HomeOwners Alliance logo

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest property news, tips & money saving offers

  • Can I move in this lockdown? Read latest advice

Green Homes Grant extension to 2022 – how it works and how to apply

Here's how the Green Homes Grant works, including latest details of which energy efficiency measures are covered, advice on which projects to undertake and how to find a tradesperson

Post updated: November 30th, 2020

6 minute read

Green Homes Grant

In July the Chancellor announced that homeowners will be able to claim vouchers of up to £5,000 for energy-saving home improvements, with the poorest getting up to £10,000.

As part of a £2 billion Green Homes Grant announced for England, eligible homeowners will be able to use the vouchers to pay for environmentally friendly improvements.

The scheme was due to end on 31st March 2021, but after calls from consumers struggling to book installers, the government has extended the scheme to 31st March 2022.

But if you are hoping to be able to access your £5,000 voucher and spend it on the home improvements of your choice, you may be disappointed. Here’s how the scheme works.

How will the vouchers work?

Restrictions mean that energy efficiency measures permitted under the scheme are being divided into two categories: “primary” and “secondary”.

In order to qualify for funding to cover secondary measures, home owners must first carry out one of the primary measures.

And, the amount of money offered by the government for secondary measures is capped at the amount the home owner claimed for primary improvements. So if you receive £1,000 towards primary upgrades, your grant for any secondary measures will be capped at £1,000.

How much can I get?

The government will provide a voucher that covers two-thirds of the cost of qualifying works to your home. The maximum value of the voucher is £5,000.

If you are on a low income and receive certain benefits, you can receive a voucher covering all of the cost of the improvements up to £10,000. A full list of qualifying benefits are available on the Simple Energy Advice website.

The installer will request and receive payment from the government for the costs covered by the voucher.

When can I get works done under the scheme?

You must redeem the voucher and ensure improvements are completed by 31 March 2022.

Vouchers under the scheme are valid for three months after they are issued. But you can ask for an extension if you can’t use your voucher in time for any reason outside your control.

What energy efficiency measures are covered by the Green Homes Grant?

The list of primary measures are set out as:

Insulation

  • Solid wall insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Under-floor insulation
  • Loft insulation
  • Flat roof insulation
  • Room in a roof insulation
  • Park home insulation

Low carbon heat (where the home is suitably insulated)

  • Air source heat pump
  • Ground source heat pump
  • Solar thermal
  • Biomass pellet boilers

So long as you get at least one of these primary measures in your package of works, households will also be able to install secondary measures.

The list of secondary measures include:

Windows and Doors

  • Draught proofing
  • Double/triple glazing (where replacing single glazing)
  • Secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing)
  • Energy efficient replacement doors

Heating controls and insulation

  • Hot-water tank thermostats
  • Hot water tank insulation
  • Heating controls (Smart heating controls, zone controls, intelligent delayed start thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves)

Green homes grant

What home improvements should I do?

The first place to start is understanding whether your home is in need of any of the primary measures.

Air source heat pumps and biomass pellet boilers are no doubt improvements most households will not have heard of, let alone understand, so these projects will need to be thoroughly researched first.

Cavity and solid wall insulation can make a significant difference to the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.  We expect these will be popular projects to undertake, alongside loft and other insulations, to stop heat leaking from your home.

Once you have identified at least 1 primary measure, your voucher can be used to help contribute to the cost of a secondary measure. Replacing single glazing or getting secondary glazing will make the most difference if you don’t already have double glazing. Please note you can’t upgrade existing double glazing under the scheme. And you can’t use the voucher to update existing insulation in your home.

And remember, the amount you get towards the cost of secondary measures cannot exceed the amount you get for primary measures.

Use the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) website to get more details and check what energy efficiency or low carbon heat improvements can be made to your home.

How do I find a tradesperson and start work?

Use the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) website to check your eligibility and find accredited tradespeople or businesses in your area that are able to undertake the work and obtain quotes from them.

You will need to have the works done by a tradesperson registered with TrustMark or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), who are accredited to take part in the Green Homes Grant voucher scheme.

