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This is how to apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program: the 2026 income limits, what to gather beforehand and how to locate the local agency that covers your county. Applications are handled by your state and a local provider, and never through this site.

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Step 1: check the income limit for your household

Department of Energy guidelines treat households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or households that receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as eligible. Based on the 2026 poverty guidelines that HHS publishes for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., 200% comes to the following yearly household incomes:

  • 1 person: $31,920 a year
  • 2 people: $43,280 a year
  • 3 people: $54,640 a year
  • 4 people: $66,000 a year
  • 5 people: $77,360 a year
  • 6 people: $88,720 a year
  • 7 people: $100,080 a year
  • 8 people: $111,440 a year
  • Each additional person: add $11,360

Guidelines are higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Keep two cautions in mind before deciding whether you qualify: the Department of Energy releases its own weatherization income table every year, and your state might apply a different limit, for example 60% of the state median income. Under the federal rules, a household can also qualify if someone got SSI or cash assistance such as TANF within the past 12 months. The final word on which number applies to you belongs to your local agency.

The steps to apply

Because states and local providers run the program, the exact route depends on where you live. Here is how the Department of Energy outlines the process:

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How to apply in 5 steps

From finding your agency to the waiting list

1. Find your state administrator — use the map on the How to Apply page at energy.gov.

2. Find your local provider — state sites usually list providers by county, with address and phone.

3. Contact them to apply — most states send you to the local provider; some take applications online.

4. Send proof of income — for the prior year, such as pay stubs or Social Security payments.

5. Wait for the decision — if you are income eligible, your name goes on a waiting list.

Steps as described by energy.gov; each state organizes its own process.

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Should your state’s web page be confusing, phone the local provider for your county directly. They can explain whether they are accepting applications, how long their list runs and what paperwork they need from you.

Documents to have ready

According to the Department of Energy, your local provider will request proof of income for the prior year, for instance pay stubs or Social Security payments. Every agency sets its own checklist, so confirm when you call. It generally helps to keep these on hand:

  • Proof of income for each household member who earns income.
  • Benefit letters, if anyone receives SSI or other assistance.
  • Recent electric and heating bills, because the energy audit reviews them.
  • Photo ID for the person applying.
  • Landlord’s name and contact, if you rent: the provider must have the owner’s permission before work starts.

What happens after you apply

The provider reviews your application and income. When you are found eligible, you are placed on the waiting list; the federal rules give priority to people 60 and older, people with disabilities, families with children and households with high energy use or a high energy burden.

Once your turn arrives, an energy auditor comes to the home. The audit is a computerized assessment that takes in your energy bills, a blower-door test to locate air leaks and an inspection of the attic, basement, equipment and living areas. Next, the auditor recommends the most cost-effective measures for your home, a crew leader walks you through the work and the timeline, and when the crew is done, an inspector reviews the result and confirms the equipment operates safely.

If the house has a problem that must be repaired first, such as a leaking roof or moisture, the work may be deferred. The Department of Energy points out that deferral does not mean help will never arrive, only that the issue must be resolved before weatherization.

While you wait, or if you do not qualify

  • Ask your state weatherization office if other state or local home energy programs are available where you live.
  • Call your electric or gas utility and ask about home energy programs for customers.
  • Tackle small drafts yourself: caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors are easy jobs, and the Energy Saver section of energy.gov offers step-by-step guides.
  • Keep the provider informed: if your household situation changes, let them know, since priority depends on who lives in the home.

Watch out for scams. Applications go through your state or local agency. Be wary of anyone who calls, texts or knocks offering free government home upgrades and asks for a fee, your bank details or your Social Security number to hold a spot. When in doubt, hang up and call the agency listed on your state’s official website.

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This page is informational and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy, HHS or any state or local agency. Income figures are 200% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. (aspe.hhs.gov); the limit your state uses may differ. Process: energy.gov, How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance.