Weatherization Assistance Program - WAP
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What is the Weatherization Assistance Program?
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a government-funded program to help low-income homeowners and renters lower their energy costs by making their homes more energy efficient. The program saves households an average of $350 per year in energy costs.
Energy inspectors visit eligible households to see what work needs to be done to save energy. The inspectors also do a health and safety check to make sure that all energy-related systems are working properly. Weatherization workers then make energy-saving improvements as needed.
Weatherization service agencies throughout Massachusetts run the WAP program. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers WAP on the state level, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Am I eligible?
You can get free WAP weatherization services:
- if you are eligible for the LIHEAP Fuel Assistance program
- or if someone in your household gets SSI or TAFDC
For Fuel Assistance eligibility requirements, see Fuel Assistance - Am I Eligible?
You will get priority for weatherization services if:
- a member of your household has a disability or is elderly
- a child age 6 or younger lives in your household
- someone in your household is Native American
- your household qualifies for the fuel assistance high energy benefit. See What is the high energy benefit?
Homeowners and renters are eligible. You can live in a single-family home, multi-family home, or mobile home. Renters must get written approval from their landlords.
What benefits will I get?
If you qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, you will get these benefits:
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Your weatherization agency will send an inspector to your home to do an energy audit. The purpose of the energy audit is to find the best ways to save energy in your home. The inspector will also do a health and safety check to make sure all energy-related systems are working properly.
Note: If you are a homeowner, and your heating system needs repair or replacement, you will be referred to the HEARTWAP program.
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The inspector will explain the work that will be done and get your approval.
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Trained workers will come to your home to do the work. Depending on your needs, they might insulate your attic and walls, seal cracks, wrap your water heater and pipes, install storm windows, or make other energy-related improvements.
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An inspector will check to make sure that everything was done properly.
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After weatherization, your home will be easier to heat and your fuel bills will be lower.
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WAP services are free. Some homes need more work than others, so the value of the work varies depending on need. The average value is $5500. The cost limit per home is $10,000 in energy improvements.
You may also qualify for energy savings programs run by utility companies:
- For information about utility company energy programs for low-income customers, find your utility company in the Utilities Directory and follow the link for Energy Programs, or call your utility company directly.
- For other programs, see MassSAVE.
How do I apply?
To apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), call or visit the weatherization agency that serves your area. Some agencies have online applications. For a list of agencies, see:
Select your city or town from the drop-down menu to find the name, address, and phone number of your local weatherization agency. You can also call the Massachusetts Heat Line toll-free at 1-800-632-8175 for information.
A weatherization services staff member will help you with your application.
Do all eligible households get benefits?
Massachusetts received $122 million from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to weatherize approximately 17,000 homes as well as state public housing developments by 2012. The increased funding means that more Massachusetts homes can be weatherized, and more money can be spent on each home than in previous years.
Households with the greatest need get priority for the Weatherization Assistance Program. However, WAP funds should be sufficient to help all eligible households who apply. Your weatherization agency will let you know if your name will be placed on a waiting list and how long you will have to wait for weatherization services.
WAP is a year-round program.
Useful links
These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.
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Weatherization Assistance Program
Description, eligibility rules, benefits, and contact information for the Massachusetts Weatherization Assistance Program. From the Department of Housing and Community Development.
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DOE Weatherization Assistance Program
How to apply for WAP, how the process works, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Weatherization Assistance Program. From the U.S. Department of Energy.
Weatherization Assistance Programs section last updated on 10/15/09
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