Important Information
On days when poor air quality (Stage 2) is forecast, AQMD Rule 421, Mandatory Episodic Curtailment Of Wood And Other Solid Fuel Burning (PDF), prohibits the use of all wood and pellet-burning appliances, including certified appliances and pellet stoves/inserts. Please see Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) for more information on Rule 421.
Low Income Household Assistance
Low Income Voucher Program Timeline
| Voucher Program Period | Status |
| October 27, 2011 | Started |
Program Status:
Currently Accepting Applications and Issuing Vouchers.
This program provides up to a $1500 incentive for the purchase and installation of a qualifying replacement to qualifying low income homeowners or landlords of low income rental properties.
This is a "first come, first served" program. The AQMD will implement this program until the funds are depleted.
Low Income Voucher Program Flyer (PDF)
Eligibility:
To qualify for this program, the household income must be at or below the following levels:
Low Income Eligibility Criteria
(Gross income levels effective through December 31, 2011)
Household Size |
Monthly |
Annual |
1 |
$2,045.33 |
$24,544.00 |
2 |
$2,674.66 |
$32,096.00 |
3 |
$3,304.00 |
$39,648.00 |
4 |
$3,933.33 |
$47,200.00 |
5 |
$4,562.66 |
$54,752.00 |
6 |
$5,192.00 |
$62,304.00 |
7 |
$5,310.00 |
$63,720.00 |
8 |
$5,428.00 |
$65,136.00 |
9 |
$5,546.00 |
$66,552.00 |
10 |
$5,664.00 |
$67,968.00 |
NOTE: Annual income amounts for family sizes greater than six persons were determined based on the following calculation: add 3% to 132% for each additional family member; multiply the new percentage by $47,200.00, and divide by 12. Example: 7 person household: 132% + 3% = 135%; 135% x $47,200.00 = $63,720.00. $63,720 / 12 = $5,310.00 per month.
Important: To be eligible for a voucher you must live or be a landlord for a residence in Sacramento County, submit a complete voucher application and a complete Income Verification Form (including income verification documents), and purchase the appliance from a participating retailer. Purchases must be made within 4 weeks of receiving the voucher.
Eligible Change Out Types
The following table lists the change out types that are eligible for the low income program. Up to $1500 is provided to do any of the following:.
What do you have now? |
Your replacement options |
Wood burning fireplace |
|
Wood stove or fireplace insert |
You may choose not to replace the stove and receive an incentive for the removal costs. Note: If the wood stove or insert you have now is not EPA certified, then you could replace it with an EPA certified woods stove or insert. |
Pellet stove or fireplace insert |
|
NOTE: Additional discounts may be available from the manufacturer or retailer. Check with participating retailers.
Steps to Apply for a Voucher
- Obtain an application from the Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD by one of the following methods:
- Download the Voucher Application for Low Income (PDF) and the Income Verification Form (PDF)
- Phone at (916) 440-WOOD (9663)
- Fax at (916) 874-7896
- Email woodstove@airquality.org
- In person at 777 12th Street, 3rd Floor in Sacramento
The AQMD must verify the residence address before a voucher is issued. Submit a copy of a SMUD or PG&E bill as acceptable proof of residency with your voucher application.
The District will verify your eligibility and issue a voucher if you qualify. The voucher will expire four weeks from the date of issuance if not used. Please visit one of the participating retailers at least one week prior to the expiration date of your voucher.
- Select a wood burning appliance from a participating retailer and make a commitment to purchase it. The retailer verifies that the existing unit qualifies for replacement/retrofit.
- Make purchase during the program timeline. Purchases made outside the timeline will not qualify for the incentive.
- After verification, retailer reduces the purchase price by the amount of the voucher and notifies the AQMD with information about the purchaser. This must occur within four weeks after voucher issuance.
- After retailer installation, retailer notifies the AQMD and submits appropriate documentation; the AQMD reimburses the retailer.
Contact Information
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District
777 12th St. 3rd Floor
Sacramento, California 95814-1908
Wood Stove line: (916) 440-WOOD (9663)
Fax line: (916) 874-7896
woodstove@airquality.org
