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WAP & CEAP Programs -- 2026
The Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides FREE home improvements worth $5,000-$8,000 to income-eligible households. The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) provides crisis bill payment and emergency HVAC repair. Both programs are administered by TDHCA.
Updated February 2026
The Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded, state-administered program that provides free home energy improvements to low-income Texas households. It is administered by the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) and delivered through a network of 38 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state.
Unlike utility rebate programs (where you pay upfront and receive a partial rebate), WAP is completely free. A certified energy auditor assesses your home, identifies the most cost-effective improvements, and a crew performs all work at no cost. The average Texas home receives $5,000-$8,000 in improvements.
Texas WAP emphasizes cooling efficiency -- attic insulation and duct sealing have the highest return on investment in the Texas climate, where summer cooling bills can reach $300-$500/month in older, poorly insulated homes.
WAP addresses five categories of home improvements, all determined by the energy audit and all performed at no cost to the homeowner.
Bring insulation to DOE-recommended levels. Most TX homes have thin or missing attic insulation — critical for summer cooling costs.
Seal air leaks that let hot outside air infiltrate (or conditioned air escape). Especially impactful in TX where outdoor temps exceed 100F for months.
Repair or replace windows and doors that cannot be effectively sealed. Full replacement only when repair is not cost-effective.
Repair existing heating and cooling systems. Full replacement only when repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost or system is unsafe.
Address health and safety hazards discovered during the energy audit. These must be resolved before weatherization work can proceed.
Average total value of WAP improvements per Texas home -- entirely free for qualifying households.
WAP = 200% FPL | CEAP = 150% FPL
| Household Size | CEAP (150% FPL) | WAP (200% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,110 | $29,480 |
| 2 persons | $29,940 | $39,920 |
| 3 persons | $37,770 | $50,360 |
| 4 persons | $45,600 | $60,800 |
| 5 persons | $53,430 | $71,240 |
| 6 persons | $61,260 | $81,680 |
| 7 persons | $69,090 | $92,120 |
| 8 persons | $76,920 | $102,560 |
Income thresholds based on 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines. For households larger than 8, add $7,840 per additional person (200% FPL) or $5,880 (150% FPL).
The application process goes through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Here is the step-by-step process from application to completion.
Visit tdhca.texas.gov/weatherization or call 800-525-0657 to locate the Community Action Agency serving your county.
Contact your local CAA to request an application. Provide proof of income (tax return, pay stubs, or benefit letters) and proof of residence.
Wait list is typically 6-18 months depending on your area and funding availability. Priority applicants (elderly, disabled, children) may be moved up.
A certified auditor assesses your home — blower door test, insulation inspection, HVAC evaluation, health and safety check.
Crew performs all approved measures over 2-5 days. All work is done at NO cost to you.
Quality control inspector verifies all work meets DOE standards. You sign off on completed work.
Contact TDHCA or your local Community Action Agency to start the application process.
CEAP is a separate program from WAP, designed for crisis situations -- imminent utility disconnection, service already disconnected, or broken heating/cooling during extreme weather. It provides faster response than WAP but requires lower income (150% FPL).
Direct payment to your utility company to prevent disconnection or restore service
Emergency assistance to prevent utility disconnection during extreme weather
Emergency repair of heating and cooling systems to restore safe indoor temperatures
Help with utility deposits or reconnection fees to restore service
Texas summer heat is a life-safety issue. CEAP crisis intervention is heavily used during June-September when temperatures exceed 100F for weeks at a time.
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone. This is the statewide helpline that connects you to your local Community Action Agency. Available 24/7.
Explain your energy crisis — imminent disconnection, already disconnected, broken AC in summer heat, etc. They will direct you to the right program.
Proof of income (last 30 days), utility bill showing past-due amount, government-issued ID, proof of Texas residency.
Most CAAs require an in-person visit. Some accept applications by phone or online during extreme heat emergencies.
Bill payment assistance is sent directly to your utility company. Emergency weatherization is scheduled for the earliest available date.
CEAP Emergency Line
Dial 2-1-1Available 24/7, multilingual. Connects to WAP, CEAP, LIHEAP, and other assistance programs.
200% FPL | 6-18 month wait
150% FPL | 48 hours (crisis)
You can apply for both. Many families receive CEAP crisis assistance for immediate bill relief, then go on the WAP wait list for comprehensive home improvements. Your local CAA will help you navigate both programs.
The Texas WAP provides FREE home weatherization to income-eligible households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. It is administered by the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) and delivered through 38 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) statewide. Average value per home is $5,000-$8,000, covering insulation, air sealing, window/door repair, HVAC repair, and health/safety measures.
Nothing. WAP is completely FREE for qualifying households. The entire cost is covered by U.S. Department of Energy and LIHEAP transfer funds. There are no copays, no fees, and no repayment requirements. The average home receives $5,000-$8,000 in improvements at zero cost.
WAP is a comprehensive home weatherization program that improves your home with insulation, air sealing, and HVAC repairs. CEAP is a crisis energy assistance program that provides utility bill payment assistance to prevent disconnection and emergency HVAC repair. WAP requires a 200% FPL income threshold and has a 6-18 month wait list. CEAP requires 150% FPL and can be processed within 48 hours for life-threatening situations.
The typical wait list for Texas WAP is 6-18 months, depending on your region and current funding levels. Priority is given to elderly (60+), disabled, and households with children under 6. Urban areas like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth may have longer wait lists due to higher demand. Apply early -- the wait list moves based on funding availability and staffing at your local Community Action Agency.
Yes. Renters are eligible for WAP, but you must have landlord permission before work can be done. The CAA will coordinate with your landlord. Mobile homes, single-family homes, and small multifamily buildings (up to 4 units) are all eligible. Your home must be your primary residence in Texas and must not have been weatherized by WAP in the past 15 years.
CEAP crisis intervention covers emergency situations including imminent utility disconnection, service already disconnected, and broken heating or cooling systems during extreme weather. In Texas, this is most heavily used during summer when temperatures exceed 100F for weeks. Crisis intervention can include direct bill payment to your utility company ($300-$1,500), emergency HVAC repair or replacement (up to $3,000-$5,000), deposit/reconnection assistance, and co-payment help.
For WAP: Call 800-525-0657 or visit tdhca.texas.gov/weatherization to find your local Community Action Agency (CAA). For CEAP: Dial 2-1-1 (available 24/7, multilingual). Both programs require proof of income (last 30 days), a utility bill, government-issued ID, and proof of Texas residency. Most CAAs require an in-person visit, though some accept phone or online applications during extreme heat emergencies.
WAP can include HVAC repair and tune-up, thermostat replacement, and duct repair. Full system replacement is only done when the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement cost or the system is unsafe. WAP is primarily focused on the building envelope (insulation, air sealing, windows) rather than equipment replacement. For emergency HVAC replacement, CEAP may be a faster option if you have a crisis situation.
NuWatt Energy provides this guide as an educational resource. WAP and CEAP are government-administered programs -- NuWatt does not administer, fund, or process applications for these programs. All program details are sourced from TDHCA and DOE documentation. Contact TDHCA at 800-525-0657 or dial 2-1-1 for assistance.
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WAP provides $5,000-$8,000 in free home improvements. CEAP provides crisis bill assistance within 48 hours. Both programs are free for qualifying Texas households.
Visit tdhca.texas.gov/weatherization to find your local Community Action Agency.