Housing & energy government grants

Housing & energy grants
Find free cash for your home

A significant amount of financial assistance is currently available due to the cost of living crisis, along with continuous support for individuals receiving benefits. Funds are accessible to enhance your home’s energy efficiency or assist with energy bill payments, amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds. The crucial factor is knowing where to find it.

The main energy grants & freebies

Energy remains a primary focus for grant allocations, with significant Government funding aimed at assisting individuals facing difficulties in heating their homes, especially given the current record-high energy prices. Below is an overview of the available assistance programs, followed by detailed information on each scheme…

The information about grants in this guide is derived from last winter’s programs, which have since concluded. We will provide an update to this guide once we have details for the 2024/25 season. However, assistance is still available through various home help schemes.

What’s available and how to get it

1 – Cost of living and energy support payments have now ended for 2023/24

• Those on certain means-tested benefits get £900. To be eligible, you must be receiving a qualifying benefit. The payments were distributed in three parts: the first installment of £301 was issued from April 25 to May 17, 2023; the second installment of £300 was provided between October 31 and November 19, 2023; and the final installment of £299 was made between February 6 and February 22, 2024. For more details, refer to the complete cost of living payment information. The Government has launched an online portal for those who haven’t received the payment(s), but think they’re entitled to.
• An extra £150 for those on disability benefits. Those on qualifying disability benefits should have received the £150 between 20 June and 4 July 2023. An online portal launched on 5 July for those who think they should have got the payment but haven’t. See full details of who qualifies.
• Scottish child winter heating payment of £235.70. The Scottish Government provides a one-time yearly payment to assist disabled children, young people, and their families in managing the higher heating expenses during the winter months. If you’re under 19 and got one of the ‘qualifying benefits‘ between 18 and 24 September 2023, you’ll automatically get £235.70. It’s awarded per child, not per household, and payments will be made from November 2023.

2 – £150 towards energy bills in winter with the warm home discount

The Warm Home Discount scheme is available to millions of households in the UK. It requires suppliers with more than 50,000 customers to help vulnerable people pay for their energy over winter.

If you have a standard credit meter, the £150 rebate will be applied directly to your electricity or gas bill between October and March rather than being paid to you. For those using a prepay meter, a top-up voucher is typically sent out.

The warm home discount scheme has undergone changes, resulting in differences between England and Wales compared to Scotland. In England and Wales, there is no need to apply for the rebate anymore. It will be automatically given to individuals receiving pension credit and to those on certain eligible benefits. However, in Scotland, some residents will still need to apply to receive it.

You can check if you’re eligible to receive the discount using the Government’s new online tool.

3 – Up to £600 winter fuel payment

Every household with someone born on or before 24 September 1957 is entitled to help towards their winter energy costs.

Under the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment scheme, provided you lived in the UK for at least one day between 18 and 24 September 2023, then regardless of income, you can grab a one-off, tax-free winter fuel payment of between £150 and £300.

In 2023, the Government supplemented the winter fuel payment for eligible recipients, providing an additional £300 per household beyond the usual entitlement under the scheme. This extra payment was generally disbursed in November and December 2023.

A letter from the Government should have informed you of the exact amount you’ll receive, determined by the following criteria:

Winter fuel payments – how much could you get in 2023/24?

These amounts include the ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’, a £300 top-up payment available this winter.

How is the winter fuel payment paid?

If you’re on the state pension or in receipt of another social security benefit, such as pension credit or income-related employment and support allowance, then you should receive it automatically, paid in the same way as the other benefit you receive. See the full eligibility criteria.

If you’ve not had the winter fuel payment before and don’t get benefits or a state pension, or only get universal credit, housing benefit, council tax reduction or child benefit, then you’ll need to claim it. You can either apply by post or by calling the helpline on 0800 731 0160.

When is it paid?

You should have received a letter with your estimated payment date, though all payments should have been made in November and December.

4 – Cold weather payments of £25 for each sub-zero week

The cold weather payment is a distinct financial aid provided by the Government to senior citizens and individuals receiving specific benefits in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, aimed at assisting with energy expenses during extremely cold periods.

This payment is triggered when the average temperature is – or is predicted to be – 0°C or lower for seven consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March. Recipients receive £25 for each seven-day period, with payments automatically disbursed within 14 days following each cold spell. For additional details, refer to our comprehensive Cold Weather Payment guide.

