Weatherization Assistance Program: eligibility and applications

What weatherization covers

After an energy audit, crews may install cost-effective measures such as:

• Air sealing to stop drafts
• Insulation in attics, walls, and floors
• Heating and cooling repair, tune-up, or replacement
• Water heater repairs, pipe insulation
• Duct sealing
• Windows and doors (limited; usually repair rather than replacement)
• Efficient lighting and appliances (like refrigerators) where cost-effective
• Health and safety fixes: carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, ventilation, combustion safety testing, and some moisture problems

Measures must generally pass a cost-effectiveness test, so what you receive depends on your home.

Who qualifies

• Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (states may use LIHEAP’s income limits if higher)
• Households receiving SSI or TANF are often automatically eligible
• Priority: older adults (60+), people with disabilities, families with children, high energy users, and high energy burden households
• Homeowners and renters (with landlord consent) in houses, mobile homes, and apartment buildings

How to apply

1. Find your local agency through DOE’s “How to Apply” page, your state energy office, or 211.
2. Submit proof of income, ID, and recent utility bills.
3. Schedule the energy audit.
4. Work gets scheduled based on priority and funding.

Funding status

Congress funded the Weatherization Assistance Program for FY 2026 (about $326 million for core grants), after earlier budget proposals sought to eliminate it. Availability and wait times still vary by state and agency.

Other programs that stack

• LIHEAP for bills and crisis heating repairs
• Utility efficiency programs with free or discounted upgrades for income-qualified customers
• State Home Energy Rebate programs (HEAR/HOMES) where launched
• USDA Section 504 repairs in rural areas
• Local home repair programs

See green home upgrades and home repair assistance.

What happens during a weatherization visit

1. Intake: you apply and provide income and utility information.
2. Energy audit: an auditor inspects the home, often using a blower door test to find air leaks and checking heating systems and combustion safety.
3. Work order: the auditor recommends measures that are cost-effective for your home.
4. Installation: crews complete the work, which may take one to several days.
5. Final inspection: a quality control inspector checks the work.

You don’t pay for the work. Ask for a copy of the audit and work order.

Health and safety measures

Weatherization can fix certain health and safety issues that must be addressed before or during energy work, such as:

• Carbon monoxide hazards and combustion appliance problems
• Missing smoke and CO alarms
• Some moisture problems and ventilation needs
• Electrical issues that make work unsafe

Some homes are deferred if they have major problems (for example, a severely failing roof or significant mold) that must be fixed first. If that happens, ask for a list of the issues and look for home repair programs that can address them, then reapply.

Renters and landlords

• The landlord must agree in writing.
• Programs require protections so tenants benefit—for example, limits on rent increases due to the improvements.
• Multifamily buildings may qualify if enough units are occupied by eligible households.

Typical savings

DOE reports that weatherization reduces energy use and bills for participating households, with savings varying by home, climate, and fuel. Combining weatherization with LIHEAP and utility discount programs can make a large difference in energy burden.

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