifyNew TechnologySome states allow updates for new efficiency standardsVaries 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 MetricAmountSource💡 ContextAverage Annual Savings$372 or more every yearDOE national evaluationConservative estimateUtah HouseholdsApproximately $583 per yearUtah Division of Housing35% bill reductionHeating Bill ReductionReducing heating bills by an average of 32%DOE Recovery ActWinter focusedEnergy Use ReductionAn average savings in excess of 20%NY StateAll energy typesOne Family’s ExperienceTillman’s monthly bills in the hottest and coldest months were reduced by roughly $200ACEEE case study$2,400/yearPer-Home InvestmentAn average investment of up to $6,500 per homeDOE guidelinesMaximum 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 ReasonsPercentageSolutionRoof leaks45%Weatherization Readiness FundsFloor/framing damage23%Pre-weatherization repairsUnsafe electrical panels23%Electrical upgrades firstFoundation damage15%Structural repairsPest infestation15%Pest remediationAsbestos13%Abatement requiredMold10%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 ComponentWhat HappensWhy It MattersBlower Door TestPressurizes home to find air leaksIdentifies invisible draftsEnergy Bill AnalysisReviews 12+ months usageSpots high-consumption patternsAttic InspectionMeasures insulation depth/typeMajor heat loss areaBasement/CrawlspaceChecks for moisture, insulationFoundation heat lossHVAC AssessmentTests heating/cooling efficiencyReplacement decisionsSafety InspectionCarbon monoxide, gas leaks, electricalProtects 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 CoveredWhyAlternative ResourcePlumbing repairsNot energy-relatedUSDA Rural Housing RepairCosmetic improvementsNot energy-relatedCDBG programsGeneral constructionWAP does not operate as a commercial contractorHUD 203(k) loansNon-residential spacesMeeting rooms, game rooms, laundry rooms, maintenance rooms, daycare centers, office areas or commercial business areas, and non-residential facilities are not eligibleCommercial programsPayment for servicesWAP provides assistance and cannot accept payment for weatherization work or other servicesProgram 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 FactorsImpactStrategyState funding levelsMajor variationApply to multiple programsPriority statusElderly, disabled, children move upDocument your prioritySeasonWinter applications surgeApply in spring/summerLocal capacityRural areas may have fewer crewsBe patientInfrastructure fundingThe historic $3.5 billion the Biden-Harris Administration has invested in the Weatherization Assistance ProgramMore 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🌐 WebsiteBest ForDOE WAP How to Apply—energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistanceFind your state agencyState Agency Map—energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-programInteractive locatorLIHEAP (Bill Help)—liheapch.acf.hhs.govEnergy bill assistanceBenefits.gov—benefits.gov/benefit/580All energy programsUSAGov Weatherization—usa.gov/weatherization-energy-programsFederal overview Select State Contacts: StateAgencyPhone/ContactColoradoEnergy Outreach Colorado(303) 825-8750DCDOEE Residential Services202-299-3316New YorkHCR Office of Housing Preservationhcr.ny.gov/weatherizationPennsylvaniaDCED WAPdced.pa.gov/programs/weatherization-assistance-program-wapIllinoisDCEO Home Weatherizationdceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/homeweatherizationMinnesotaSecond Harvest Heartland1-800-944-3281Colorado (NWCCOG)Energy Program1-866-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 💚 Government & Housing Assistance