Oklahoma Window Replacement Program

Can’t pay for new windows? The Oklahoma window replacement program offers free assistance. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply today.

In Oklahoma, the average cost to replace a window ranges from $300 to $1,000 per window. For many residents, this expense is out of reach. Fortunately, several programs can help you afford this crucial home improvement.

Our article explores the various window replacement programs available in Oklahoma. These programs can provide financial assistance, discounts, or incentives to help you get the windows you need. 

Oklahoma Window Replacement Programs

Read on to have a clear understanding of the options available. 

#1. Oklahoma Weatherization Program

The Oklahoma WAP provides free services to reduce energy bills by making homes more energy-efficient. Window replacement is one of the many services available. Replacing old windows ultimately lowers your utility bills.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet specific criteria to qualify:

• Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• You must be a resident of Oklahoma.
• Priority is given to the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.
• Renters can also apply, but they need permission from their landlord.

How to Apply

The application process involves a few simple steps as you can see below:

#1. Gather Required Documents

You’ll need proof of income, identification, and utility bills. If you’re a renter, you’ll need a form signed by your landlord.

#2. Find Your Local Agency

The program is administered by local agencies. Find the agency that serves your area. This information can usually be found on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce website or by calling their office.

#3. Submit Your Application

Fill out the application form provided by your local agency. Include all the required documents. Some agencies offer online applications. Others may require a paper form.

#4. Home Energy Assessment

After submitting your application, an energy auditor will visit your home to conduct an assessment. They will identify the areas where improvements are needed.

#5. Approval and Scheduling

If you qualify, the agency will schedule the necessary work. A certified contractor will replace your windows. They may also perform other energy-saving upgrades at no additional cost to you.

#6. Enjoy Your Energy Savings

Once the work is completed, you’ll start noticing improvements in your home’s comfort.

#2. Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services offers a weatherization assistance program that can assist you replace your windows. The program helps make your home more energy-efficient. This can involve replacing old windows with new ones. 

Upgraded windows reduce your energy bills. They also improve your home’s comfort. But that’s not all. The program also provides other energy-saving improvements. They include:

• Insulation
• Weather stripping
• Repairs to heating and cooling systems

Eligibility Criteria

The requirements should help you determine whether you qualify or not.

• Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• You must be a resident of Oklahoma.
• Priority is given to the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children.
• You should be a homeowner or have permission from your landlord if you’re renting.

How to Apply

#1. Gather Your Information

Collect all necessary documents, such as:

• Proof of income
• Social security numbers for all household members
• Copies of recent utility bills.

#2. Contact Your Local Agency

Reach out to your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Each county in Oklahoma has a designated CAA that administers the program. You can find contact details online or through local government offices.

#3. Complete the Application

Request an application form from your local CAA. Fill out the form accurately and attach all required documents.

#4. Submit Your Application

Submit the completed application and documents to your local CAA. This can often be done by mail, fax, or in person.

#5. Wait for an Inspection

After submitting your application, a representative will contact you to schedule an in-home energy assessment. 

During this inspection, they will evaluate your home’s energy efficiency and identify necessary improvements.

#6. Receive Weatherization Services

If you qualify, the agency will arrange for contractors to perform the approved weatherization services. 

Tips to Help You Get This Benefit

#1. Prepare for the Inspection

Ensure your home is accessible for the energy assessor. Clear any obstructions around your windows and other areas that might need work.

#2. Follow Up

If you don’t hear back within a reasonable time, contact your local agency to check the status of your application.

#3. Seek Assistance

If you need help with the application process, ask your local CAA for guidance. They can provide support and answer any questions you might have.

#3. PSO’s Home Weatherization Assistance Program 

The Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s HWAP offers a great opportunity for residents in Oklahoma to improve their home’s energy efficiency. 

They provide free weatherization services to eligible residents. High residential energy users also qualify. These services can include:

• Window replacement
• Attic insulation 
• Sealing of air leaks.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a resident of Oklahoma.
• Your annual household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• You must own or rent the home that requires weatherization.
• If renting, you need your landlord’s permission to make changes.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to get started:

#1. Check Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet the income and residency requirements.

