What weatherization grants cover and who runs them
Weatherization information Program (WAP) grants pay for insulation, air sealing, heating system repairs, and other work that reduces energy loss in your mobile home. The U.S. Department of Energy funds the program, but your state's energy office or a local nonprofit contractor actually manages it and does the work. You do not pay anything — the grant covers materials and labor.
Mobile homes lose heat and cool air faster than site-built houses because they have thinner walls, more air leaks around the frame, and less foundation insulation. WAP contractors know this and prioritize mobile homes in many states. The work typically includes sealing gaps around windows and doors, adding attic or belly insulation, repairing or replacing heating systems, and sometimes installing weatherstripping or caulk.
Income limits vary by state and family size, but most programs serve households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. A single person earning roughly $28,000 per year or a family of four earning roughly $57,000 per year would likely fall within range, though your state may set the limit higher or lower. You must own the mobile home or have written permission from the owner to make improvements.
Key Takeaways
- Weatherization grants pay for insulation, air sealing, and heating repairs on mobile homes at no cost to you if your household income is below your state's limit.
- Your state energy office or a local nonprofit contractor runs the program, not a federal office, so you contact them directly to learn whether funds are currently available.
- Mobile home owners must provide proof of income, a utility bill showing the address, and either proof of ownership or written permission from the owner.
- The program prioritizes households with elderly members, people with disabilities, and families with young children, which can speed up your placement on the waiting list.
- Work typically takes two to four weeks once you are scheduled, and you remain in your home during the process.
How to find your state's weatherization program
Start by contacting your state energy office or your local Community Action Agency (CAA). The CAA network runs weatherization in most states and can tell you when ready whether the program is open, what the current wait time is, and what documents you need. You can find your local CAA through the National Association of Community Action Partnerships website or by calling 211 and asking for weatherization information.
If your state runs weatherization through a different contractor, the state energy office website will list it. Search "[your state] weatherization information program" to find the right phone number. When you call, have your household income and the number of people living in your home ready. Ask whether the program is currently accepting new applicants, because many states pause intake when funding runs low.
Some states also run separate mobile home weatherization programs with different income limits or faster processing. Ask specifically whether your state has a manufactured housing track. If you live in a mobile home park, the park management may also have information about programs that serve residents there.
Income limits and what counts as household income
Income limits are set by your state and updated annually. Most states use 200% of the federal poverty line, but some use 150% or 250%. For 2024, 200% of poverty for a family of four is roughly $57,000 per year gross income. Your state's weatherization office can give you the exact number for your household size.
Household income includes wages, Social Security, SSI, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It does not include tax refunds, one-time payments, or money from selling an asset. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years. If your income is seasonal, the program usually averages it over twelve months.
If your household income is slightly above the limit, ask whether your state has a hardship exception or whether you may have access to under a priority category. Some states raise the limit for households with elderly members, people with disabilities, or families with children under six.
Documents you will need to bring
Have these ready before you call or visit:
- Proof of income: recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statement, or benefit award letter
- Proof of residency: a utility bill in your name at the mobile home address, dated within the past 60 days
- Proof of ownership or occupancy: the mobile home title or deed, or a signed letter from the owner giving you permission to make improvements
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Photo ID for the person explore
If you rent the mobile home, you must have written permission from the owner before work begins. Some programs provide a form for this; others accept a straightforward signed letter. Contact your program before approaching the owner so you know exactly what document they need.
If you do not have all documents when ready, ask whether you can submit them later. Many programs will take an process and give you a important date to provide missing items. Do not delay calling because you lack one document.
The timeline from process to completion
The process typically moves in this order: intake call or visit, income verification, home energy audit, work scheduling, and then the actual weatherization work. From your first contact to the start of work usually takes four to twelve weeks, depending on how busy the program is and how quickly you provide documents.
Once you are scheduled, a contractor will visit your home to assess what work is needed. This audit takes one to two hours and is free. The contractor will check your insulation, heating system, air leaks, and water heater. They will then give you a list of the work they plan to do and an estimated timeline.
The actual weatherization work usually takes two to four weeks. You stay in your home during this time. The contractor will coordinate with you about access and will clean up after each day. If major repairs are needed — like replacing a heating system — the work may take longer and the program may need to order parts.
Priority categories that can speed up your placement
Most states prioritize certain households when the waiting list is long. Common priority groups include households with members age 60 or older, people with disabilities, families with children under six, and households with high energy burdens (meaning energy costs take up a large share of income). If you fall into one of these categories, tell the program when you explore.
Some states also prioritize mobile homes over other housing types because they lose energy so quickly. Ask whether your state gives priority to manufactured housing. If you are in a mobile home park with multiple residents, the program may be able to schedule several homes in the same area at once, which can move your timeline up.
Priority does not may provide faster service, but it can move you ahead of households without priority when funding is limited. If you do not have priority, ask the program what the current wait time is and whether you can call back to check your status.
What happens if the program is not currently accepting applications
Many states pause weatherization intake when funding runs out, usually in mid-to-late fall. If your state's program is closed, ask when it typically reopens. Most reopen in spring or early summer when new federal funding arrives. Some programs maintain a waiting list even when closed, so you can still explore and be placed in order for the next funding cycle.
While you wait, you can reduce energy loss on your own by caulking gaps around windows, adding weatherstripping to doors, and sealing holes where pipes or wires enter the home. These steps cost little and can lower your heating and cooling bills. When the program reopens, the contractor will still do a full audit and may redo some of this work to may support it meets program standards.
If you have an urgent heating or cooling problem — such as a broken furnace in winter — ask whether the program has an emergency repair fund separate from the main weatherization fund. Some states do, and they may be able to help even when the main program is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to own the mobile home to get weatherization help?
No. If you rent, you need written permission from the owner. Most programs provide a form or accept a signed letter stating the owner allows the work. The owner does not have to pay anything — the grant covers all costs. Some owners are hesitant, so explain that the work increases the home's value and reduces utility costs.
Will weatherization work damage my mobile home?
No. Contractors who work on mobile homes are trained in how they are built. They know not to over-insulate (which can trap moisture) and how to seal gaps without damaging the frame or siding. The work is designed to last and improve your home's condition.
What if I have a heating system that is not working?
Tell the program during your intake call. If your heating system is broken, many programs will prioritize your home for a faster audit and repair. Some programs have emergency funds for heating system replacement if the system cannot be repaired. Bring any repair estimates you have.
Can I get weatherization help if I live in a mobile home park?
Yes. Living in a park does not disqualify you. However, if the park owns the land and you own only the home, you will need written permission from the park management to allow contractors on the property. Some parks have policies about outside contractors, so check before you explore.
What if I was turned down before — can I explore again?
Yes. If you were turned down for income reasons and your income has changed, you can reapply. If you were turned down because the program was closed, you can explore when it reopens. Call the program and explain your situation — they may be able to tell you why you were denied and whether circumstances have changed.