Weatherization Assistance Program: Free Energy Upgrades, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply

How the Weatherization Assistance Program works

The Weatherization Assistance Program has been running for more than 40 years. DOE sends formula grants to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes, and U.S. territories. Those grantees then contract with roughly 700 local organizations, mostly community action agencies, other nonprofits, and local governments, which do the actual work.

DOE says the program weatherizes about 32,000 homes a year with DOE funds and supports about 8,500 jobs. Many states add money from LIHEAP, utility programs, and other sources, so the number of homes served in your area may be higher.

The reason the program exists is simple. DOE reports that low-income households spend about 13.9% of their income on energy, compared with about 3% for other households. Making a home tighter and more efficient lowers that burden for years, and DOE’s national evaluation found the program also returns $2.78 in non-energy benefits, such as better health and safety, for every dollar invested.

Who qualifies for weatherization help?

Federal rules in 10 CFR 440.22 say a home can be weatherized if the household meets one of these tests:

• Income: household income at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines.
• Cash assistance: someone in the home received SSI or certain cash assistance, such as TANF, in the 12 months before eligibility is decided.
• LIHEAP rules: states may choose to use LIHEAP eligibility, which can be up to 60% of state median income.

Both homeowners and renters can apply, and the program covers single-family homes, mobile homes, and apartments. States set some of their own rules, so check your state’s guidelines on DOE’s how-to-apply page.

Income limits at 200% of poverty

The table below shows 200% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. DOE publishes the exact income table each program year, and Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits, so treat these as estimates and confirm with your provider.

If your state uses LIHEAP income rules instead, the limit may be higher. Your provider will usually ask for proof of the prior year’s income, such as pay stubs or Social Security statements.

Priority groups and waitlists

Demand is higher than funding in most areas. DOE says income-eligible applicants are placed on a waitlist, and states give priority to:

• Older adults.
• Households with a member who has a disability.
• Families with children.
• High energy users.
• Households with a high energy burden, meaning energy costs take a large share of income.

Wait times vary widely, from weeks to more than a year, and are not published nationally. Ask your provider how long the list is and whether anything, such as a broken furnace in winter, can move you up.

Work done in a weatherized home

DOE describes whole-house weatherization, which treats the home as one system. The work falls into four groups.

Not every home gets every item. The energy audit picks the measures that save the most for the cost, within an average spending limit per home that DOE adjusts each year.

What happens during the energy audit

A trained energy auditor visits your home, reviews your energy bills, and checks insulation, the heating and cooling system, and appliances. Many auditors run a blower door test, which uses a fan in a doorway to find air leaks. They also look for safety problems such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, or poor ventilation.

Based on the audit, the provider writes a list of work. Crews or contractors then do the job, which may take one or several days. After the work, an inspector reviews it to make sure it was done right and that equipment runs safely. Ask questions at every stage, and keep any paperwork about new equipment and warranties.

Weatherization for renters

Renters can apply. Before work starts, the provider works with you and your landlord to get the landlord’s written permission. Under the federal rules, states must also have procedures so the benefits go mainly to low-income tenants and so tenants are not hit with rent increases tied to the weatherization work for a reasonable period afterward.

In apartment buildings, a set share of units, often about two-thirds, must be occupied by eligible households before the building can be weatherized, with lower thresholds for some smaller and larger buildings. If your landlord says no, ask the provider whether other energy help is available, such as LIHEAP bill payments.

How weatherization and LIHEAP fit together

LIHEAP, run by HHS, mainly helps pay heating and cooling bills and energy crises, while weatherization lowers the bills for the long run. Many states let LIHEAP money pay for weatherization too, and the same community action agency often runs both programs, so one visit can cover both. See our LIHEAP guide for how bill help works.

If you need major repairs beyond energy work, such as a new roof, look at our guides to federal home repair grants and government grants for windows and doors.

Limits and reasons a home may be deferred

Sometimes a home cannot be weatherized right away. DOE says that if problems such as a badly leaking roof would undermine the work, repairs have to come first or the home is deferred. Deferral does not mean you can never get help; local providers may combine other funding to fix the problem first.

• Major structural problems: roof, foundation, or serious moisture damage.
• Health hazards: some mold, asbestos, or pest problems must be handled before crews can work.
• Recent weatherization: federal rules limit how soon a home weatherized in the past can be done again; ask your provider.
• Planned demolition: homes scheduled for clearance by a government program are not eligible.

What documents do I need to apply?

Expect to show photo ID, Social Security numbers for the people applying, proof of income for the last 30 days, and proof of where you live, plus any paper that shows the emergency itself. Our document checklist explains what counts for each item and what to do if something is missing. If you don't have everything yet, apply anyway and ask the office how long you have to bring the rest.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check eligibility using your state’s income guidelines on DOE’s how-to-apply page.
2. Find your state weatherization agency through the DOE map.
3. Find your local provider, usually listed by county on the state site, or dial 211.
4. Apply with proof of income for the prior year, such as pay stubs or Social Security letters.
5. Renters: talk to your landlord so permission is ready when the provider asks.
6. Ask about the waitlist and whether you are in a priority group.
7. Apply for LIHEAP at the same time if you need help with current bills.

Related guides

• Emergency heating assistance
• Help paying your heating bill
• Air conditioner programs for low-income families
• Government home repair help for seniors

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Rules and waitlists vary by state and local provider. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with the Department of Energy or any government agency.