In Scotland, you’ll get the £55 winter heating payment instead

In Scotland, 400,000 low-income households will get an annual payment of £55.05 to assist with winter heating expenses, regardless of weather conditions. This payment will replace the cold weather payment previously available in Scotland, though the eligibility criteria remain unchanged. The payments will be distributed in December 2023 and January 2024. For further information, refer to our Cold Weather Guide.

5 – Household support fund for those who are vulnerable this winter

Local councils across England are granted £1 billion in funding from April 2023 to September 2024 through the Household Support Fund. Initially scheduled to conclude in March 2024, the fund was extended in the Spring Budget. Each council determines its own criteria for eligibility, with the primary goal of assisting households in significant financial need.

You can contact your council to find out what it offers, whether you’re eligible for help, and how to apply.

For other local council funds available, see our.

The top home help schemes and grants

There’s even more help available, depending on your circumstances.

1 – Schemes and grants for improving energy efficiency in your home

Many energy providers and local authorities offer a variety of free services and grants to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. These can include grants for boilers as well as loft and cavity wall insulation. These offerings are part of their commitment to fulfilling energy efficiency obligations for certain groups. Typically, this support is available to individuals receiving specific benefits like universal credit, tax credits, pension credit, or income-based benefits.

Free insulation and boiler grants

In the UK, most energy suppliers are involved in the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. This initiative requires them to assist in enhancing energy efficiency in homes by offering grants for boiler replacements and providing insulation for areas like cavity walls and lofts. Significant funding is available through these grants, but eligibility is limited to individuals receiving specific benefits.

Additionally, under this scheme, if you reside in an electrically heated property and are on benefits, you may qualify for a free upgrade from old electric heaters and radiators to modern, energy-efficient electric storage heaters.

To determine your eligibility and apply, reach out to your energy supplier. For comprehensive details, refer to our guide on Free Insulation and Boiler Grants.

Boiler upgrade scheme in Great Britain

If you’re a homeowner in England or Wales looking to upgrade from your current gas, oil, or electric boiler to a heat pump or biomass boiler, you could receive £7,500 to help cover the expense.

Eligibility typically requires you to own the property. However, in some cases, you may need to install insulation before your new heating system can be installed. Your installer will let you know if this is necessary.

You don’t need to apply to get the scheme, your chosen installer will apply on your behalf – though make sure you choose an installer certified by the Microgeneration Certification Service (MCS).

In Scotland, there’s a similar scheme, enabling homeowners to apply for a grant of £7,500 (or up to £9,000 for those living in rural and island homes) to install a heat pump, as well as the option to borrow an interest-free loan for extra funding needed. Find out more from Home Energy Scotland.

Home upgrade grant in England

If you’re not connected to the primary gas network, are on a limited income, and have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating between D and G, you could qualify for a Home Upgrade Grant (HUG). This grant can cover various energy efficiency improvements, including wall, loft, and underfloor insulation, the installation of heat pumps, solar panels, double glazing, low-energy lighting, and electric storage heaters.

It’s only available to certain postcodes in England, and you need to apply through your local council. Contact your local authority to see if you’re eligible and find what’s available in your area.

Warmer Homes Scheme Scotland

In Scotland, you can apply for a grant of up to £7,500 (or £9,000 if you live in a rural or island area) to help fund energy-efficiency home improvements, including central heating, radiators, heating controls, draught-proofing and insulation. You have to have lived in your property for at least 12 months and be in receipt of certain benefits, or over 75 with no working heating system. More info and how to apply from Warmer Homes Scotland.

The Nest scheme in Wales

The ‘Nest’ program by the Welsh Government offers complimentary guidance and support to assist residents of Wales in enhancing their home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, it provides free upgrades aimed at lowering your energy costs, including installations like central heating, insulation, solar panels, or heat pumps. You’ll need to own or privately rent your home, which has an EPC rating of D or less, as well as be on low income, in receipt of a means-tested benefit AND have a chronic respiratory, circulatory or mental health condition. See full details and eligibility criteria.

