Massachusetts Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is for low-income households so that they can make their homes more energy efficient. These households will be able to reduce their fuel costs once their households are energy efficient. The consumption of fuel will naturally go down. On average, a household saves $350 per year after weatherization.

Households will receive free services after energy audit. Energy audit helps WAP to determine the services needed for making a house more energy efficient. WAP certified contractors would make the necessary improvements as suggested in the energy audit report. WAP services may include attic, wall, and roof insulation, air sealing, and general repairs needed for making a home more energy efficient. If your heating system needs repair as found by inspector (for energy audit), you will receive a referral to HEARTWAP.

After the work has been completed by qualified contractors, an inspector will revisit your home to ensure that all the work has been done according to the highest standards. Once you receive these free services, your house will become more energy efficient, resulting in lower energy bills.

U.S Department of Energy (DOE) funds the program while Department of Housing and Community Development administers it to ensure that every eligible household in the state receives WAP services. WAP will give priority to households with elderly, disabled, and children. Households with medically needy person will be placed on top priority for weatherization services. However, the delivery of benefits depends on availability of funds.

Households eligible for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will receive free weatherization services. If someone in your household is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or benefits through certain other income programs, you will naturally qualify for WAP energy audit.

To receive weatherization services through Massachusetts WAP, you will need to apply through a weatherization agency in your area. The agency will help you with application procedure from there.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive Massachusetts WAP benefits, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria set for the program.

• You should be a resident of Massachusetts

• You should be responsible for paying your heating bills

• Your household income should be within the income limits

Massachusetts WAP benefits are available for homeowners as well as renters. Renters will need to meet the following additional criteria.

• You should pay your heating bill separately from rent

• If you pay heating bills as a part of rent, then your rent should be more than 30% of your household income

• If living in assisted living facility, your heating bills should not be a part of your monthly cost or lease

Income limits

Here are the income limits for the program.

Household size Maximum Annual Income Limit

1. $31,218

2. $40,824

3. $50,429

4. $60,035

5. $69,641

6. $79,246

7. $81,047

8. $82,848

If your household has more than eight people, then add $1,801 for each additional person to find out the annual income limit for your household.

WAP Application Instructions

In order to apply for Massachusetts WAP, you will need to contact your local weatherization agency. You can find contact details of an agency serving your area using this link.

You can also apply online for Massachusetts WAP depending on the local agency covering your area. Not all the local agencies offer online applications. Please contact your local agency to see if they are offering online applications.