Don't miss out on free insulation and heating schemes

Wherever you live in the UK, if you are struggling with your heating costs, help is at hand. Here's where to go.

Four out of ten of us are worried about the cost of our energy bills, yet the Government’s Warm Front scheme to help low-income households is under-spent, according to new research.

As a result, Age UK, Citizens Advice, Consumer Focus and the National Children’s Bureau are urging people to apply for the scheme if they’re eligible. Changes introduced today mean that many more people will now be eligible, so even if you were turned down before it is worth reapplying.

While Warm Front is only open to households in England, there are similar schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here’s some more information about all of them and how to apply.

Don't forget that even if you don't qualify for one of these schemes you may still be able to get free insulation under a different Government scheme. Find out more in How to get free cavity wall and loft insulation.

Warm Front in England

Warm Front is a scheme that’s open to households who receive certain income-related benefits and living in poorly-insulated homes or homes that don’t have a working central heating system.

The qualifying benefits are:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (there are other qualifying criteria as well)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit with an income of £15,860 or less
• Working Tax Credit with an income of £15,860 or less (there are other qualifying criteria as well)

The scheme provides non-repayable grants (providing the work doesn’t exceed the grant limit) of up to £3,500 (up to £6,000 if oil heating or other alternative heating methods are used) to carry out insulation and heating improvements.

These improvements can include loft and/or cavity wall insulation, draughtproofing, hot water tank insulation, and the installation of working central heating.

If you think you’re eligible, you can apply for an assessment of your home by phoning 0800 316 2805 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm), by email to enquiry@carillonplc.com, online or by post (you need to download and print the form).

You can find out more about the Warm Front scheme on the Directgov website or by visiting your local Age UK branch or Citizens Advice bureau.

The Energy Assistance Package in Scotland

The Energy Assistance Package can help anyone living in Scotland, although you will only receive financial assistance if you receive qualifying benefits.

There are four stages to the package. Stage one offers a free home energy efficiency check to anyone. Stage two can advise you if you qualify for any additional benefits or a discounted energy tariff.

Stage three offers free or subsidised insulation from an energy supplier and is available to homeowners or people renting privately who either receive benefits or are aged 70 or over.

Stage four provides insulation, and central heating if necessary, to certain households or people on qualifying benefits.

For free advice on any of these options, call the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012.

You can find out more about the Energy Assistance Package on the Energy Saving Trust Scotland website.

Nest in Wales

If you live in Wales, you can call the Nest hotline on 0808 808 2244 to find out if you’re eligible for help with insulation or other home improvements. Free assessments are available to you own your home or rent privately and you or someone who lives with you receives one or more of the following benefits:

• Child Tax Credit: money coming in is below £15,860 a year
• Council Tax Benefit (reductions and discounts do not qualify on their own)
• Housing Benefit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit: money coming in is below £15,860 a year

You can find out more on the Nest Wales website.

Warm Homes in Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, you may be eligible for help with insulation and installing a central heating system if you receive one or more of these benefits:

• Income Support
• Income Related Employment Support Allowance
• Income Based Job Seeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (with relevant income less than £15,860)
• Working Tax Credit
• Disability Living Allowance
• Attendance Allowance
• Housing Benefit

You can call the Warm Homes hotline on 0800 988 0559 to find out more or visit the Warm Homes website.

More on energy bills

Ten ways to save on energy

Fix your energy deal now before it's too late

How to complain about your energy supplier

Are fixed gas and electricity deals cheaper?