Energy grants UK: how to check eligibility
When it comes to keeping energy bills as low as possible, we know it’s important to make sure that we’re on the cheapest possible deal. However, it’s also important that we’re being as energy-efficient as possible. This is achieved both through the way we use energy but also the way our homes are insulated and heated.
Minimising energy wastage is vital, but some of the key measures homes need to take, like getting an energy-efficient boiler or investing in wall and loft insulation, can be expensive. However, there are new boiler grants and free insulation schemes that are available to those who might struggle to meet purchase and installation costs.
You can use our tool to see which grants you might be eligible for*. Some are based on household income while others are based on your home’s current energy efficiency.
What UK energy grants and energy efficiency schemes are available?
A wide range of UK energy grants are available to help homes heat themselves as efficiently as possible.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (grants to help replace gas boilers with biomass boilers or heat pumps)
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO) (help for low-income households to improve insulation or heating – closes December 2026)
- Warm Home: Local Grant (local authority funding for home energy improvements)
- Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan (grants and loans for Scottish homeowners)
- Warmer Homes Scotland (government-funded support for eligible Scottish households)
- Nest Scheme Wales (free advice and home energy upgrades for eligible households in Wales)
- Green Home Wales (interest-free loans of up to £25,000 for Welsh households)
- Affordable Warmth Scheme NI (grants for low-income households in Northern Ireland).
*The tool should be used for guide purposes only - for more information, contact your local authority or search for specific schemes on the gov.uk, https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/, https://www.gov.wales and website.
Can you save by comparing energy deals?
Once you’ve explored your energy efficiency options and discovered which schemes you qualify for, don’t forget to compare energy deals to ensure you're getting the best prices for your household. With potential savings from both energy-efficient upgrades and switching to a better tariff, you can reduce your energy bills even further.
Run an energy comparison
Click here to compare energy prices and get started on your energy switch.
What energy help schemes are there?
There are also various energy help schemes designed to help vulnerable households throughout the winter.
These include:
- The Warm Home Discount – a one-off £150 discount on your energy bill from supported energy suppliers for qualifying residents in England, Wales and Scotland.
- Winter Fuel Payment – a one-off payment of between £100 and £300 to help with energy bills over the winter months for qualifying residents in England and Wales. Similar schemes operate in Scotland (Pension Age Winter Heating Payment) and Northern Ireland (Winter Fuel Payment managed by the Northern Ireland Executive)
- Cold Weather Payment - £25 payments for each seven-day period of exceptionally cold weather. The scheme runs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scottish residents may be eligible for a single payment – currently £62 - courtesy of the Winter Heating Payment scheme.
Is there any other help for vulnerable households?
Yes - suppliers have specific hardship funds to help vulnerable customers, but the details differ by supplier. You may also be eligible for support from your local authority, although government funding for such schemes ceased in April 2026.
FAQs
Who is eligible for a loft insulation grant?
Loft insulation grants are currently available for certain homes with poor energy ratings (typically an EPC rating of D or lower) through the following schemes:
- Warm Home: Local Grant (England only)
- Warmer Homes Scotland
- Nest Scheme Wales
- Affordable Warmth Scheme (Northern Ireland only)
All schemes have additional criteria – typically that you must be on a low income and/or receiving certain benefits. Any Scottish homeowner may also be able to claim a grant to offset up to 75 per cent of the cost if they apply through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme. Use the tool above for more guidance.
How much would a loft insulation grant save me?
A loft insulation grant could save the total cost of purchasing and installing the insulation, but the amount will vary from case to case. Depending on the grant and your circumstances, you may receive the full cost or a fraction of the cost.
Who qualifies for a boiler grant?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available to many people in England or Wales who own their home and want to replace their existing boiler with a low-carbon alternative, namely a biomass boiler or a heat pump. Other criteria may also apply – see the official website for full details. Similar funding is available for installing heat pumps in Scotland.
Do I need to own my home to qualify for these grants?
No, many schemes offer support for renters as long as the landlord agrees to the improvements.
What happens after I find out I’m eligible?
Once you check your eligibility, the tool will provide you with clear instructions, contact details, and the next steps for applying to the relevant schemes.
What if I don’t qualify for any schemes?
If you don’t qualify for any schemes, the tool will let you know. However, you can still save by comparing energy prices and switching to a better deal.
Can I apply for more than one scheme?
Yes, if you qualify for multiple schemes, the tool will show you all the options, allowing you to make the most of the available support.
Are these schemes available in all regions of the UK?
Some schemes may only be available in certain regions, such as Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. The tool will guide you through the specific schemes available in your area.