How to apply for Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Who it's for

WAP funds free home energy upgrades for income-eligible households to reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and address health-and-safety hazards. After a free professional energy audit, local providers install whatever the audit identifies — typically attic and wall insulation, air-sealing, weatherstripping, duct sealing, water-heater wraps, LED lighting, smart thermostats, refrigerator replacement (for very old high-draw units), HVAC tune-ups or replacement, ventilation upgrades, and carbon-monoxide detector installation. Households that get weatherized save an average of $372 or more a year on energy bills, according to the Department of Energy. WAP is open to homeowners AND renters (rental units require landlord written consent). The program is one-time per home (typically), though homes can sometimes be re-weatherized after 15 years if a new audit identifies additional measures. WAP is funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy with additional layered funding from HHS (LIHEAP-Wx) and state utility programs, all delivered by the same local providers.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income for the prior 12 months (Social Security award letter, pension statements, prior-year tax return, pay stubs)
• Proof of residency
• Most recent electric and gas bills for the home being weatherized
• For renters: written landlord consent allowing the work to be performed and a copy of the lease
• Photo ID for the applicant

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of household income for the prior 12 months (Social Security award letter, pension statements, prior-year tax return, pay stubs), proof of residency, most recent electric and gas bills for the home being weatherized — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather proof of household income for the past 12 months. Accepted documents include a Social Security award letter, pension statements, a prior-year tax return, or recent pay stubs.
2. Collect proof of residency and a photo ID for the applicant.
3. Pull together your most recent electric and gas bills for the home being weatherized.
4. If you are a renter, get written consent from your landlord allowing the work to be done, and make a copy of your lease to include with your application.
5. Find your state's local weatherization agency and apply online. California residents may also apply by phone at 1-866-675-6623.
6. Once your application is received, a local provider will schedule a free professional energy audit of your home to identify which upgrades are needed.
7. After the audit, the local provider will install the approved energy upgrades — such as insulation, air-sealing, weatherstripping, HVAC improvements, and more — at no cost to you.

What to expect: After you submit your application, a local weatherization provider will review it and contact you to schedule a free home energy audit. Processing times vary, so ask your local agency for an estimate of current wait times. Once the audit is complete, trained crews will install the upgrades identified — work that could include insulation, duct sealing, water-heater wraps, LED lighting, smart thermostats, ventilation upgrades, and carbon-monoxide detector installation, among others. The Weatherization Assistance Program is generally a one-time benefit per home, so there is no annual renewal. Homes may become eligible for re-weatherization after 15 years if a new audit identifies additional measures that can be done.

Renewals

one-time (homes are typically eligible for re-weatherization only after 15 years)

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