Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy through state and local agencies, provides energy efficiency upgrades to eligible low-income households. A trained crew conducts a detailed home assessment and performs work that may include adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and improving or repairing heating and cooling systems. The improvements focus on reducing energy costs while maintaining home health and safety standards. Participating households incur no charge for these services.
Eligibility for the program is based on household income and other criteria set by state and local administering agencies. Priority is typically given to older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children, though funding is limited and waiting lists are common in many areas. Application processes differ by location, but all legitimate applications through official state and local agencies are conducted at no cost.
Households interested in the program should contact their state energy office or local community action agency directly to learn about current eligibility requirements, application procedures, and estimated timelines. Applications submitted through official channels involve no fees. Any organization requesting payment to help with an application or enrollment process is a warning sign of potential fraud.
The Weatherization Assistance Program represents a genuine resource for qualifying households seeking to lower energy expenses and improve home efficiency, though competition for available funding means not all applicants can be served immediately.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: U.S. Department of Energy — Weatherization Assistance Program. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for weatherization assistance program (wap)?
Low-income households, with priority often given to older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children. Open to women and men alike..
Does weatherization assistance program (wap) have to be repaid?
This is free services (not a loan, not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for weatherization assistance program (wap)?
Apply through your state or local weatherization agency; find it via energy.gov.
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