Home >> Office of Community Assistance >>Home Weatherization Assistance Program

1. Who can apply for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)? 

Any individual, homeowner, or renter with an income that falls into the federal government's poverty guidelines can apply for services under the HWAP. As required by the federal government, HWAP providers give priority to people over the age of 60 and those with disabilities. The local agency's review of your application will determine your eligibility for services. 

2. What are the eligibility criteria/guidelines for the HWAP?  

• All families who have received assistance any time during the last 12 months under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) (does not include Emergency HEAP) are automatically eligible for weatherization services.

• Households that are not located in federally subsidized housing and do not supply their own primary heat source (i.e., owns a gas well or cuts its own wood) will generally be eligible for services if they meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services income guidelines listed below: 

For households with more than eight (8) members, add $7,920 for each additional member. 

3. Generally, what types of services are available under this program?

The HWAP is not a rehabilitation or maintenance program. The following weatherization measures may be done to your home if you are eligible for services. A home inspection is completed to determined the most cost-effective weatherization services for each home. The services may include:

• Safety Inspection, tune-up/repair, and if necessary, installation of heating units 
• Insulation of attics
• Insulation of sidewalls
• Insulation of heating ducts
• Insulation of floors
• Insulation of water tanks
• Reduction of air leakage from major sources
• Personalized Energy Management Plans

4. Are there any cash benefit payments involved in the weatherization program?

No. The HWAP provides direct service to dwelling units. No cash benefits are passed through directly to the eligible households.

5. Is there a deadline for applications to be submitted?

No, but there is a limit to the number of households that can be assisted because of the available funding.

6. How do I get a job in weatherization?

The decision to work with outside contractors or with in-house crews is a local decision made by the weatherization providers. Individuals may apply at their local weatherization provider to join an in-house weatherization crew. Potential contractors who want to provide weatherization services should contact the local provider to determine what opportunities are available. If the local providers are interested in or are already working with outside contractors, an agreement is reached between the local provider and the interested outside contractor.

7. What is the state's role with the HWAP?

The HWAP is administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Community Assistance (OCA). The OCS Residential Unit oversees the weatherization program. The Department contracts with providers across the state to ensure that citizens in all 88 Ohio counties receive weatherization services.

The OCA monitors the weatherization providers for compliance with regulations and established policies and procedures, evaluates actual accomplishments against planned activities, and determines the effectiveness of the HWAP policy. Monitoring provides objective reporting to and from sub-grantees and when appropriate, makes recommendations to address program and administrative deficiencies and needs. Annually, OCA administrative monitors review 10 percent of the completed units’ files while the technical monitors review a minimum of 5 percent of the completed units.

8. If I want additional information for receiving assistance, who do I contact?

Additional information about the HWAP can be obtained from the local weatherization provider in the area where you reside. You may also contact the Office of Community Assistance at (800) 282-0880 for the telephone number of the local provider.