New Jersey Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is for income eligible households who need assistance with energy bills. Such households will typically have low income and high energy costs. The program will provide number of weatherization services to such households so that they can lower their energy bills. Weatherization services reduce energy wastage and improve home heating efficiency.

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) provides weatherization services in New Jersey. DCA makes contracts with local community agencies to check eligibility and deliver benefits to the eligible households throughout the state.

Eligible homes will go through an energy audit, performed by professional auditor. The audit report lists different services that can be used for brining energy efficiency improvements. The households will only receive services that have been mentioned in the auditor’s final report.

New Jersey WAP includes different services such as air sealing, insulation, heating system repairing, heating system replacement, refrigerator repairing, and refrigerator replacement. Windows and doors are weather stripped to reduce heat conduction. Hot water tanks are wrapped with insulation sheets to ensure there is minimal heat flow and light bulbs are replaced with energy efficient lights. The program also provides instructions and tips that can help households to reduce their energy bills by making the most efficient use of energy.

New Jersey WAP is provided without any fee to eligible households. The program determines applicant’s eligibility by gross income and total members of the households. Households with high energy costs, children, elderly, and disabled with be put high on list. New Jersey WAP eligibility is waved for households with at least one member who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Similarly, households receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children will also clear income eligibility criteria for New Jersey.

A number of local agencies operate in the state to administer the program. Applicants will need to find one of these administering agencies in their area to apply for the program. After eligibility for the program has been determined, an auditor will perform home energy audit to determine services needed to bring improvement in home energy efficiency.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive WAP services in New Jersey, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria.

• You must be a resident of New Jersey

• Your energy consumption must be high enough

• You should be the person responsible for paying home energy bills

• Your home should not have been weatherized previously under WAP

• Your household income must be within income limits defined by the program

Income guidelines

Your household income will need to be within the following income limits to receive weatherization benefits in New Jersey.

Household size Annual income limit

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, then you can add $7,920 for each additional person.

Automatic income eligibility

In order to qualify, you will need to meet income guidelines. You will be providing proof of your household income to establish your annual income. However, you will automatically quality, if

• A person in your household is already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Your household receives benefits through Aid to Families with Children

WAP Application Instructions

Obtain an application from WAP agency

You can apply for New Jersey WAP by visiting your local WAP agency. Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has contracted with several agencies throughout the state to ensure the entire state is covered.

When you visit your local WAP administering agency, you will find all the help you need. You can fill an application at the agency and submit it back to them to start your eligibility determination.

To find an agency near you, please use this link.

You can call at 602-292-6140 to get more information about WAP agencies in your area.

Download an application

You may want to download an application and fill it before visiting your local agency. You can also send the completed application to your local agency through mail.

Download an application here.