You should get at least 3 quotes to make sure you are getting the best value for money. Installers should not charge for a quote.

Speak to the 3 different installers to see what home improvements they would recommend.

Once you have decided what quote to go with and the works are agreed with your chosen installer, you (not the installer) apply for the vouchers on the government website.

With most good tradespeople booked-up well in advance, we’d suggest getting on with getting quotes as soon as possible.

Watch out for scammers

You can’t necessarily use your local builder to install your chosen works under the Green Homes Grant scheme. You need to use firms registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or Trustmark.

Within days of the government scheme being announced, homeowners started to receive scam emails and phone calls. Do not respond to unsolicited emails and calls about the scheme.

How do I apply for the Green Homes Grant

You need to take the lead in applying for the Green Homes Grant yourself, although your installer will claim the voucher. To recap, you need to:

  1. Identify the projects you would like to undertake and make sure they qualify for the grant. See the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) website to help you with this.
  2. Find a registered installer/installers. You can use the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) website or go to Trustmark or the MCS direct.
  3. Get 3 detailed quotes before works start. The registered installer will need to claim the voucher for a third of the costs from government. Their quote should include this sum for transparency and you should talk about how the scheme works with them in detail so there aren’t any unexpected costs at the end.
  4. Apply for the voucher online via the government website and wait for approval before starting works. To apply you’ll need:
  • the name and date of birth of the property owner or owners
  • the name and date of birth of anyone living in the property who is receiving benefits
  • a quote for the work from a TrustMark-registered tradesperson
  • the TrustMark licence number of your chosen tradesperson

You will then be emailed the voucher with details of how to redeem the voucher once the works are complete. You must redeem your vouchers within 3 months from the date they were issued, or by 31 March 2022, whichever comes earlier.

This will involve returning to the government website confirming that you are happy with the work and that you have paid your part of the costs. The grant will then be paid by government directly to the installer.

Lower bills, lower emissions

The government said if a homeowner of a semi-detached or end-terrace installed cavity wall and floor insulation, costing around £4,000, the homeowner would pay just £1,320 – with the government paying £2,680. Doing so could save the owner over £200 annually on their bills and reduce their carbon footprint by cutting 700 kg of CO2 a year from their home alone.

The scheme aims to upgrade over 600,000 homes across England.

Better insulation could save some people £600 a year on energy bills.

The scheme is currently available until March 2022.

 

Love our content? Now you can leave a review!

*Just to stop bots. You'll have the option to leave an anonymous review.

Leave a comment (93)* Required

  2. Would it be possible to apply for grant for a porch? Our front door is a wooden door and is so draughty in our house. We have a porch frame porch with very old single glazing to one side. The base is ready just need the glazing and door to be built and roof re-done.

  3. I’m working on the scheme for a Trustmark installer. In the guide it’s says “Get 3 detailed quotes’ although the advice is preferable to get 3 detailed quotes it is not a mandatory requirement

  4. I have a transparent plastic sloping conservatory roof, which needs to be insulated and replaced

  5. Hi my aunt is 90 year old and owns her flat which is leasehold . She pays a maintainance fee every month and us one of 16 flats in a block . All the windows need replaced. And are in the process of being quoted for by the property management company. My aunt is responsible for the cost of the glass. Only not the frames. Although the company that will be doing the work will be fitting everything. Does she qualify for the grant towards the cost of the glass. The existing windows are wood and rotten and have been in the building for 30 years or so.

  6. Hi,
    I need External Solid wall insulation can you please call me back on 07446544547 and advice me with the next stage I am eligible for the full Grant of £10K . Many thanks

  7. Are Listed buildings exempt? The age range of the properties in the application suggests they will not be approved although surely they are the most inefficient of most homes out there?

  11. Hi
    I have a conservatory roof which leaks and is extremely cold in the winter and difficult to heat. I am am looking at trying to replace it as I also use it as a bedroom and it really is unbearable. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

  13. There are some really stupid comments on here. Why can’t people be bothered to do their own research on the government’s site?

