Initiated in 1976 the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a program that helps low-income Vermont residents to lower their energy related utility bills. The starting of this program was in response to the energy crisis at the time, which has persisted until now. What the program does is that it implements energy efficiency measures in the homes of beneficiary households. The energy efficiency measures implemented by this program are based on the results of an electronic energy efficiency audit carried out by a program representative.

Some of the energy efficiency measures implemented under the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) include:

• Replacement and installation of broken windows

• Insulation of walls, floors, and attic

• Periodic energy audits

• Servicing and installation of energy efficient air conditioning systems

• Maintenance and installation of energy efficient home heating systems

• Implementation of health and safety measures in the homes of benefitting households

In order to qualify for the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program applicant’s needed to meet a set of eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements are based on the applicant’s income, area of residence and participatory status in other social service programs such as SSI, TANF and AID for families with children.

Upon successful completion of the application process, the applicant will start receiving the benefits of the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program. It should however be noted that individuals do not receive direct monetary benefits, rather they only benefit from the energy efficiency services offered under the program.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), applicants need to meet a set of eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements are pegged on the applicant’s income, area of residence and participatory status in other social service programs.

Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)-Income Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program, applicants need to meet the specified maximum income threshold. These income thresholds are based on the applicant’s gross income before tax and are highlighted on this link: wwwdcf.vermont.gov/weatherization/income_eligibilty (Vermont WAP Income Eligibility Guidelines)

Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)-Residential Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program, applicants must be residents of the state of Vermont and must either US nationals or registered legal aliens.

Participation in Other Social Service Programs

Applicants for the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), currently participating in other social service programs such as AID for families with children, TANF, and LIHEAP, are considered automatically eligible for the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program. This is largely due to the fact that these programs share the same eligibility requirements as Vermont’s WAP.

WAP Application Instructions

Applying for the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), is a fairly easy process all one needs to do is to contact his or her nearest Vermont weatherization office available on this link: www.dcf.vermont.gov/weatherization_offices (Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program Office Contact). You will submit an application which will be verified for eligibility and processed.

Upon successful processing of the application, you will be assigned an energy auditor who will visit you home for an interview with regards to your fuel and energy consumption levels.

Upon successful completion of this process, you will start receiving the program benefits. It should however be noted that the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program, does not provide direct monetary benefits, but it helps low-income families to implement the requisite energy efficiency measures in their homes.