The New Jersey Weatherization Assistance Program (NJWAP) ensures the health and safety of vulnerable residents and reduces energy costs for select households by providing weatherization upgrades. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the program is part of a larger package of New Jersey home energy programs. Other parts of the package include The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Universal Service Fund, which helps to lower energy bills for residents.
Allow us to tell you more about this revolutionary program and what it can do for you.
Who qualifies for the NJ home weatherization program?
To be eligible to receive benefits under the weatherization assistance program, you must have a gross annual household income less than or equal to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You're automatically eligible if your household already receives LIHEAP or a HUD mean-tested program. Or, if your household includes a person who receives one of the following types of assistance, you are automatically eligible for home weatherization assistance:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, AKA food stamps)
- Adoption subsidy
You must be a resident of New Jersey, and preference may be given to people over 60 years of age, households with one or more disabled members, and low-income families with children.
The following chart reflects the gross annual household income guidelines.
Household Gross Annual Income Limits (2023)
|
Household size* |
Maximum yearly income |
|
1 |
$29,160 |
|
2 |
$39,440 |
|
3 |
$49,720 |
|
4 |
$60,000 |
|
5 |
$70,280 |
|
6 |
$80,560 |
|
7 |
$90,840 |
|
8 |
$101,120 |
*Add $10,280 per additional person for households with more than eight.
Where does the money come from?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Energy WAP provide grants that help fund the New Jersey Weatherization Program and programs in other states, territories, and some Tribal Nations.
How do I apply for the NJ home weatherization program?
The first step to applying for the NJ home weatherization program is to contact your local weatherization service provider. They will direct you to fill out an application and provide certain documents to help them ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
What documents do I need to apply?
With your application, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of identification – Including social security cards for all household members, birth certificates for children under 1 year old, custody papers for minors not living with parents, and documentation for all foster children.
- Proof of income – For everyone 18 or older living in the household, evidence of the prior month’s income.
- Proof of home ownership – Lease if renting, or housing authority proof of residence
- Current energy bills
- Proof of citizenship or legal residency
What can the NJ home weatherization program do for me?
Once approved for the program, an energy audit of the home will be performed. Depending on the findings, the following home weatherization efficiency measures may be approved for your home.
- Air sealing doors and windows, including weather stripping and caulking
- Insulation of walls, ceilings, attics, and roofs
- Insulation of water heater and pipes
- Sealing, repairing, and insulating ductwork
- Repair, retrofit, or replace the heating systems
Where can I get more information about home weatherization?
Homeowners can visit the Energy Saver website for more information about the state of New Jersey’s Home Weatherization Assistance Program and how it can help lower utility bills.
Are the weatherization improvements tax-deductible?
Some energy-efficient home improvements are eligible for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (EEHIC) of up to 30 percent of the cost. To see if your improvements qualify for any tax credit, consult a certified tax preparer or the IRS website.
Weatherize your home today
According to the program’s national evaluation, households save an average of $372 annually by implementing energy-saving weatherization improvements to their homes. If you qualify, you could join the more than 7 million low-income households the program has helped since 1976. Let us connect you with a home weatherization specialist today.
Carol J Alexander is a home remodeling industry expert for Fixr.com. For more than 15 years as a journalist and content marketer, her in-depth research, interviewing skills, and technical insight have ensured she provides the most accurate and current information on a given topic. Before joining the Fixr team, her personal clients included leaders in the building materials market like Behr Paint Company, CertainTeed, and Chicago Faucet, and national publications like This Old House and Real Homes.