South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income households to reduce their energy costs by implementing energy efficient measures. The program offers a wide range of services to improve energy efficiency. These services stop heat loss and air flow by improving thermal efficiency of home occupied by low-income households in South Carolina.

South Carolina WAP receives funding from Department of Energy (DOE) as well as from other sources. For example, South Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) gives 15% of its total funds to South Carolina WAP.

South Carolina WAP provides number of weatherization services to bring down energy costs for South Carolina residents. The program offers energy audit that will determine current energy wastage and improvements that can be brought to ensure higher efficiency. Once the energy audit report is complete, WAP will send its qualified contractors to complete the weatherization work on site. The services offered through WAP may include weatherization testing, duct sealing, air sealing, belly repair, insulation (wall, ceiling, and windows), blower door diagnostics, repairing gas leaks, and insulating homes by weather stripping. Repair and replacement of heating equipment, refrigerator, and water heaters is included in standard WAP services.

South Carolina WAP also help low-income households during disaster as determined by a Presidential or Gubernatorial order. During the disaster recovery and re-building phase, the basic weatherization services may be suspended for minimum period of six months. Households qualifying for WAP doesn’t mean they also qualify for WAP’s disaster relief services. These services will only be provided to income-eligible households if they are directly affected by the disaster.

South Carolina WAP offers its services to both homeowners and renters. Renters will need to meet additional requirements for the program. They will need to take permission in writing from their landlord before any weatherization work can be carried out. On the other hand, homeowners only need to meet the basic program requirements to receive weatherization services in South Carolina.

Households can apply with their local community action agency for WAP benefits. The application procedure is simple where applicants just need to bring certain documents with them to establish their eligibility for the program. Once eligibility has been determined, the local community action agency will provide the necessary services at the earliest. The program gives priority to households with children, disabled, and elderly.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive WAP services in South Carolina, you will need to meet the following eligibility guidelines.

• You should be a resident of state of South Carolina

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

• You household energy costs should be on the higher side compared to your household income

• Your household should be income-eligible for WAP

• If you are a renter, you should obtain written permission from your landlord to carry out any weatherization work

Income eligibility

Your household should meet the following income eligibility requirements in order to receive any services through South Carolina WAP.

Household size Annual income limits

1. $15,600

2. $21,000

3. $26,400

4. $31,800

5. $37,200

6. $42,600

7. $48,000

8. $53,400

For each additional person in the household, add $5,400 for each additional person.

WAP Application Instructions

In order to apply for WAP in South Carolina, you will need to contact your local administrating agency. You can find your local office using this interactive map.

When you visit your local administrating agency, make sure that you take all the necessary documents with you. These documents will be used for proving your eligibility. Once you have been determined eligible for the program, an energy auditor will visit your home to perform a comprehensive energy audit. Depending on the findings of the report, you will receive WAP services.

If you need further assistance, you can also visit the South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity website at www.oepp.sc.gov/programs. You can also call them at (803) 734-0662.