Texas WAP Guide: How to Get Free Home Insulation for Summer (2026)
Is your AC running nonstop, but your electric bill keeps climbing anyway? The problem isn't always the unit itself. Heat sneaks in through the attic, the walls, the ducts, even the gaps around your doors. And in a Texas summer, that adds up fast.
If your household income is limited, you may not have to fix any of it yourself. Texas runs the Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP, which can cover energy-saving home improvements at no direct cost to you. This guide walks Collin and Denton County residents through the 2026 income limits, who actually handles applications locally, what work WAP does and doesn't cover, and the one mix-up that trips up almost every first-time applicant.
Quick Answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who handles WAP for Collin and Denton County? | Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), headquartered in Sherman, TX. |
| Is insulation guaranteed? | No. A home energy assessment comes first. Insulation is only installed if the assessment shows it will help. |
| What's the 2026 income cutoff? | 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines — $66,000 for a household of four. |
| Is this the same as bill-payment help? | No. WAP fixes the home. CEAP pays toward a bill. Different programs, different income limits. |
What the Texas Weatherization Assistance Program Actually Does
WAP isn't a free insulation giveaway, even though that's how it gets described in most searches. It's a whole-house energy efficiency program, and insulation is just one tool in the kit. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) sets the rules statewide, using funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and, for some activities, federal energy assistance dollars through Health and Human Services.
TDHCA doesn't process applications directly, though. It hands that job to regional providers, and for Collin and Denton County, that provider is the Texoma Council of Governments, or TCOG.
Here's the part people usually miss. Before any work happens, a trained inspector visits your home and runs an energy audit. That audit looks for air leaks, outdated equipment, and gaps in insulation. Only after that assessment does the provider decide which measures actually make sense for your specific house.
π‘ EasySmart Tip for Collin and Denton County Residents: Don't assume attic insulation is automatic just because you qualify. If duct leakage turns out to be your home's biggest energy loss, TCOG may prioritize sealing the ducts over adding more insulation. The assessment decides the scope, not a fixed checklist.
Can WAP Really Give You Free Insulation?
Yes, if your household qualifies and the assessment identifies insulation as the right fix. Ceiling, wall, and floor insulation are all listed among the eligible measures. So are caulking, weather-stripping, duct repair, and certain heating and cooling system repairs or replacements.
| Possible Measure | Why It Matters in a Texas Summer |
|---|---|
| Ceiling or attic insulation | Cuts down heat transfer from a hot attic into living space |
| Wall insulation | Reduces heat movement through exterior walls, where accessible |
| Floor insulation | Helps in homes where it's structurally appropriate |
| Caulking and air sealing | Closes the small gaps that let conditioned air escape |
| Duct sealing and repair | Stops cooled air from leaking out before it reaches the room |
| Heating and cooling tune-up or repair | Fixes inefficient systems that drive up summer bills |
Not every home gets every measure on this list. The work has to meet the program's energy-savings requirements, and the house itself has to be structurally able to benefit from it.
Who Runs WAP in Collin and Denton County?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Administering Agency | Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), Energy Services Department |
| Service Area | 19 North Texas counties, including Collin and Denton, plus Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cooke, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, and Titus |
| Mailing Address | 1117 Gallagher Drive, Suite 450, Sherman, TX 75090 |
| Phone | (903) 893-2161 ext. 3530, or toll-free (800) 677-8264 ext. 3530 |
| Application Method | Mail only, to the Sherman address above |
If your county falls outside TCOG's territory, TDHCA's "Help for Texans" locator can point you to the right regional provider. All 254 Texas counties are covered by one agency or another, so nobody is left without a local point of contact.
WAP vs. CEAP: They Sound Alike, But They Solve Different Problems
This is the biggest source of confusion for first-time applicants, and TCOG staff field the question constantly. Both programs come from federal energy funding. Both get applied for through TCOG. Both use household income to decide eligibility. That's roughly where the overlap ends.
| Comparison | WAP (Weatherization) | CEAP (Utility Bill Help) |
|---|---|---|
| What You Get | Physical home improvements: insulation, sealing, duct work | A co-payment sent directly to your utility provider |
| Income Limit | Up to 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | Up to 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| Is It Emergency Help? | No. Inspection and construction come after a wait | No. Average processing runs around 8 weeks |
| How Long It Lasts | A permanent home improvement, guaranteed one year against defects | A one-time payment toward a single billing cycle |
π Good to Know: A CEAP denial doesn't mean a WAP denial. CEAP tops out at 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. WAP allows income up to 200%. A household that misses CEAP's cutoff can still land inside WAP's, so don't assume you're out of options.
