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Designed to help families in need, the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) ) offers financial support for the payment of energy , thus guaranteeing adequate air conditioning during the months of extreme cold or heat. This federal initiative —financed by the United States Department of Energy (DOE)— extends its scope of action throughout the country and also involves tribal and foreign territories.
Although it involves an application process, among its eligibility criteria, this program prioritizes people who receive other benefits such as Supplemental Security Income ( SSI) or Assistance to Families with Dependent Children.
How to enroll in the Weatherization Assistance Program for the Low Resources?
Although the program considers those families that already receive support from other programs, it also considers other eligibility criteria that they allow anyone to apply for their benefits. In this sense, the steps to follow to request financial support from the WAP program are the following:
1. Confirm Eligibility: Although anyone with low incomes who is having trouble making their home energy payments can apply, the WAP program offers priority to three groups that are automatically eligible :
a.) Adults older than 60 years.
b.) Families with one or more members with disabilities.
c.) Families with children or members who consume a lot of energy.
two. Identify a local provider: on its official website, the Department of Energy (DOE) has a map to locate the state agencies that are responsible for guiding people in the application process, which varies considerably between states: in some you can apply directly from the agency; in others, such agencies offer a list of energy providers that participate in the program and that receive applications.
3. Complete the application process: Once the agency or service provider is located, the applicant must follow the steps indicated to complete the application process. In many cases, it will be enough to complete a form, but the DOE insists that applicants have Social Security receipts and pay stubs on hand, as well as documents that indicate the income received by the household during the immediately preceding year.
What kind of help can I receive if I am eligible?
When a person becomes eligible to receive weatherization assistance through the WAP program, the assistance may take several forms, depending on their case. In addition to providing financial support for the payment of bills or to cover excessive energy demand, the program can also cover some improvements in the home of the beneficiaries to guarantee the proper use of the energy provided.
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