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1. What are the income guidelines for the program?

Your household must be at or below 80% AMI of the federal poverty level to qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program. Income eligibility is established based on the previous 3 months income for the household.

UPDATE: 01/24/23 ~~ Income guidelines for the Weatherization program have been updated recently. The income limit has approximately doubled from what is listed below. Call 734-544-3008 for exact details to see if you might qualify under these new eligibility limits.

• For a family of 1 the maximum annual income is $62,600
• For a family of 2 the maximum annual income is $71,550
• For a family of 3 the maximum annual income is $80,500
• For a family of 4 the maximum annual income is $89,400
• For a family of 5 the maximum annual income is $96,600
• For a family of 6 the maximum annual income is $103,750
• For a family of 7 the maximum annual income is $110,900
• For a family of 8 the maximum annual income is $118,050

Add $8,960 for each additional household member.

2. How can I automatically qualify?

If a member of the household receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Disability Assistance (SDA), cash benefits through the Family Independence Program (FIP) then the applicant is automatically eligible for Weatherization. Receipt of any of these benefits within the previous 3 months makes an applicant eligible. We will need documentation of those benefits, and also documentation of any other income that the applicant may have.

3. What type of work can be done and what cannot be done?

The program is designed to perform energy saving repairs and measures. This can include but is not limited to: 

• Insulation of attics, walls, and crawl spaces
• Air sealing work such as foam gaps in gaps and holes in attics and foundations
• Replacements or repairs of inefficient furnaces, hot water heaters, and refrigerators
• Fresh air bath fan

We do not do any plumbing or electrical work. We do not install wheel chair ramps, fix gutters, repair steps, or address other issues unrelated to energy savings.

4. Will you replace my windows?

The Weatherization program does not replace many windows, only windows that are in the worst shape would even be considered. All windows are evaluated during the pre-inspection but, as an energy saving measure, new windows generally do not provide good energy savings.

5. Can you replace my roof?

In some cases we are able to do roof repairs if it allows us to perform other energy saving repairs such as adding attic insulation. It is however very rare and contingent on the availability of funds for the program to do a roof replacement. The need for a roof work can only be determined during the inspection, so it is beneficial to apply to the program (PDF) if you would like to have your roof evaluated.

6. Can you replace my furnace or hot water heater?

In some cases but only after the inspection takes place. If the applicant is without heat or hot water we will make our best effort to inspect the home quickly but will still need a completed application (PDF) with all required documentation before we can proceed.

7. Can you weatherize my home if I am a renter?

Yes, we can weatherize rental units (single family up to a 4 plex), but we have to have the approval of the landlord.  Note that for duplexes to 4 plex properties all residents must apply to the program at the same time, though not all residents of the property need to be eligible to receive help. Any large multi unit establishments trigger a few extra requirements which make it much harder to accomplish.

Note: The Department of Energy Regulations restrict the weatherization of 4 story or larger buildings.

8. What about mobile homes?

Mobile homes are eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. Due to a required "savings to investment ratio," our grant requirements may mean that it is more difficult to move forward with improvements on a mobile home. However, we do our best to make sure that we can serve as many households as possible. Please contact us so we can determine how to best serve your household.

9. Do you replace refrigerators?

We are able to replace a refrigerator. That decision is made based on the initial inspection which will determine the condition and current energy usage of the refrigerator. If we determine that we can replace the refrigerator we will order one and a delivery company will arrange with the client to deliver it to the house and remove the older unit. It is a one for one replacement. We remove the old unit and replace it with a basic white energy star rated model with a freezer on top. We make sure it is a comparable size, but do not install ice makers, side by sides, or any other luxury items.

10. My house was weatherized before, can I get Weatherization services again?

If the house was weatherized 15 years ago or more, then you may apply to receive weatherization services again.  For instance, in 2022 a home that was weatherized in 2007 or earlier can receive weatherization services again.

11. What information do you need to provide when applying?

In order to determine eligibility, the applicant must fill out a complete application. They also need to provide:

• Income documentation:
  • Level of income must be at or below 80% of area median income
  • Income documentation is required for the previous 3 months from date of application for all household members
  • Even if the client automatically qualifies, we still want to make an effort to document their income
• Proof of home ownership:
  • Copy of deed, title or tax bill is sufficient
  • Title only for mobile home
• Recent utility bill
• If renting, then the landlord must agree to and sign the landlord agreement (PDF).

12. What is required for income documentation?

More documentation is better when it comes to an applicant. However, we do not need 3 months worth of documents. We can work with:

• Pay Stubs which show a gross Year To Date (YTD) from 3 months prior to submitting the application, along with the most recent pay stub (if the applicant was at the same job for the entire 3 month period)
• Social Security or other benefit letters that show a gross amount per month
• Letter from an employer on their letterhead detailing income information
• If no income, then a notarized declaration of no income will do
• If self-employed, then a notarized declaration of self-income will do