The Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. Maryland’s WAP assists income-eligible homeowners and renters in our state by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures, while also addressing health and safety issues in their homes.
WAP services are prioritized to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool homes, supply hot water and provide lighting, thus reducing energy consumption while minimizing the impact of higher fuel costs on low-income families now and in the future.
Both homeowners and renters are assisted. Homeowners, affordable housing developers, property managers, and other housing and community development agencies are encouraged to contact their
Local Weatherization Agency (LWA) for more information.
Marylanders participating in the WAP will receive a home inspection to identify the services necessary to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Services are provided through local weatherization agencies in each territory.
Eligible Applicants
- Marylanders who meet the household income requirements outlined below are eligible for the program.
- Priority is given to Marylanders who are older than the age of 60, those with disabilities, those with children in the home, and households with a high energy usage and/or energy burden.
- All families who have received assistance any time during the last 12 months under Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Maryland Energy Assistance (MEAP) are automatically income eligible for weatherization services.
Household Income Limits* for the Department of Energy (DOE) WAP
Household Size (HH)
| 60% State Median Income (SMI) | 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $42,570 | |
| 2 | $55,669 | |
| 3 | $68,767 | |
| 4 | $81,866 | |
| 5 | $94,964 | |
| 6 | $108,063 | |
| 7 | $110,519 | |
| 8 | $112,975 | |
| 9 | | $116,200 |
| 10 | | $126,960 |
| each additional person | | add $10,760 |
Updated: 1/26/2024
*In accordance with the Weatherization Program Notice 24-3, the State may use the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) limit of 60% of State Median Income (SMI) but not lower than 200% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). According to LIHEAP Information Memoranda 2023-02, the Maryland State median income for a family of 4 is currently $136,443. Sixty percent (60%) of SMI is higher for households of 8 or less. For households of 9 or more, 200% of poverty (FPL) is higher.
Accepted as Income-Eligible
If you are currently an eligible participant in one of these programs, you are automatically income-eligible for weatherization services:
- Utility Bill Pay Assistance through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- HUD housing assistance programs
Programs
NOT accepted as income-eligible:
- Fuel Fund Assistance
- DHCD Rehab Programs
- Baltimore Lead Hazard Control Program
- Medicaid
- MEA Energy Equity Grant
- MEEHA
- Geographical eligibility for certain areas
Application Process
To apply for assistance contact your
Local Weatherization Agency (LWA)
Please remember an application must be submitted in order to apply for services.
Once eligibility is determined, the local weatherization agency will schedule an energy audit inspection. If the existing condition of the dwelling permits, some energy improvements the program may provide but are not limited to include:
- blower door air infiltration reduction
- insulation in the attic, floors, walls
- hot water system improvements
- lighting retrofit
- furnace clean/tune, safety repairs, burner retrofit or replacement
- health and safety items
Resources
Program: Housing and Building Energy Programs
Toll-Free (Maryland Only): 1-855-583-8976
