Weatherization Assistance Program

What the Weatherization Assistance Program does

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, makes free energy-efficiency improvements to your home. These improvements can include:

• Insulation
• Air sealing (to stop drafts and air leaks)
• Heating or cooling system repairs

These upgrades help lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

Who qualifies

You may qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines. Your household size determines your income limit.

For 2026, the poverty guidelines are:

Contiguous United States:

• 1 person: $15,960
• 2 people: $21,640
• 3 people: $27,320
• 4 people: $33,000
• 5 people: $38,680
• 6 people: $44,360
• 7 people: $50,040
• 8 people: $55,720

Alaska:

• 1 person: $19,950
• 2 people: $27,050
• 3 people: $34,150
• 4 people: $41,250
• 5 people: $48,350
• 6 people: $55,450
• 7 people: $62,550
• 8 people: $69,650

Hawaii:

• 1 person: $18,360
• 2 people: $24,890
• 3 people: $31,420
• 4 people: $37,950
• 5 people: $44,480
• 6 people: $51,010
• 7 people: $57,540
• 8 people: $64,070

You automatically qualify if you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). Some states also use the LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) income limit instead.

Your state's local weatherization agency makes the final decision about your eligibility. Income limits and rules vary by state.

Priority groups

The program prioritizes help for:

• Older adults
• People with disabilities
• Families with children
• Households with high energy bills

If your household fits one of these groups, you may move up on the waiting list.

How much you pay

The improvements are free. You do not pay for the energy-efficiency upgrades or the inspection. Only the agency that runs the program in your state decides what you qualify for and whether you are eligible.

How to apply

You apply through your local weatherization agency, not a state or federal office. Each state runs the program differently, and each area has its own local agency.

To find your local agency:

1. 1
   Step 1: Go to your state's weatherization program page (see the links below).
2. 2
   Step 2: Look for contact information or a list of local agencies.
3. 3
   Step 3: Call or visit the agency nearest you.
4. 4
   Step 4: Ask about the application process and what documents you need.

If you are renting, you will usually need your landlord's permission before the agency can make improvements to the building.

What to bring when you apply

Your local agency will tell you what documents to bring. You may need to show:

• Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements)
• Proof of residency (utility bill or lease)
• Identification
• Social Security numbers for household members (if you receive SSI or TANF)

Bring whatever the agency asks for. Applying is free.

What happens after you apply

After you apply, your local agency will:

1. 1
   Step 1: Check your income and household information.
2. 2
   Step 2: Schedule a home inspection to see what improvements would help most.
3. 3
   Step 3: Give you a list of the work they plan to do.
4. 4
   Step 4: Complete the improvements.
5. 5
   Step 5: Do a final inspection to make sure the work is done well.

The time it takes can vary depending on how busy your local agency is and how much work your home needs.

Renewing your assistance

Renewal rules depend on your state and local agency. Contact your local agency to ask if you can get help again or if you need to reapply.

Related programs that may help

If you need help paying your energy bills, look into:

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — helps pay heating and cooling costs
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — helps buy food, which frees up money for utilities
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — monthly cash benefits for older adults and people with disabilities

Use our screener to see what programs you might qualify for.

Find your state program

Click on your state below to learn more about how to apply in your area:

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming