The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. During the last 30 years, the U.S. Department of Energy 's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program has provided weatherization services to more than 5.6 million low-income families.

By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependency and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by $358 per year at current prices. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.

The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) is designed to help low income residents save fuel and money, while increasing the comfort of their homes.

IHWAP is funded by theU.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the state supplemental Energy Assistance Fund.  Weatherization services are provided by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state. You may contact the agency provider in your area, to apply for weatherization services.

Although most dwellings waste energy, different types of houses and apartments have different energy problems. Depending on the circumstances and condition of your dwelling, some of the following weatherization work may be done:

• Sealing cracks with weatherstrip and caulk.
• Insulating attics and walls.
• Repairing windows and doors.
• Replacing windows.

Weatherization services include having an experienced heating contractor examine your heating system. This contractor will make sure the heating system is safe and in good working order. Work on your furnace may include one or more of the following:

• Clean and tune.
• Repair.
• Retrofit.
• In some cases, replacement of the unit.

The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. During the last 30 years, the U.S. Department of Energy 's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program has provided weatherization services to more than 5.6 million low-income families.

By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependency and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by $358 per year at current prices. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.

The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) is designed to help low income residents save fuel and money, while increasing the comfort of their homes.

IHWAP is funded by theU.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the state supplemental Energy Assistance Fund.  Weatherization services are provided by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state. You may contact the agency provider in your area, to apply for weatherization services.

Although most dwellings waste energy, different types of houses and apartments have different energy problems. Depending on the circumstances and condition of your dwelling, some of the following weatherization work may be done:

• Sealing cracks with weatherstrip and caulk.
• Insulating attics and walls.
• Repairing windows and doors.
• Replacing windows.

Weatherization services include having an experienced heating contractor examine your heating system. This contractor will make sure the heating system is safe and in good working order. Work on your furnace may include one or more of the following:

• Clean and tune.
• Repair.
• Retrofit.
• In some cases, replacement of the unit.

1. A person contacts the appropriate agency provider in your area. (See county list on right)
2. The agency determines if the household is income eligible and notifies them within 30 days after all the required documentation has been received.
   
3. If the household is eligible, one of the trained agency staff will assess the home and conduct an energy audit (survey) that will determine what work can be done to save the most energy.
   
4. The work to be done on your home will be scheduled and the agency will contact you to arrange a time for the weatherization work to begin.
   
5. Experienced workers using the work order generated from a computerized audit will apply the appropriate materials to your home.
   
6. The home is inspected to make sure the work is complete and correct.

1. A person contacts the appropriate agency provider in your area. (See county list on right)
2. The agency determines if the household is income eligible and notifies them within 30 days after all the required documentation has been received.
   
3. If the household is eligible, one of the trained agency staff will assess the home and conduct an energy audit (survey) that will determine what work can be done to save the most energy.
   
4. The work to be done on your home will be scheduled and the agency will contact you to arrange a time for the weatherization work to begin.
   
5. Experienced workers using the work order generated from a computerized audit will apply the appropriate materials to your home.
   
6. The home is inspected to make sure the work is complete and correct.

Eligibility is determined by family size and household income in accordance with federal guidelines. Weatherization services are free to households that:

1. Are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP);
2. Have an occupant receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Aid to Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD); or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
3. Are at or below the following annual income chart:

(For a household with more than eight people, add $5,400 for each additional person.)

Renters may be assisted if they are eligible and the landlord agrees to the program terms. A fifty percent (50%) landlord contribution for weatherization work is required for rental property.

Eligibility is determined by family size and household income in accordance with federal guidelines. Weatherization services are free to households that:

1. Are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP);
2. Have an occupant receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Aid to Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD); or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
3. Are at or below the following annual income chart:

(For a household with more than eight people, add $5,400 for each additional person.)

Renters may be assisted if they are eligible and the landlord agrees to the program terms. A fifty percent (50%) landlord contribution for weatherization work is required for rental property.