Which home energy grants can I get in Northern Ireland?

Every NI home energy scheme at a glance

How energy grants work in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland runs its own energy support schemes, separate from Great Britain — which is why so much of what you read online doesn't apply here. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Warm Home Discount are the two most common examples: both are advertised UK-wide, and neither is available to an NI address.

What NI does have is a small number of well-funded schemes aimed at lower-income households. The Affordable Warmth Scheme is the big one — up to £7,500 of free heating and insulation work for owner-occupiers earning under £23,000. NISEP tops that up with a yearly pot of insulation and heating funding, mostly reserved for households on a means-tested benefit or under £28,000–£35,000. And for pensioners, the Winter Fuel Payment is back for everyone under £35,000 from winter 2025/26.

The single most effective thing most people can do is a free benefits check through Make the Call. Qualifying for Pension Credit or Universal Credit doesn't just add income — it moves you into the priority group for NISEP and switches on Cold Weather Payments automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Boiler Replacement Scheme still running?

No. The Housing Executive has closed it to new applications and is only honouring approvals already given. Many websites still list it as open. If you need a boiler, Affordable Warmth is the route if your income qualifies.

Can I get the £7,500 heat pump grant in Northern Ireland?

No — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales only. Some NISEP scheme managers fund heat pumps for priority households off the gas grid, and an NI-specific heat pump grant has been promised but hasn't launched.

I'm a Housing Executive tenant — what can I get?

You can't use Affordable Warmth or NISEP, but the Housing Executive runs its own heating replacement and insulation programme for its properties. Ask your local office what's scheduled for your home.

Do I need to pay anything back?

No. Affordable Warmth and NISEP are grants for works, paid to approved contractors. Winter Fuel and Cold Weather Payments are cash you keep — the only exception is the Winter Fuel Payment being recovered through tax from people whose individual income is over £35,000.

How do I know this information is current?

Every scheme page links to its official source, and we automatically re-check those pages daily — each page shows when its source was last verified. If a scheme changes or closes, we'll see it before most sites do.

Grants by council area