--- title: "Warm Homes Plan Eligibility 2026 | Do You Qualify?" description: "Check Warm Homes Plan eligibility for free solar panels, battery storage, and heat pumps. Income threshold £36,000 or means-tested benefits. EPC D-G required." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LocalBusiness", "name": "Greentech Renewables", "image": "https://www.greentechrenewables.co.uk/logo.png", "description": "MCS Certified Solar Panel and Battery Storage Installers in Greater Manchester. Trusted by 2000+ UK homeowners for renewable energy solutions.", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Greater Manchester", "addressCountry": "GB" }, "telephone": "0333 577 7010", "email": "admin@greentechrenewables.co.uk", "url": "https://www.greentechrenewables.co.uk", "priceRange": "££", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "4.9", "reviewCount": "105" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.facebook.com/greentechrenewables", "https://www.instagram.com/greentechrenewables" ], "hasOfferCatalog": { "@type": "OfferCatalog", "name": "Renewable Energy Services", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "Offer", "itemOffered": { "@type": "Service", "name": "Solar Panel Installation" } }, { "@type": "Offer", "itemOffered": { "@type": "Service", "name": "Battery Storage Systems" } }, { "@type": "Offer", "itemOffered": { "@type": "Service", "name": "Air Source Heat Pumps" } } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What counts as household income?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "All earnings from everyone living in your home, including employment, self-employment, pensions, and investments. Benefits are counted separately as automatic qualifiers." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I qualify if my partner earns more than £36,000?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Household income is combined. If your partner's income pushes the total above £36,000, you would need to be receiving a qualifying benefit to access free upgrades." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need an EPC to get a heat pump grant?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. The EPC requirement was removed for Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications under 2026 rules. You can access the £7,500 grant without clearing insulation recommendations." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my EPC has expired?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "EPCs are valid for 10 years. If yours has expired, you will need a new assessment for Warm Homes: Local Grant eligibility (not required for BUS)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I get both free solar and a heat pump grant?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Potentially. If you qualify for free solar through Warm Homes: Local Grant and separately want a heat pump, you may be able to access both—though you cannot use multiple grants for the same measure." } } ] } ] --- [0333 577 7010 ](tel:03335777010)[admin@greentechrenewables.co.uk ](mailto:admin@greentechrenewables.co.uk) ★ 4.9 on Trustpilot [![Greentech Renewables - MCS Certified Solar Installers](/assets/greentech-logo-DICMm454.jpg)](/) [Home](/) Our Services Solar Energy [ Residential Solar Home solar panel systems ](/solar-panels)[ Commercial Solar Business & industrial solutions ](/commercial-solar)[ Price Estimator Get an instant quote ](/solar-estimator) Energy Storage [ Battery Storage Store excess solar energy ](/battery-storage) Heat Pumps [ Air Source Heat Pumps Efficient home heating ](/heat-pumps)[ Octopus Cosy Installer Accredited Cosy fitting in Manchester ](/octopus-cosy-heat-pump-installer-manchester)[ Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7,500–£9,000 government grant ](/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus) EV Charging [ Home EV Chargers Charge at home ](/ev-charging)[ Commercial Charging Workplace solutions ](/ev-charging#commercial) Ready to switch to renewable energy? Get a free, no-obligation quote today [Quick Solar Price](/solar-estimator) Grant Schemes Free Solar Grants [ Grants Overview All available UK grants ](/grants)[ Warm Homes Plan £15bn government initiative ](/grants/warm-homes-plan)[ Low Income Solar Grants Free panels for qualifying homes ](/grants/low-income-solar-grants) Heat Pump Funding [ Boiler Upgrade Scheme £7,500–£9,000 heat pump grant ](/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus)[ Check Eligibility See if you qualify ](/grants/warm-homes-plan-eligibility) Export Payments [ Smart Export Guarantee Get paid for surplus energy ](/grants/smart-export-guarantee)[ Best SEG Rates 2026 Compare export tariffs ](/grants/seg-best-rates) How to Apply [ Application Guide Step-by-step process ](/grants/warm-homes-local-grant-apply)[ Consumer Loan Scheme 0% finance from 2027 ](/grants/consumer-loan-scheme) Check if you qualify for free solar Income under £36k or on benefits? You may get free panels [Check Eligibility](/grants/warm-homes-plan-eligibility) [Case Studies](/case-studies) [0% Finance](/finance)[Quick Solar Price](/solar-estimator) Eligibility Checker # Warm Homes Plan Eligibility Who Qualifies for Free Solar and Heat Pump Grants Low-income households earning below £36,000 per year (or receiving means-tested benefits) qualify for up to £30,000 in free upgrades. All homeowners can access the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for heat pumps regardless of income. ## Quick Eligibility Check Answer these questions to determine which funding you can access. ### Do You Qualify for Free Upgrades? Warm Homes: Local Grant - Up to £30,000 #### Income requirement (one of these): Household income is £36,000 per year or less You receive a qualifying means-tested benefit #### Property requirement (all of these): Your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G You own your home OR rent privately (with landlord permission) Your property is in England Your property is not social housing (except limited infill schemes) If you tick all boxes, you likely qualify for free home upgrades worth up to £30,000. ### Do You Qualify for the £7,500 Heat Pump Grant? Boiler Upgrade Scheme - No Income Limit Your property is in England or Wales You currently heat with gas, oil, LPG, or electric heating You have not previously received a BUS grant or other public heat pump funding Your property is not a new-build (self-builds are eligible) You will use an MCS-certified installer If you tick all boxes, you can access the £7,500 heat pump grant regardless of income. ## Income Thresholds Explained ### Income Threshold: £36,000 Per Year Your total household income must be at or below £36,000 to qualify. This figure includes: - All earnings from employment (gross, before tax) - Self-employment income - Pension income - Investment income - Other household members' income combined Verification methods vary by local authority. You will typically need to provide payslips, tax returns, or benefit statements. ### Automatic Eligibility via Benefits If you receive any of these means-tested benefits, you automatically meet the income requirement: - Universal Credit - Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) - Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance - Income-related Employment and Support Allowance - Income Support - Housing Benefit - Child Tax Credit (income below threshold) - Working Tax Credit (income below threshold) You will need to provide proof of current benefit receipt, such as an award letter dated within the past 3 months. ## Property Requirements ### EPC Rating (Warm Homes: Local Grant Only) For free upgrades, your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of **D, E, F, or G**. Properties rated A, B, or C are considered sufficiently efficient and do not qualify. If you do not have a current EPC, you can: - Find your existing EPC on the [EPC Register](https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate) - Commission a new assessment from a qualified assessor (typically £60-£120) **Note:** The EPC requirement has been removed for Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications. You no longer need to clear insulation recommendations before accessing the £7,500 heat pump grant. ### Property Type #### Eligible properties: - Owner-occupied homes - Private rental properties (landlord permission required) - Self-build properties (BUS only) #### Ineligible properties: - New-build homes (never previously occupied) - Social housing (except infill schemes capped at 10%) - Properties with existing low-carbon heating (for BUS) ### Location Requirements - **Warm Homes: Local Grant:** England only - **Boiler Upgrade Scheme:** England and Wales - **Scotland:** Separate schemes through Home Energy Scotland - **Northern Ireland:** Separate regional programmes ## Qualifying Heating Systems (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) The BUS grant requires replacement of existing fossil fuel or electric heating with a heat pump. ### You can apply if your current system is: - Gas boiler - Oil boiler - LPG boiler - Electric storage heaters - Electric panel heaters - Coal or solid fuel heating ### You cannot apply if: - You already have a heat pump or other low-carbon heating - You want to install a hybrid system (heat pump + gas boiler) - The property is heated by district heating [Learn more about heat pump installation](/heat-pumps) ## What Disqualifies You? Certain circumstances prevent eligibility for specific grants. ### Warm Homes: Local Grant Disqualifications - Household income above £36,000 (unless receiving qualifying benefits) - Property rated EPC A, B, or C - Social housing (limited exceptions) - Property outside England - Previous receipt of funding for same measures ### Boiler Upgrade Scheme Disqualifications - Previous BUS grant on same property - Other public funding already received for heat pump - New-build property (self-builds are allowed) - Existing low-carbon heating system - Installation by non-MCS-certified contractor - Hybrid heat pump system ## Landlords and Tenants ### How Landlords Can Qualify #### Current Eligibility Landlords can access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to install heat pumps in rental properties, receiving the same £7,500 grant as owner-occupiers. The Warm Homes: Local Grant primarily targets owner-occupiers and private tenants. Landlords cannot claim free upgrades for their properties directly, though tenants may apply with landlord permission. #### 2030 Requirements By 2030, private rental properties must achieve EPC rating C (up from current E minimum). Landlords who make improvements from October 2025 onwards can count these towards the 2030 cost cap. ### Tenants: How to Access Free Upgrades Private renters can apply for Warm Homes: Local Grant funding if they meet income requirements. The process requires: - Written landlord permission for installation - Landlord agreement to provide access for survey and works - Your name (or partner's name) on the energy bill **Note:** The property owner does not need to meet income thresholds—eligibility is based on tenant circumstances. Social housing tenants cannot apply directly but may benefit from upgrades funded through housing associations or local authority programmes. ## Next Steps by Eligibility Type ### If You Qualify for Free Upgrades Your local council administers the Warm Homes: Local Grant. You will need to: 1. Gather proof of income or benefits 2. Locate your EPC certificate 3. Submit application through local authority 4. Await eligibility confirmation and survey [Step-by-step application guide](/grants/warm-homes-local-grant-apply) ### If You Qualify for BUS Only The BUS grant is installer-led—homeowners do not apply directly: 1. Contact an MCS-certified installer 2. Receive quote showing grant deduction 3. Approve the installation 4. Installer handles grant application [Get your free heat pump quote](/free-quote) ### If You Don't Currently Qualify Options for households above the income threshold: - **Heat pumps:** Access £7,500 BUS grant regardless of income - **Solar panels:** Wait for Consumer Loan Scheme (April 2027) or use 0% finance now - **Battery storage:** Use installer finance options [Explore 0% finance options](/grants/consumer-loan-scheme) ## Changes to Eligibility Rules in 2026 The Warm Homes Plan introduced several eligibility changes from previous schemes. Rule Previous 2026 Change EPC insulation requirement Must clear loft/cavity recommendations Removed for BUS Air-to-air heat pumps Not eligible £2,500 grant from late 2026 Heat batteries Not eligible £2,500 grant from 2026/27 Income threshold Varied by scheme £36,000 standardised ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What counts as household income? ### Can I qualify if my partner earns more than £36,000? ### Do I need an EPC to get a heat pump grant? ### What if my EPC has expired? ### Can I get both free solar and a heat pump grant? ## Related Pages [Warm Homes Plan Complete Guide](/warm-homes-plan)[£30,000 Free Home Upgrades](/grants/free-home-upgrades)[How to Apply for Warm Homes Local Grant](/grants/warm-homes-local-grant-apply)[Low-Income Solar Grants UK](/grants/low-income-solar-grants)[Boiler Upgrade Scheme Guide](/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus)[Government Grants Overview](/grants)[Solar Panel Installation](/solar-panels)[Air Source Heat Pumps](/heat-pumps)[Get Free Quote](/free-quote) ## Ready to Check Your Eligibility? Contact us for a free eligibility assessment. We can check your qualification and guide you through the application process. [How to Apply](/grants/warm-homes-local-grant-apply)[Get Free Assessment](/free-quote) ## Accreditations ![Our Accreditations: HIES Consumer Code, TSI Approved Code, TrustMark Government Endorsed Quality, Green Deal Approved, MCS Certified, NAPIT](/assets/solar-accreditations-CbjEg9cO.png) Public Liability Insurance – Tradesman Saver £5,000,000 – GREE55TR01 Employers Liability Insurance – Tradesman Saver £10,000,000 – GREE55TR01 Professional Indemnity – Tradesman Saver £250,000 – GREE55TR01 [![Greentech Renewables - MCS Certified Solar Installers](/assets/greentech-logo-DICMm454.jpg)](/) MCS Certified solar panel and battery storage installers serving Greater Manchester and the UK. Trusted by 2000+ homeowners. 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