Affordable Warmth Scheme Northern Ireland

If your yearly household earnings fall below £23,000, you might qualify for a grant to enhance your home with various upgrades. These can include insulation, heating systems, and controls, or even a complete switch from heating oil to gas. For more details, check out our Affordable Electricity Guide for Northern Ireland.

2 – Help adapting your home if you’re disabled

A disabled facilities grant is available from your council to help towards the cost of adapting your home if you, or someone living in your property, is disabled.

You can get up to £30,000 in England, up to £36,000 in Wales and up to £25,000 in Northern Ireland. Disabled facilities grants aren’t available in Scotland.

Contact your council’s housing or environmental health department and ask it to send you an application form before you start work. If work begins before the council’s approved your application, you won’t normally get anything. Find more info on the grant on the Gov.uk website, as well as your council’s details.

In Wales, an additional scheme provided by Care and Repair is the Rapid Response Adaptations Programme, which helps with small-scale alterations to your home (such as grab rail instalments). You need to be referred by a health or social services professional, such as an occupational therapist, so speak to your doctor to see if you qualify.

3 – Free fire safety check and alarm from your local fire service

Numerous local fire departments provide complimentary home fire risk evaluations to identify potential hazards and offer fire safety guidance.

This assessment assists in creating a plan for dealing with a fire should one occur in your home, and if you lack a smoke alarm, you’ll typically receive one at no cost.

While this program is available to everyone, it is particularly focused on seniors, families with young children, or households that may be at a higher risk of fire.

The Chief Fire Officers Association has put together a list of what each brigade offers, and you can find out more about the assessments on the Fire Service website. If your local brigade isn’t listed, you could ring it to see what it offers.

4 – Local handyperson service for small repairs

Age UK runs a local handyperson service in over 80% of the country. This involves security-checked individuals visiting elderly people’s homes (though anyone over 50 can apply) to do small repairs, grab rail instalments and security improvements to doors and windows.

Charges for handyperson services are set at local levels, so call your local Age UK. Costs are around £5 to £25 per hour dependent on the work being undertaken. For info, call Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

5 – Emergency financial support from your local council

Local councils are able to offer emergency financial assistance through the local welfare assistance program.

This support is designed to help individuals facing urgent and temporary crises, such as coping with a recent loss, dealing with a malfunctioning boiler, or needing to relocate from a rental property.

However, it’s a postcode lottery. Each council can choose whether to offer financial help or not, or who is eligible. For example, some may give furniture or food grants, while others may give cash. Ask your council for more info.

In Scotland, if you’re on a a low income or getting certain benefits, you may be able to apply for a Crisis Grant (part of the Scottish Welfare Fund) through your local council, to help with food or heating costs.

Help from your utility provider if you’re struggling to pay your bill

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your energy or water bills, it’s crucial to reach out to your provider right away. Every utility company provides some form of assistance for those beginning to face financial challenges.

Help with your energy bill

If you’re facing difficulties, suppliers offer a variety of solutions to help, such as comprehensive reviews of payment plans, manageable debt repayment schemes, temporary payment suspensions, or reductions, giving you additional time to settle your bills. Additionally, for those using prepayment meters, emergency credit is often available from your supplier.

Many suppliers also maintain hardship funds, which you might be eligible for even if you’re not a current customer. These funds are allocated on an individual basis, so it’s important to reach out to your supplier promptly if you encounter financial challenges.

For detailed information on available assistance, refer to our guide on managing energy bill difficulties.

Water suppliers also offer help if you’re in arrears

If you’re struggling to manage your water bill and have accumulated some debt, reach out to your water utility provider to explore available assistance options. Most companies offer various forms of support, such as repayment plans, discounts, or even limits on your payment amounts.

The specific assistance options can differ between companies. If you’re uncertain about which option suits you best, contact your provider. They will evaluate your situation and determine which program will be most beneficial for you. For additional details, check if you qualify for aid if you’re having difficulty paying your water bills.

The Turn2us website also has info on all the water company schemes.

On a meter? There are freebies to help you save

There are also a range of freebies you can get from your water supplier to help you save on your water bill.

The freebies you get vary by supplier – the water efficiency site Save Water Save Money collates all the best ones up for grabs.

Examples include flush bags, water widgets, shower timers and water audit leaflets. To see what you can get, plus more details on how the scheme works, go to the full Cut water bills guide.