#2. Gather Necessary Documents

You will need proof of income, proof of residence, and if applicable, a landlord consent form.

#3. Contact Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO)

Reach out to PSO’s customer service or visit their website to get the application form.

#4. Fill Out the Application

Complete the form with accurate information about your household and home.

#5. Submit Your Application

Send the completed application and all required documents to PSO.

#6. Schedule an Assessment

If your application is approved, PSO will schedule a home energy assessment to identify the needed improvements.

#7. Receive Weatherization Services

After the assessment, PSO will arrange for the weatherization work to be done. This may include window replacement if necessary.

#4. Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Oklahoma

The program provides loans and grants for home improvements. You can use this money to replace old or damaged windows. Loans are available up to $40,000, and grants can reach up to $10,000. These funds basically help you make your home safer and more energy-efficient. 

Check your eligibility and start the application process to take advantage of this program.

Eligibility Criteria

Here is the checklist:

• Must be a homeowner in Oklahoma.
• Must be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.
• Must have a family income below 50% of the area median income.
• For grants, you must be 62 years of age or older and unable to repay a repair loan.

How to Apply

#1. Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet the program’s criteria. Review your income, age, and homeownership status.

#2. Prepare Documentation

Gather necessary documents. This may include:

• Proof of income
• Identification
• Homeownership records.

#3. Contact Local USDA Office

Reach out to your local USDA Rural Development office. They can provide you with the application forms and detailed instructions.

#4. Complete Application

Fill out the application form accurately. Include all required information and documents.

#5. Submit Application

Submit your completed application to the USDA office. You can do this through the following means:

• In person
• By mail
• Online

#6. Wait 

The USDA will review your application. This may take some time, so be patient.

#7. Receive Funds

If approved, you will receive the loan or grant funds. You can then use this money to replace your windows.

#5. Critical Home Repair

This program provides assistance to homeowners who need vital repairs to their homes. If your windows are old, broken, or inefficient, this program makes your home safer and more comfortable.

So, the Critical Home Repair program ensures that you can get the necessary window replacements without bearing the full cost.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the main requirements:

• You must own and live in the home that needs window replacement.
• Your household income should be below a specific threshold. This varies based on the number of people in your household.
• The windows must be in poor condition.
• You must reside in Oklahoma.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to get the benefit:

#1. Check Eligibility

Review the eligibility criteria to make sure you qualify.

#2. Gather Documents

Collect proof of homeownership, income verification, and photos of your current windows.

#3. Contact Local Agency

Find your local Habitat for Humanity. You can also go for a similar agency that offers the Critical Home Repair program.

#4. Submit Application

Complete the application form provided by the agency. Ensure all required documents are included.

#5. Assessment

The agency will review your application. They may visit your home to assess the condition of your windows.

#6. Approval

If approved, you will receive details about the assistance you’ll get. Work with the agency to schedule the window replacement at a convenient time.

#6. FEMA Emergency Assistance 

FEMA offers financial help and direct services to those affected by major disasters. If a disaster damages your windows, FEMA can provide funds for repairs or replacement. 

This support aims to help you get your home back to a safe and livable condition. The assistance can cover the cost of materials and labor to replace broken windows.

Eligibility Criteria

• Your home must be in a federally declared disaster area.
• The damage to your windows must be directly caused by the disaster.
• You must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien.
• You need to show that your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of the repairs.
• Your home must be your primary residence.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to ensure you get the help you need:

#1. Assess the Damage

• After a disaster, check your windows for damage.
• Take photos of the damage for your records.

#2. Contact Your Insurance Company

• Report the damage to your insurer.
• Get a statement or documentation showing what your insurance will cover and what it won’t.

#3. Register with FEMA

• Go to the FEMA website or call their toll-free number to start your application.
• Provide necessary details like your Social Security number, a description of the damage, and insurance information.

#4. Complete the Application

• Fill out the required forms online or via mail.
• Submit all necessary documents, including proof of residency and the insurance statement.

