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Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program assists income-eligible families and individuals by reducing their heating/cooling costs and improving the safety of their homes through energy efficiency measures. Energy efficiency measures performed through the program include air sealing (weather-stripping, caulking), wall and ceiling insulation, heating system improvements or replacement, efficiency improvements in lighting, hot water tank and pipe insulation, and refrigerator replacements with highly efficient Energy Star rated units. Household energy use reductions and resultant energy cost savings are significant, with an average savings in excess of 20%.

Weatherization Services reduce the amount of energy required to heat homes and provide hot water. The majority of homes in New York State were built when energy was relatively inexpensive. These homes are significantly more costly to heat than a newer energy-efficient home.

View the NYS DHCR Weatherization Assistance Program Brochure.

Home Weatherization:

· Saves energy dollars

· Increases comfort in a home

· Reduces our dependence on foreign oil

· Preserves our housing stock

· Provides jobs and professional training

· Revitalizes neighborhoods

· Provides safe, affordable housing

Is There Any Charge For Weatherization Services?

All services are provided without obligation to the occupant of the home. However, owners of rental buildings are required to invest funds toward the cost of the Weatherization services.

Who is Eligible For Weatherization Services?

Eligibility is based on household income relative to federal low-income guidelines. If a household contains a member who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Public Assistance, Food Stamps, or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits, the household is considered automatically eligible for Weatherization services.

Are Renters Eligible For Services?

Yes, renters qualify if the eligibility guidelines are met. Please see section on multifamily weatherization below.

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The following application documents are available for downloading in .pdf format. They may be printed, filled out and either faxed or mailed to us.

Privacy (ESB 3)
Weatherization Application (ESB 4)
Energy Information A (ESB 5A)
Energy Information B (ESB 5B)
Permission to Enter (ESB 6)

2011 Income Eligibility Guidelines

Apply for weatherization services.

New Renovate Right Brochure!

Renovate Right, Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools

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Multi-Family Building Eligibility

The Program helps reduce energy costs of privately-owned unassisted housing, and of affordable housing assisted or supervised by DHCR, HTFC and other agencies. Assistance may only be provided for buildings where more than 66% of the tenants have been determined to meet income and other eligibility requirements. In certain cases this requirement may be lowered to 50% of tenants. Eligibility of the building must be verified by examining income of existing tenants before any work can begin. Vacant units may be counted as eligible units if the owner agrees in writing to rent those units to eligible households upon completion of work, or within 180 days, whichever is sooner.

Required Owner Investment

Owners of assisted buildings with two or more units are required to contribute a minimum of 25% of the cost of the weatherization work that will be installed, unless the owner is low-income.

Coordinating the Weatherization Program with Other Funding

DHCR encourages coordination of Weatherization work with other program activities. Subgrantees can assist owners with understanding and reconciling different program requirements, and can suggest strategies to efficiently combine funding from other sources.

HUD - DOE Partnership
Multifamily Weatherization of Public and Assisted Housing