Energy grants Warm Front and other government grants
Some households qualify for a new boiler under schemes like Warm Front
Some privately-owned or rented properties can get more than subsidised or free insulation thanks to enhanced energy grant schemes run by the government.
Warm Front and UK grant schemes
Energy efficiency grant schemes have different names in different parts of the UK – the best known, Warm Front, operates in England, but equivalent Warm Front schemes include Warm Homes in Northern Ireland, NEST in Wales and the Energy Assistance Package in Scotland.
Energy grants offered under Warm Front and similar schemes offer help with a wide range of energy efficiency modifications, including loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, but also a new boiler and heating controls - or even a completely new central heating system. An assessor will visit your home to determine what is needed.
Grants of up to £3,500 are available and you won’t have to pay anything as long as the work doesn’t cost more than the grant.
How to apply for a Warm Front grant
Criteria for Warm Front or similar grants differ between schemes. In England, the scheme is now targeted at people on certain income-related benefits and living in properties that are poorly insulated and/or do not have a working central heating system. You must own your home or rent it from a private landlord.
For more information on these schemes, contact the scheme operator in your part of the UK:
- Warm Front (England): 0800 316 2805
- Energy Assistance Package (Scotland): 0800 512 012
- NEST (Wales): 0800 512 012
- Warm Homes (Northern Ireland): 0800 988 0559
Other benefits and schemes
Most people aged 60 or over can get help paying for gas or electric heating in winter
Fuel Direct
If you get Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and are struggling to keep up with fuel or water bills, you can ask your benefits office to pay the supplier directly out of your benefits. Fuel Direct payments pay for your current fuel use and an agreed amount of your unpaid bill each week.
Get in touch with your local benefit office to find out more.
Winter Fuel Payment
Most people aged 60 or over can get a Winter Fuel Payment to help them pay for gas or electric heating in winter. This annual tax-free lump sum is normally paid from November and most payments are made by Christmas. Households with someone over 60 get £200 and over-80s households get £300.
Extra benefits
Depending on your personal and financial situation, you could be eligible for benefits to help you keep up with your bills and household expenses. Check if you qualify for financial help through the benefits system using the DirectGov website.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Front Discount is a new incentive, in the form of an annual credit that suppliers will place on the account of an eligible consumer. It's a £120 payment to help those struggling to pay their energy bills.
Boiler Scrappage Scheme
The boiler scrappage scheme in England, Wales, and Scotland was a limited sum of money allocated to stimulate the boiler industry and raise awareness of energy efficiency by providing a money-off voucher to households wanting to upgrade their old G rated boilers for a new A rated boiler. As all the money has now been allocated, the scheme is no longer available.
If you're considering a new boiler, our boiler energy efficiency page shows you how much a modern boiler could save you.
- Find out about grants from energy suppliers
- Make money by generating your own energy
- 10 ways to save cash on energy
