Struggling with high energy bills or a cold home this winter? You’re far from alone. With energy prices still high, the UK government has stepped in with new support for households feeling the squeeze.
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is designed to make a real difference - offering free or heavily discounted upgrades that make your home warmer, more efficient, and cheaper to run.
Part of the government’s wider Warm Homes Plan, the scheme directly targets fuel poverty, helping families cut carbon emissions while reducing their long-term energy costs.
In this guide, we’ll break everything down clearly - no jargon, no confusion - just straightforward advice to help you understand if you’re eligible and how to apply.
What Is the Warm Homes Grant?
Launched in April 2025, the Warm Homes: Local Grant builds on earlier success stories like the Home Upgrade Grant - but with even more funding and focus where it’s needed most.
Backed by £500 million from the Autumn Budget 2024, the scheme is all about upgrading England’s least efficient homes - helping families stay warm, cut energy bills, and move toward a greener future.
So, why now?
With fuel poverty still affecting millions and the UK’s net-zero 2050 target fast approaching, the government is doubling down on making homes cheaper to heat and kinder to the planet.
At its heart, the Warm Homes Grant tackles three major challenges:
Fuel poverty - helping households spend 10%+ of their income on heating.
Energy efficiency - improving insulation and reducing wasted energy.
Low-carbon heating - paving the way for cleaner, modern heating systems.
Delivered through local councils, the funding is aimed squarely at those who need it most - particularly off-grid homes reliant on costly oil or electric heating.
Over the next three years, the scheme could transform up to 100,000 homes, saving families hundreds of pounds a year while making homes warmer, smarter, and more sustainable.
Who Qualifies for the Warm Homes Grant?
Eligibility for the Warm Homes: Local Grant is designed to be simple - but focused, so funding reaches the households that need it most.
You (or your household) will need to meet a few core criteria, plus at least one income-based or benefits-based pathway.
Here’s the breakdown:
🏠 Household Criteria
Income threshold - Typically, a combined household income of £36,000 or less per year (before tax).
If you earn more, you may still qualify if you receive means-tested benefits or live in a priority postcode area.
Benefits route: - You’ll usually qualify if you receive support such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or meet the ECO4 Flex criteria.
🏡 Property Eligibility
Ownership or tenancy - Open to owner-occupiers and private renters (with landlord consent).
Social housing is handled through separate funding streams.
Park homes are also eligible if they’re your main residence and meet efficiency standards.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - Your property must typically be rated D, E, F, or G.
No EPC? No problem - you can get one free through the scheme during your application.
(New builds and self-builds don’t qualify.)
Location - The grant applies to homes in England only - though similar schemes exist across the UK (see below).
🗺️ Regional Variations
The Warm Homes Grant is delivered locally through over 270 councils in England, with funding focused on areas facing the highest fuel poverty - based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation.
If you live outside England, there are similar options:
Scotland: Warmer Homes Scotland or Home Energy Scotland Grant - offering up to £7,500 for heat pumps and insulation.
Wales: Warm Homes Nest - free boilers, insulation, and renewables for those on benefits.
Northern Ireland: Affordable Warmth Scheme - boiler replacements and insulation for low-income households.
Use the GOV.UK postcode checker to see if your area is currently prioritised.
💬 A Note on Assets & Landlords
Some councils may check savings or property assets to ensure support goes to those most in need - but this won’t disqualify most applicants.
Landlords can also apply on behalf of tenants, passing the energy savings directly to them.
Energy Help Guides:
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The Warm Homes: Local Grant covers upgrades that make a real difference - warmer rooms, smaller bills, and a noticeably more comfortable home.
Each household can receive up to £30,000 in funding - with most installations fully covered for eligible applicants.
After a quick home survey, your local council will tailor the improvements to your property.
Common upgrades include:
🔥 Heating Upgrades: Modern, efficient systems such as new boilers, air or ground-source heat pumps, and low-carbon options for off-grid homes.
🏠 Insulation: Loft, cavity wall, solid wall, or floor insulation to stop draughts and keep heat where it belongs.
☀️ Renewables: Solar panels for electricity or hot water, cutting your reliance on the grid and shrinking your carbon footprint.
💡 Other Energy Boosts: Smart heating controls, double glazing, or draught-proofing for year-round comfort.
These aren’t quick fixes - they’re long-term investments in your home.
Expect fewer cold spots, a more stable temperature, and progress toward the government’s goal of all homes reaching EPC Band C by 2030.
Best of all, if you’re eligible, there are no upfront costs - everything’s handled through the grant.
How to Apply
Applying is simple - no endless paperwork, no chasing installers. Your local council will guide you through each step.
Here’s how it works:
✅ Check Your Eligibility
Visit the GOV.UK Warm Homes: Local Grant page and use the postcode tool or online form. You’ll enter basic details like your address, income, and any benefits you receive.
📄 Gather a Few Documents (If Needed)
You might be asked for proof of income (e.g. payslips or bank statements), benefit letters, or your tenancy agreement.
Don’t worry about your EPC - that’s checked later for free.
🖱️ Submit Your Application
Apply online or contact your local council directly.
You can also call the Warm Homes helpline on 0800 098 7950 (Mon–Fri 8 am–6 pm, Sat 9 am–12 pm) for free support.
🏡 Book a Free Home Survey
Within about 10 working days, a certified assessor will visit your property to recommend the best energy-saving upgrades.
🔧 Installation
Once approved, installation is carried out by accredited engineers at no cost to you. Your council will keep you updated throughout.
If you’re renting, make sure to get landlord approval early on - it speeds things up later.
Applications are open on a rolling basis, but funding is limited - so it’s best to apply soon before your local allocation runs out.
Conclusion
The Warm Homes: Local Grant isn't just funding - it's a lifeline for affordable warmth, greener living, and bill relief.
With eligibility focused on low-income, inefficient homes in England, now's the time to check if you qualify.
Don't let another winter pass in the cold; a quick application could unlock thousands in free upgrades.
Visit GOV.UK today to find out more and submit your application.
