North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is for low-income families and individuals with unaffordable fuel costs. Such households will usually have high energy consumption due to inefficient equipment and lack of weatherization measures. WAP will help reduce energy costs through its energy efficient measures. These services are free of any charge.

North Carolina WAP creates a safe, comfortable, and energy efficient atmosphere through its services. These services typically include insulation of walls and ceiling, weather stripping windows and doors, stopping leakage, and repairing/replacing heating equipment. A comprehensive home energy audit is performed before any services are provided to the household. This energy audit is actually a computerized assessment of your home to determine its energy efficiency. The audit report will contain recommendation of energy conservation measures.

Weatherization helps households to reduce their energy bills for years to come. Most weatherization measures help homes stay energy efficient for a lifetime while others provide savings for 10-15 years. Last year, average saving for a household was $173.

All eligible households will receive WAP services as long as the funds last. However, households with elderly, disabled, and children will receive priority. Households with high energy consumption will also receive priority to those with low energy consumption. The services are provided to homeowners and renters alike. However, renters will have to obtain permission from their landlord to receive WAP benefits. Multi-family buildings can receive WAP services in North Carolina if it meets specific requirements.

WAP services are provided to all counties in North Carolina through local agencies. Applicants can file an application with their local agency. Your local agency will determine your eligibility based on Federal Poverty Income Guideline. Eligible households will receive necessary services after agency staffs conducts a home energy audit.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive WAP services in North Carolina, households will need to meet the following eligibility criteria.

• You are a resident of North Carolina

• You are responsible for paying your home energy costs

• In case you are a renter, you will need to obtain written permission from landlord to be eligible for WAP services

• Your household income should be within income limits for the program

Income eligibility

In order to receive WAP benefits, a household will need to meet the following income guidelines.

Household size Maximum annual income

1. $22,340

2. $30,260

3. $38,180

4. $46,100

5. $54,020

6. $61,940

7. $69,860

8. $77,780

If more than eight people live in the household, add $7,920 for each additional person to find out annual income limit for your household size.

Automatic eligibility

Not all the households in North Carolina have to undergo income eligibility test. Following households will be automatically eligible for WAP services.

• Households with a person receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Household receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Households receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children

WAP Application Instructions

To apply for North Carolina WAP, you will need to find a WAP provider in your county. You can find a list of designated local service providers here.

When visit your local WAP provider, you’ll need to provide proof of household income. In addition to income related documents, you may have to provide following documents as well.

• Energy bills

• Proof of ownership of property

• Written permission from landlord