#5. Schedule an Inspection

• FEMA may send an inspector to your home to assess the damage.
• Be available to guide the inspector and answer any questions.

#6. Review the Assistance Offer

• After the inspection, FEMA will inform you of the assistance amount.
• Review the offer carefully to understand what it covers.

#7. Receive Funds

• If approved, FEMA will send you the funds via direct deposit or check.
• Use the funds for window replacement and keep receipts for all expenses.

#8. Follow Up

• If you need more help or have questions, contact FEMA’s helpline.
• You can appeal if you believe the assistance amount is insufficient.

What are the Benefits of the Window Replacement Programs in Oklahoma?

If you live in Oklahoma, you know how important it is to have good windows. They keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Let’s look at the benefits of these programs.

1. Better Home Value

Replacing old windows increases the value of your home. If you ever decide to sell, new windows can be a big selling point. 

Buyers like knowing they won’t have to replace the windows anytime soon. Plus, new windows look better. They can make your home look fresh and updated.

2. Improved Safety

Old windows are a safety hazard. They might not close properly. They might not lock securely. New windows are designed with better security features. They close tightly and lock securely. This makes your home safer from intruders.

3. Noise Reduction

Do you live in a noisy area? New windows can help reduce the noise from outside. They have better insulation and can block out a lot of the sound. This makes your home quieter and more peaceful.

4. Environmental Benefits

New windows are more energy-efficient. This means you use less energy to heat and cool your home. Using less energy is good for the environment. It reduces your carbon footprint. So, by getting new windows, you’re also doing something good for the planet.

5. Healthier Living Environment

Old windows can let in moisture. This can lead to mold and mildew, which are bad for your health. New windows keep the moisture out. This helps to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home. It is important if you or your family members have allergies or asthma.

6. Cost Savings

While new windows can be expensive, window replacement programs can make them affordable. Some programs offer free replacements. Others offer low-cost options. This means you get all the benefits of new windows without breaking the bank. The windows also help you reduce energy costs.

7. Easy Process

Many window replacement programs make the process easy for you. They handle everything from start to finish. 

Their representatives assess your current windows, measure for new ones, and handle the installation. This means you don’t have to worry about finding a contractor or doing the work yourself.

8. Financial Assistance

If you qualify, you might get financial help to replace your windows. Some programs are based on income.

Others are for seniors or people with disabilities. This financial help can make a big difference. It can turn a big expense into something manageable.

9. Community Benefits

These programs don’t just help individual homeowners. They can also improve entire neighborhoods. When many homes get new windows, the whole area can look better. 

This can lead to a stronger sense of community pride. It can even improve property values across the neighborhood.

Conclusion

Oklahoma residents have several programs available to help with window replacement. These programs can save you money, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and increase its value. Other than windows, you may also get free energy saving light bulbs.

Don’t hesitate to explore these programs when you need window replacements. They are there to support you. Share this information with friends and family who might also need help with their windows. Together, we can all benefit from these valuable resources.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1  What Are Window Replacement Programs?

Window replacement programs help you get new windows for your home. These programs are often funded by the government or local organizations. They aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills.

Q2. Who Qualifies for These Programs?

Many programs have specific requirements. You may need to meet income guidelines or be a senior citizen. Some programs are also available to people with disabilities or those living in older homes. You should check the specific eligibility criteria of each program.

Q3. What Documents Do I Need?

You will generally need proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns. You may also need proof of home ownership or a rental agreement. Some programs require identification documents like a driver’s license or state ID. 

Q4. How Long Does the Process Take?

The timeline can vary. After you apply, it may take a few weeks to a few months to hear back. The program staff will review your application and documents. 

If approved, they will schedule an inspection of your home. After that, it can take additional time to get the windows installed. Patience is key.

Q5. What Are Some Tips for Getting Approved?

Here are the tips that will help you:

• Start by ensuring all your documents are in order.
• Double-check that you meet all the eligibility requirements. 
• Be honest and complete when filling out the application. Sometimes, including a letter explaining why you need new windows can help. 
• If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. 
• Local organizations often offer guidance and support throughout the process.