OTDA Home → Resources for Working Families → Weatherization Assistance Program
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program assists income-eligible families and individuals by reducing their heating/cooling costs and improving the safety of their homes through energy-efficiency measures.
Eligibility:
Program services are available to both home-owners and renters, with priority given to senior citizens, families with children, and disabled individuals. Eligibility of a person or household for weatherization services falls into one of two categories: categorical eligibility or income eligibility.
Categorical Eligibility
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - A household is categorically eligible for weatherization assistance if, at the time of the application, any member of that household receives SSI.
Public Assistance - A household is categorically eligible for weatherization assistance if, at the time of application, any member of that household receives Safety Net Assistance or Family Assistance benefits. Applicants who pay their own heat or who are on voucher fuel payments and have high fuel bills will have priority over applicants who have heat included in their rent.
Food Stamps - A household is categorically eligible for weatherization assistance if, at the time of application, at least one member of that household is receiving recurring Non-Public Assistance (NPA) Food Stamps.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - A household is categorically eligible for weatherization assistance if, at the time of application, the household has received or been notified that they are eligible to receive the regular HEAP benefit for the current HEAP Annual Heating Season, which runs from mid-November through March of the following year. Receipt of Emergency HEAP benefits and any associated change in eligibility for those benefits do not qualify for automatic eligibility for weatherization services.
Income Eligibility
A household’s income before taxes must not exceed $1,963 monthly, or $23,556 annually, if one person lives in the household. See chart below for family size and income guidelines.
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,963 | $23,556 |
| 2 | $2,567 | $30,804 |
| 3 | $3,172 | $38,064 |
| 4 | $3,776 | $45,312 |
| 5 | $4,380 | $52,560 |
| 6 | $4,984 | $59,808 |
| 7 | $5,097 | $61,164 |
| 8 | $5,210 | $62,520 |
| 9 | $5,324 | $63,888 |
| 10 | $5,437 | $65,244 |
| 11 | $5,800 | $69,600 |
| Each Additional Member | Add $450 | Add $5,400 |
NOTE: Income levels change annually; this is just a guide.
How to Apply:
You can obtain information on applying by contacting:
- Local Community Action Agencies / New York State Community Action Association: 518-690-0491
- NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Thanks to the New York State Community Action Association and their Helping Hands Tool-Kit for this information.