The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
is a free service that is designed to reduce energy
costs for low-income families by improving the energy
efficiency of their home. Grant funds are provided by the U.S.
Department of Energy and state sources for administering the
program.
WAP operates throughout the year and is a statewide program
overseen by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control, and administered by local agencies
working under contract to DNREC's Division of Energy and
Climate.
What we do:
The process starts with a
comprehensive energy audit conducted by a trained
professional. The auditor will visit your home, diagnose the
home’s energy profile, and may prescribe the installation of
one or more of the following measures:
- Air sealing, caulking, glazing, weather-stripping and
crack patching;
- Replacement of broken glass;
- Attic, wall and floor insulation, and ventilation;
- Seal heating and cooling ducts;
- Insulation for hot water heaters, and hot and cold water
pipes;
- Other items recommended by the auditor
Following the audit, an independent contractor is sent to
your home and will install the required measures. Following
installation, another contractor is sent to the home to
inspect and approve the work. Participation in the program
requires some investment of time on multiple days by the
homeowner, and someone 18 or over must be present when
contractors are in your home.
Heating system annual maintenance can also be paid for by
the weatherization program, and every customer is provided
education materials and information on how to conserve energy,
make your home more comfortable, and how to reduce fuel costs.
Application process:
You must first
contact the agency for your county of residence (see below) to
set-up an application appointment. Before your appointment,
you must gather the necessary documentations for the scheduled
appointment.
What You Need to Bring to Your
Appointment:
- Photo Identification for all Adults
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Verification of Ownership
- Lease, if renter, and Landlord’s name, address and
telephone number
- Utility bills (electric, gas, oil & propane). 12
month histories are preferred.
- Income Documentation for all adults:
- Pay stubs for last 3 months
- Social Security and SSI payment documentation
- Public Assistance (TANF and GA)
- Unemployment compensation
- Proof of child support and/or alimony
- Proof of all types of pensions
- Tax records for past 2 years
The Weatherization Assistance Program does not have
sufficient resources to serve all customers requesting
assistance. Once you’re deemed eligible, your name will be
placed on a waiting list that prioritizes households based on
need, the age and special needs of residents, and annual
funding levels. Not all applicants are served in any one
program year. Applicants who are not provided services within
12 months, must reapply every year to verify income
eligibility.
Eligibility:
To be
eligible for assistances, households must meet
eligibility guidelines:
|
Household Size |
Household income |
|
1 |
$23,540.00 |
|
2 |
$31,860.00 |
|
3 |
$40,180.00 |
|
4 |
$48,500.00 |
|
5 |
$56,820.00 |
|
6 |
$65,140.00 |
|
7 |
$73,460.00 |
|
8 |
$81,780.00
| |
Local Agency WAP Providers:
New Castle County
Catholic Charities,
Inc.
2601 W 4th Street
Wilmington, DE 19805
(302) 654-9295
Kent County
Catholic Charities,
Inc.
2099 S DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
(302)
674-1782
Sussex County
Catholic Charities,
Inc.
406 S. Bedford Street, Ste 9
Georgetown, DE
19947
(302) 856-6310
What We Cannot Do:
The Weatherization
Assistance Program is an energy conservation program. The WAP
is not a home repair program. We cannot use our resources for
home improvement or other repairs to homes. We can only do
minor repairs when such repairs are required to protect the
energy conservation measures that need to be installed. We do
not routinely replace windows or doors or home furnaces. We
also do not install, service or repair air conditioners.