  14. Hi,

    We have just purchased an old cottage to which is in urgent need of roof insulation. We were hoping to take advantage of the Green Grant Scheme but unfortunately we have been notified that there is evidence of bats in the loft space.

    Due to the next phase of bat assessment/survey, which is not able to take place until June, the loft space is currently rendered inaccessible to do any work and take advantage of the grant. Is there any way we can get around this as we will miss the March deadline through circumstances out of our control?

  15. Typical government scheme not ready for use, cannot find three registered installer’s for solar power within 60 miles of where I live, again a government scheme all talk no action

  16. I’m a homeowner with a house with poor insulation and no working boiler. I’d like to apply for the green home grant.

  17. I would like to apply for the green home grant. My front and back door needs replacing as I am loosing alot of heat, as it gets very draughty in doors. There is no online application form. Very confusing.

  20. Hi could you please tell me if rising damp would be covered under the primary list of improvements please?

    Many thanks

  21. Badly need new double or triple glazed windows.
    my brother and i are on benefits, i’m a carer for him plus the roof needs re-slating is there any grants going.

  23. It seems that, from current information on the simpleenergyadvice website, in order to access the funding the work MUST be carried out by one of their approved installers.
    There appear to be very, very few of these. Entering my postcode in mid Yorkshire produces just 22 companies that are authorised to fit double glazing let alone the ones actually covered by the grants. Yes, that’s 22 in the whole of England. Seriously?
    It seems that the website is in error as it only returns results for me that are based around Leeds. There are no other companies shown for the rest of the UK but I guarantee they exist. This will make it practically impossible to obtain quotes that would be eligible for the grants. It needs sorting urgently.

  24. The house that I rent to private tenants needs a new central heating do I qualified for this type of grant

  25. I need double glazing or single glazing in my flat it has only 4 windows which are in a bad way and very cold in the winter I have to put cardboard in the sides as they rattle when it is windy do you think I can maybe get some help to repair them Thanks

  28. Where can a find a list of approved double glazing and insulation in my area PO189BN ? Thank you

  30. Did it need 3 quotes? There is only one company in my area doing floor insulation and they want£90 to do a survey. I am worried I will pay£90 and not get the grant so not be able to claim my£90 back.

  31. My single glazed wooden windows were put in in 1986.

    My loft space is I.e roof height is extremely low and I question if I would be entitled to loft insulation?

  32. I would like to get some of the secondary measures installed (replacement double glazing), we got some of the secondary measures installed last year (insulation).

    I wonder if this previous work will allow us to qualify for the grant for the secondary measures or does the work have to all begin after September 2020?

  34. Will I be able to get a grant for my double glazed windows which are all steamed up and a door try are about 20 years old

  35. The rendering on the outside of my home is causing damp both indoors and out. Can I get funding to help with this?

  36. My roof leaks and does not have any felting – just tiles onto the rafters. Does the grant cover this?

  37. Our double glazing is completely worn out. It is aluminium and probably around 40 years old. Virtually every room has a problem with the window. One window is nearly falling off. We have it shut permanently. The list is long for other problems like not staying open or steamed up inside glazing.

  38. I a partial garage conversion already however it still has thd garage door on. This needs coming off and a window putting in. Could this comd under this scheme?

  39. My bungalow has cavity wall insulation but it is now over 30 years ago and would like to upgrade the insulation how do I get these grants also looking at triple glazing .
    Many thanks

  41. I wish to upgrade my windows and doors as they are really old.hope i can through the green scheme.i am a home owner

  42. I am about to change from ducted air heating (30 year old) to radiator central heating with a Combi boiler.
    Am I able to claim a grant for this work?

  44. I live in a rented property and windows were replaced but front door porch doors and back door were not would my landlady be eligible under new grant commencing september to replace all?

  45. I am 88yrs live alone, My conservatory is also my dining room the roof reaks a little and is very cold in winter could I get a grant for replacement?

