Warm Healthy Homes Fund
The planned replacement for the Affordable Warmth Scheme, due to launch in 2027. Proposals consulted on in 2026 include a higher income limit, grants of up to £35,000, and air-source heat pumps, solar panels and batteries alongside insulation.
- Worth
- Proposed: up to £35,000 of work per home — £45,000 for hard-to-treat homes
- Run by
- Department for Communities, through a managing agent still to be appointed
- Status
- Coming soon
Who qualifies
- Owner-occupiers, with some help for private tenants — not Housing Executive, housing association or other social housing tenants
- Proposed: you get Pension Credit, or the personal allowance of Universal Credit for three consecutive assessment periods — or your total household income is no more than £29,741.40 a year after tax and National Insurance
- The income limit is proposed to rise each year with the National Living Wage. Disability and health-related benefits and the Winter Fuel Payment would not count as income
- Savings over £6,000 would count as income: £1 a week for every £250 above £6,000 if the applicant is under 60, or every £500 above £6,000 if 60 or over
What it covers
A whole-house, fabric-first approach. Loft and cavity wall insulation, draught-proofing and ventilation come first and are mandatory unless already up to standard. Then, where suitable: solid wall insulation for hard-to-treat homes, replacement of single-glazed windows, and — where a home assessment finds the heating missing, inefficient or beyond repair — an air-source heat pump as the main heating option, plus solar panels and battery storage. No customer contribution would be allowed.
How it works
Every home would get an assessment to decide what it needs. Because demand is expected to outstrip the budget, the Department has proposed prioritising the least efficient homes — those rated EPC E or below.
For private rented homes, the Department proposed that landlords could get fully funded loft and cavity insulation, draught-proofing and ventilation when the tenant meets the eligibility criteria. Under Affordable Warmth, landlords have to pay half the cost, which has put many off.
The Fund aims to invest £150 million over its first five years. Up to £500 of each grant could go on minor repairs needed before work can start — a barrier that kept some households out of Affordable Warmth.
Applications are expected online, by phone or email, and in writing, with extra support for people who need it.
The consultation ran from 27 May to 19 August 2026. Final rules will be confirmed when the Department publishes its response, so the details here may change.
What to do now
- If you qualify for Affordable Warmth today, apply now — it is still open and you don't need to wait for the new Fund.
- Check whether your household would fit the proposed criteria above, including how your savings would be counted.
- If your home has an Energy Performance Certificate, find its rating — homes rated E or below are proposed to be prioritised.
- Ask the NI Energy Advice Service (0800 111 4455) for the latest position as the launch approaches.
Examples
Retired couple, both over 60: £24,000 net income and £10,000 savings
The £4,000 of savings above £6,000 adds £8 a week (about £416 a year), giving roughly £24,416 — under £29,741.40, so they would be eligible under the proposals.
Working family, £31,000 net income, no Universal Credit
Above the proposed limit, so not eligible on income alone.
Private tenant on Pension Credit
Eligible. Under the proposals their landlord could have insulation and draught-proofing fully funded; the consultation also asked whether windows, solar panels and batteries should be added for rented homes.
Watch out for
- Waiting for the new Fund when you already qualify for Affordable Warmth.
- Treating the proposed figures as final — grant limits, income thresholds and priorities may change after the consultation.
Questions people ask
When will it open?
The Department's Warm Healthy Homes Strategy commits to launching the Fund in 2027. An exact date hasn't been confirmed.
Will it replace Affordable Warmth?
Yes — it's designed as the successor. Affordable Warmth remains open until then.
Can I pay towards extra work?
No. The proposals say no customer contribution will be allowed.
Can Housing Executive tenants apply?
No. The Fund isn't for Housing Executive, housing association or other social housing tenants — their landlords are responsible for upgrades.
Source
Official page: https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/dfc/consultation-on-warm-healthy-homes-fund
Last checked automatically on 23 October 2026 — official page reachable ✓.
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