December 2009

• Introduction
• 2009 Poverty Guidelines
• How the Process Works
• Download the article (includes map and directory) as a

The “Recovery and Reinvestment” measure enacted by the federal government earlier this year expanded the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program to allow not only more improvements to homes but also to make more low-income people eligible for the services.

Families whose household incomes are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for up to $6,500 in home improvements that will make houses more energy efficient. (See box for income guidelines.)

The DOE says that for every $1 invested, weatherization returns $2.73 in benefits. These include $1.65 in energy-related benefits and $1.07 in other benefits such as reducing pollution, unemployment and adverse health concerns. Also, families save approximately $350 or more each year on their energy bills after their homes have been weatherized within the program, DOE reports.