  47. Im 80 and live alobe.
    Double glazing now over 30 years old and draughty, skylights no longer close properly..
    Roof needs attention

    Am I eligible please? Would like to receive details of Green Home please. Thanks

    Comment

    • Hi Millie,
      Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Please sign up to our newsletter to receive further details as they are released from the government. You will also have a chance to win £50 in John Lewis vouchers.
      Paula

  48. How do we become accredited installers ? Is this yet another scheme that allows only big firms to gain business leaving all small local firms left with no work and end up just getting boiler servicing in the future as the larger firms do not come back.

  50. I like alot of people want an upgrade for Windows and doors I do hope it comes with no strings attached I have had a local firm come to get an estimate just in case

  51. Double glazing now very old and draughty, also repairs needed to roof. Would like to receive details of Green Home Scheme when available.

  52. We are selfemployed market traders will we be able to get help to replace our front and back door has they are both in need of repair thanks

  54. Will this grant be available in Scotland?
    We replaced some double glazing two years ago as we could not afford all windows.
    We are both over 70 and wondered if any age related grants are available.
    Many thanks.

  55. My conservatory is our dining room and the roof leaks and needs replacing. I have been unable to obtain a loan for the £7500 cost of replacing it and am worried about it surviving another winter. Will I be able to apply for a grant to replace it. I am on a low income furlough of £100 per week.

  57. my double gaze window and door are 15 yer old. Looks not working. Drought are coming everywhere. Wish to replace it.

  59. Would this grant cover roof replacement. Member of family on disability benefits

  60. Can I get Vouchers for two exterior double glazed doors I am having installed next week. Boiler is 12 years old and needs replacing.

  61. Hi i have lived in my house for 35 years, my roofing is leaking can i get a grant to get it fixed, i am scared that the roof will collapse, i am not working at the momoment because of the pendamic, any help i could get please

  67. My house needs double glazing including doors. It will help on energy cost. I have had cavity wall and loft insolation plus a smart metre installed. Also it will improve on safety as my widows are dangerous

  68. We have lived in our current home for over 11 years and we required to make improvement to our property to accomdated our needs

  69. I am very interested in cavity wall insulation and possible double glazed windows improvements

  71. We all hope the details will be announced well in advance to allow people time to prepare. Last time around the property had to have an EPC less than a year old confirmimg what energy saving measures the property needs and the “grant” was actually a cashback so homeowners had to be able to fund the whole cost themselves then get the cash back. So this time around we need a simpler and better consumer focused process.

  72. How as a double glazing company do you become a green home grant accredited installer?

  74. Interested in replacing 40 years old double glazing which is now far fromdraught proof.

  76. Can an individual claim the voucher if the work has been ordered and/or already carried out? As a back payment.

  84. As always without the detail no policy is actually defined. I remember a precious incarnation of green grants that saw us get a surveyor travel several hundred miles ( ie not green) to survey and months later be told we had 10mm too Loft insulation much to qualify. Windows had to have their appalling retrofit draft exclusion which we refused as it would probably have caused us listed building issues. Let us hope that there is flexibility in this scheme and it is all not simply absorbed by over restrictive guidance or too small a group of companies that are accredited. What was wrong with simply taking VAT off green improvement products. Will boilers be included. What was wrong with actual kickstarting green infrastructure like electric car charger installations etc. I await the detail and sincerely hope our civil service has learnt from past implementation and guidance mistakes.

  86. Very interested in grant, and finding out what it covers +if I’m eligible to receive it.

  88. I am very interested in information around the new 2020 grant voucher from September for home energy improvements.

  90. I am very interested in information around the new 2020 grant from September for home energy

Related Articles

How to finance home improvements

How to finance home improvements
Loft conversion: where do I start?

Loft conversion: where do I start?
How to add value to your home

How to add value to your home

Latest News

View all news articles

 
close pop-up ×

Sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter

For the latest news, advice and exclusive money saving offers.

close popup ×

Before   you go...

If you found this website useful, could you spare a minute to leave us a review?

*Just to stop bots. You'll have the option to leave an anonymous review.

Reviews.io
×