How we determine eligibility

Evidence of property eligibility (e.g. EPC score D, E F or G), proof of ownership (for homeowners or landlords), proof of residence and personal identification are required for all applications. Additional evidence may be required based on your eligibility route.

Examples of evidence include bank statements (for all accounts), benefit statement, payslips, and proof of address, such as bill statements or council tax letters. For example, if you are getting a State Pension you will need to provide a proof of benefit letter or if you are getting Universal Credit a copy of your Universal Credit statement. If you are employed, you will need to provide three months of payslips.

You may be eligible if your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.

You must also meet one of the following criteria:

Your annual household income is under £36,000, before tax.
You live in a pre-qualified postcode.
You or someone in your household receive a Means Tested Benefit (excluding lodgers or those in full time education).
You have a severe or long-term health condition, which is adversely affected by living in a cold home and is a cardiovascular condition, a respiratory disease, limited mobility or immunosuppression.

More information on each eligibility route and how to apply can be found below.

How we determine household income for applicants with a gross (before tax) annual household income of £36k or less.

You may need to provide evidence of income for all members of your household. This is to prove you meet our eligibility criteria.

To determine household eligibility we include the following as income:

Gross income from employment/self employment
State and Occupational Pensions (including guaranteed pension credit and savings credit)
Benefit income (including Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance, Tax Credits)
Carers Allowance
Investment income including from bonds, share dividends and interest payments, where taken as income not re-invested
Property income (including rental income)
Child Benefit
Child Maintenance
Any other regular incoming financial transfers (except from repayment of debts)

We do NOT include the following in our income calculations:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
Attendance Allowance (AA)
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Applicants in a pre-eligible postcode

This route is only available to applicants who live in a pre-eligible postcode. You will need to check your home qualifies by visiting our pre-qualified postcode checker.

You will need to provide evidence that you live at the property you are applying for. Two types of evidence showing proof of address will be required.

Applicants in receipt of specified means-tested benefits

You will need to provide evidence of a means-tested benefit.

Accepted means-tested benefits are:

Universal Credit
Pension Credit (savings and guarantee)
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Means-tested benefits which are not accepted:

Council tax reduction
Any benefits not on the accepted means-tested benefit list.

Applicants with a severe or long-term health condition which is affected by living in a cold home

Your severe or long-term health condition must be affected by living in a cold home and your condition must be either cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related.

We will require evidence from a local GP or NHS Trust. On application we will provide further information on the evidence required. Please wait to hear from us before contacting your GP or NHS Trust.