Are you struggling with high heating and cooling costs in your New York home? The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers a solution by helping eligible families and individuals reduce their energy consumption and improve the safety of their homes. This comprehensive program, overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), provides energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to qualifying occupants.
The WAP is designed to make homes more energy-efficient, leading to lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment. By focusing on cost-effective measures, the program aims to reduce household energy use by an average of over 20%. This not only saves money for residents but also contributes to a greener New York by lowering overall energy demand. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance supervises many support programs for families and individuals.
The program is available to both homeowners and renters who meet specific income requirements. Priority is given to:
To be eligible, households must have incomes at or below 60% of the state median income. You can consult the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Income Guidelines to determine if you meet the income requirements. Households that include a member receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Public Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits are automatically eligible for weatherization services.
The WAP provides a range of services designed to improve energy efficiency and safety. These services include:
All services are provided free of charge to eligible occupants. Landlords of rental properties are required to contribute financially toward the cost of the improvements.
Applying for the WAP is a straightforward process:
HCR is committed to providing high-quality services through the WAP. Providers are required to use materials that meet state and federal government standards. HCR also offers training in quality control and proper material use to ensure that all work is performed to the highest standards. All workers, whether directly employed or subcontracted, are trained and certified in advanced energy efficiency and health and safety techniques.
By taking advantage of the Weatherization Assistance Program, eligible New York residents can significantly reduce their energy costs, improve their home's safety and comfort, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Contact your local provider today to start the application process.
