Low-income households spend an average of 14 percent of their income on energy costs. The national average for other households is closer to 3 percent. That gap exists largely because older, poorly insulated homes cost significantly more to heat and cool. The Weatherization Assistance Program run by the U.S. Department of Energy covers the cost of fixing that problem for households that qualify, at no charge to the homeowner or renter.
What the Program Covers
A contractor approved by your state’s program will assess your home and complete whatever work is needed to reduce energy waste. Services covered under the program include:
- Insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces
- Air sealing around doors, windows, and other openings
- Pipe insulation for water and heating lines
- Replacement of old water heaters, including solar-powered options where applicable
- Programmable thermostat installation
- LED lighting upgrades
- Roof and wall leak repairs
- Mold and moisture hazard identification and remediation
The Department of Energy estimates the average household saves around $400 per year on energy bills after weatherization work is completed. Some households also see reductions in out-of-pocket medical costs, since a properly heated and cooled home reduces cold and heat-related health issues. The DOE puts that additional savings at roughly $500 per year for some households.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility is based on household income and is calculated one of two ways depending on your state:
Under DOE guidelines, your household income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. As of 2024 that works out to:
- 4-person household: under $62,400 per year
- 6-person household: under $83,920 per year
Some states instead use the Department of Health and Human Services definition, which sets the cutoff at 60 percent of the state median income. That number varies considerably by location. In New Mexico, the 60 percent cutoff for a four-person household is around $45,660. In the District of Columbia it is closer to $95,797. Illinois sits at $67,607 for the same household size.
People living on Native American reservations and tribal lands may be subject to separate income standards. Check with your local tribal government for details on what applies in your area.
Renters Can Apply Too
You do not need to own your home to qualify. If you rent, the program works with your landlord to get approval before any work begins. Since the cost is covered by the government and the improvements make the property more energy efficient, most landlords agree. It helps to talk with your landlord before you apply so there are no delays once your application is approved.
How to Apply
Start by finding your state’s weatherization provider. The DOE’s state contacts page lists the administering agency for every state. Each state runs its own version of the program, so the application process, waitlist length, and available services vary.
When you apply you will need to provide:
- Proof of income from the past year, including pay stubs, tax returns, and any Social Security or government benefit statements
- Proof of residency
- If renting, your landlord’s contact information
After submitting your application you will be placed on a waitlist. Processing times vary by state and demand but expect to wait several months before work begins. Applying sooner rather than later is the practical move since funding is allocated on a first-come basis and the program runs on a fixed annual budget.
How Much Can You Get
There is no fixed dollar cap that applies to every household. The amount of work covered depends on what your home needs and what your state’s program has available. The current program cycle was funded with $3.5 billion starting in the 2022 fiscal year, which has allowed many states to take on more extensive projects than in prior years.
For more information or to find your state’s program, visit the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program page or contact your state energy office.