Do You Qualify? 2026 Income Limits for Collin and Denton County
Eligibility runs on household size and gross income, measured against the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For WAP specifically, the number that matters is the 200% column below. These figures are effective January 26, 2026.
| Household Size | 100% FPG | 150% FPG (CEAP cutoff) | 200% FPG (WAP cutoff) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $23,940 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $32,460 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $40,980 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $49,500 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $58,020 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $66,540 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $75,060 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $83,580 | $111,440 |
For households larger than 8, add $5,680 per additional person at the 100% level, $8,560 at the 150% level, or $11,360 at the 200% level. Figures update annually, so treat 2026 numbers as a snapshot, not a permanent rule.
A High Electric Bill Doesn't Automatically Mean You Qualify
A painful summer bill feels like proof you need this program. It isn't, on its own. Eligibility comes down to household income and household size, full stop. The condition of the home matters too, since WAP exists to fix energy performance, not just hand out a check. Still, hang onto your recent utility bills. They help the inspector understand your home's energy use, and they're often useful during the assessment.
Renters Can Apply Too
Don't rule yourself out because you don't own the home. TCOG simply needs your landlord's name and contact information. The agency mails a landlord agreement directly to that address, and if your landlord signs, weatherization work can move forward after the inspection.
Multifamily buildings sometimes require the landlord to contribute financially, though that requirement can be waived for nonprofit owners or when the owner is also income-eligible.
⚠️ Important Note: Never pay a private contractor who claims they can "reserve" your WAP benefits or start work on your behalf. Weatherization only happens through the official local provider. If someone asks for money to get you in line, that's a scam, not TCOG.
What If You Own Your Home?
Homeowners can apply the same way, but income eligibility is only half the equation. The dwelling itself has to qualify. Under Texas WAP rules, eligible dwelling units include houses, stationary mobile homes, apartments, and certain single-room living arrangements — as long as the structure is capable of benefiting from weatherization work. TCOG's inspector checks for issues like broken windows, foundation problems, roof leaks, or active remodeling, not to disqualify you outright, but because major structural problems can affect whether the home is a good fit for the program right now.
Documents to Gather Before You Apply
TCOG's application specifically warns that missing documents delay processing, and every form has to be signed. Gather everything below before you mail anything. It saves weeks off your timeline.
- Proof of income for the past 30 days for every household member 18 or older: recent check stubs, an SSI/SSDI/SSA award memorandum plus Social Security cards, or unemployment documentation showing dates and amounts
- A completed, notarized Declaration of Income Statement for any adult with no income in the last 30 days, or anyone self-employed without a pay stub
- Front and back copies of your current electric bill, plus gas or propane bills if applicable
- Proof of citizenship for every household member: a birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of identification for every household member: a state driver's license or ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or Social Security card and/or permanent residency card
Bank statements, W-2s, and tax documents are not accepted as income proof. Don't substitute those in, even if it feels like the same kind of paperwork.
How to Apply, Step by Step
Step 1 — Confirm Your County Is Covered
Collin and Denton both fall inside TCOG's 19-county service area. Outside that list, TDHCA's Help for Texans locator will point you to the right regional provider.
Step 2 — Download the Current Application Packet
TCOG posts a dated packet every year. Use the current version so your document checklist matches what staff actually expect.
Step 3 — Fill Out Every Section
Household identification, income sources, housing information, and utility service details all need to be complete. An incomplete form goes to the bottom of the pile until it's fixed.
Step 4 — Mail the Complete Packet
Send it to TCOG's Sherman office. There's no email, fax, or online submission for this application.
Step 5 — Wait for Your Eligibility Memo
TCOG mails a decision letter once your file is reviewed. Your application stays valid for 12 months from the date you sign it.
Step 6 — Complete the Home Assessment
Once your turn comes up, an inspector visits and measures existing insulation, checks for air leaks, and looks at your HVAC system. This assessment decides the final scope of work, not a fixed package.
A Realistic Example
Picture a McKinney household that applied for CEAP in the spring and got denied for being slightly over the 150% income cutoff. They assume that's the end of the road for any TCOG energy help. It isn't. Their income still falls under 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, so WAP is still on the table.
They mail a separate WAP application, reusing the income documents they already had on hand. Months later, an inspector shows up and finds the real problem: a leaky duct system in the attic, not a lack of insulation.
