Minnesota Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers a wide range of weatherization services to low-income households with high-energy costs. These households will be able to make their homes energy efficient using free weatherization benefits.

Minnesota WAP, funded through U.S Department of Energy (DOE), gives priority to households with elderly, disabled, and children. Households with medically needy members will also receive preference when applying for WAP services in Minnesota. The purpose of these services is to help the most vulnerable households so that they can reduce their energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. Households receiving weatherization benefits will typically save $300 to $400 per year in energy costs.

WAP benefits are available to all households in Minnesota as long as they meet the program requirements. The benefits are available for homeowners as well as renters. However, renters will have to meet some additional requirements such as getting permission from landlord etc.

Before WAP benefits are approved for any household, an energy audit will be performed to determine the kind of services needed for making the home more energy efficient. Services may include exterior wall insulation, attic insulation, air infiltration, sealing, repairing, and replacement of home heating equipment. Households will also receive energy education to help them become aware of energy saving tips. Households will be able to save significant amount of energy using energy saving tips.

To receive WAP benefits, households will have to establish their income, which has to be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income. Additionally, households will have to provide proof of their residence. If a household needs priority based on elderly, disabled or children, it will have to provide proof of such members living in the household. If a member of your household is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it will automatically qualify to receive WAP services in Minnesota. WAP services are one-time services. Households that have already received these services won’t be able to apply again.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive benefits through Minnesota WAP, you will need to meet the following requirements.

• You will have to be resident of Minnesota

• You will have to be the person responsible for paying energy costs of your household

• Your energy costs should be high compared to household income

• You must meet income eligibility guidelines for the program

Income eligibility

Households will need to have their annual and 3-month income within these limits.

Household size Annual income limit 3-month income limit

1 $22,340 $5,585

2 $30,260 $7,565

3 $38,180 $9,545

4 $46,100 $11,525

5 $54,020 $13,505

6 $61,940 $15,485

7 $69,860 $17,465

8 $77,780 $19,445

9 $85,700 $21,425

10 $93,620 $23,405

If there are more than 10 people in your household, then you can add $7,920 to your annual income to find out your income limits for WAP.

WAP Application Instructions

In order to apply for Minnesota WAP, you can use any of these methods.

• Apply through mail: You can apply through mail by downloading relevant application here (www.mn.gov/commerce/energy/Household-Appl-Forms). After completing the application, you can mail it to your local WAP provider.

• Apply in person: You can also apply in person for WAP by visiting your local WAP provider. You can find your nearest WAP provider by using this link.

• Ask for an application by calling WAP: You can also have an application mailed to you directly by calling 1-800-657-3710.