The fix that gets scheduled matches what the home actually needs. The lesson here is simple. A CEAP denial and a WAP denial aren't the same thing, because the two programs don't share an income ceiling — and the fix you expect isn't always the fix you get.
Who Gets Priority on the Wait List
TCOG doesn't work applications in strict first-come order. Priority goes to households with a member age 60 or older, a household member with a disability, or a child under age five. If that applies to you, note it clearly on your application. It can move your file ahead of others without those factors.
What If TCOG Isn't Currently Funded or Accepting Applications?
Local funding cycles fluctuate. If TCOG tells you funding is tight right now, that's not the end of the search. Ask directly when the office expects new funding or when the wait list is likely to move.
Texas 2-1-1 can also point you toward other current local resources while you wait. A program that's full today can open back up a few months from now, so it's worth checking back rather than crossing WAP off your list entirely.
What WAP Won't Cover
| Not Covered | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Window and door replacement | Rare, and only when sealing and insulation alone won't fix the leak |
| Painting or general fix-up work | This is an energy-efficiency program, not a home renovation program |
| Roof replacement or foundation leveling | Structural repairs of this scale fall outside WAP entirely |
| Yard work or house cleaning | Crews focus strictly on the building envelope and mechanical systems |
| A second round of service | Homes weatherized since 1994 are ineligible for repeat weatherization |
Common Mistakes That Delay or Sink a WAP Application
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Expecting a fixed insulation package | WAP is whole-house efficiency work. The assessment decides what your home actually gets |
| Sending a bank statement as income proof | TCOG only accepts check stubs, award letters, or unemployment documentation |
| Assuming eligibility means immediate work | This runs on a wait list. Qualifying is step one, not the finish line |
| Paying a third-party site to "apply" for you | Apply directly through TCOG or TDHCA's Help for Texans locator — never through a paid middleman |
| Assuming a CEAP denial means a WAP denial | WAP's income ceiling is higher than CEAP's — check both separately |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Texas WAP really free?
A: Yes. Eligible households don't pay the retail cost of approved weatherization work. That said, eligibility doesn't guarantee every measure you're hoping for gets installed — the assessment decides what's appropriate for your home.
Q: How much income can I have to qualify for WAP in 2026?
A: Up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2026, that's $31,920 for one person and $66,000 for a household of four, with higher limits for larger households.
Q: Can I get free attic insulation through Texas WAP?
A: Possibly. Ceiling and attic insulation is one of the eligible measures, but the local provider evaluates your home first and installs it only if the assessment supports it.
Q: Can renters get weatherization assistance?
A: Yes. Renters may qualify, though the property owner has to cooperate and sign a landlord agreement before work can start.
Q: Does WAP replace my air conditioner?
A: Not automatically. Certain tune-up, repair, or replacement measures for inefficient heating and cooling systems can qualify, but the home assessment comes first and the work has to meet program requirements.
Q: Can I apply for WAP if I live in a mobile home?
A: Some stationary mobile homes qualify as eligible dwelling units. The local provider makes the final call after reviewing the property.
Q: Does applying for WAP affect my SNAP or other state benefits?
A: No. WAP is a separate federal energy program from SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. Households commonly receive more than one type of assistance at the same time.
Final Thoughts
A Texas summer turns a leaky, under-insulated home into a real money pit. WAP exists to close that gap, permanently, and at no cost to households that qualify. The trade-off is time. This runs on a wait list, not a same-week fix, so applying now beats waiting until the AC bill is already unbearable.
If your household falls under 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and you live in Collin or Denton County, TCOG is your starting point. And if a shutoff notice or a sky-high bill is the more urgent problem today, pair this application with a CEAP request. They run through the same agency, but they solve two different problems on two very different timelines.
Key Takeaways
- ✔ WAP for Collin and Denton County is administered by Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), the same agency behind CEAP.
- ✔ 2026 eligibility reaches up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines — $66,000 for a household of four.
- ✔ A home energy assessment decides which measures you get. Insulation is likely, not guaranteed.
- ✔ Applications are mail-only, sent to TCOG's Sherman office, and stay valid for 12 months.
- ✔ Renters can qualify with landlord cooperation. Never pay anyone claiming to "reserve" your spot.
- ✔ A high electric bill alone doesn't prove eligibility — income and household size decide that.
Related Guides
Official Sources
Editorial Note
Easy Smart Hub is an independent informational resource. We are not affiliated with the Texoma Council of Governments, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the U.S. Department of Energy, Collin County, Denton County, or any government agency. Income limits, service areas, and program details can change, so always confirm current information directly with TCOG or TDHCA before applying.
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