Skip to content 
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) helps UK homeowners improve their property’s EPC by heating and insulation upgrade. Primarily, it aims to make homes warmer, energy-efficient, and sustainable. This grant also helps reduce energy bills. Many homeowners who live in England may qualify, but not everyone knows about it.
In this blog, we’ll explore which property is eligible for HUG and how a homeowner can apply. Also, you will get some helpful tips to match your property’s eligibility. Each part below will guide you through everything you need to know.
What is the Home Upgrade Grant?
The Home Upgrade Grant is the government’s initiative on upgrading homes. Its targets include the energy-saving upgrades made in the form of insulations, as well as new heating systems. This is because such upgrades ensure that homes become warmer and energy is lower.
The outcome will be the reduction of carbon emissions, hence supporting the environment. The government created this grant to assist homes without gas heating. Properties using oil, electricity, or solid fuel may qualify.
Who Can Apply for the Grant?
The grant mainly targets low-income households. People receiving certain benefits often qualify automatically. However, you don’t need benefits to apply. Families with limited income may also be eligible. Check your household income to see if you qualify. Low-income homes have priority because energy bills can be a heavy burden. The grant also aims to help homes that lack proper insulation or heating systems.
Types of Properties Eligible for the Grant
Not all properties qualify for the Home Upgrade Grant. The grant mainly supports older homes. These homes often lack modern energy-saving measures. Homes without access to gas heating are preferred.
If your home relies on oil, electricity, or solid fuels, you may qualify. This grant is also available for rented properties if tenants meet the income requirements. However, landlords must agree to the upgrades before work begins.
Types of Upgrades Covered by the Grant
The Home Upgrade Grant covers various home improvements. Insulation for walls, floors, and roofs is a common update. In the winter, a house with better insulation stays warmer. The grant also covers new heating systems. If your heating system is old, it can be replaced.
Upgrades to windows and doors may also be covered. By lowering drafts and heat loss, these upgrades increase the comfort of dwellings. In some situations, solar panels and other renewable energy sources are also included.
Checking Your Home’s Heating Type
The type of heating system affects your eligibility. Homes without access to gas heating have priority. Common heating types include electric heaters, oil boilers, and solid fuel. Check your heating system to see if it matches the grant’s requirements. If your home uses a gas boiler, it may not qualify. Homes using more expensive energy sources have a higher chance of approval. The goal is to help homes that spend more on heating.
Income Requirements
In order to qualify for the award, one’s earnings are a determining element. Many low-income families usually require support due to high energy expenses. The allowance is designed to assist those who incur high costs for heating services.
Families receiving certain benefits have automatic eligibility. Check if you receive income support, child benefits, or universal credit. Each benefit can help with eligibility. Families not on benefits can still qualify if their income is below a certain limit. The grant aims to help families most affected by high energy costs.
How to Apply for the Home Upgrade Grant
Applying for the grant is simple and doesn’t take much time. Start by checking your income and benefits. If you qualify, contact your local council or energy provider. They can provide you with application forms and instructions. Once you submit the form, it will be reviewed. Proof of income and property assessment might be required. Upon approval, you can begin planning updates for your house.
What Happens After You Apply?
Following application submission, a home inspection will take place. To determine if any upgrades are required, the inspector will come to your house. They will inspect your heating system, windows, doors, and insulation. You will either obtain a permission or a refusal after the inspection. In case you are approved, the contractor will start on the upgrades. Their aim is to finish work as soon as possible. Each improvement will help reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
Benefits of the Home Upgrade Grant
The Home Upgrade Grant brings many benefits to families:
- It reduces heating costs for living in that property. Lower energy bills help families save more each month.
- The grant also improves home comfort by making homes warmer in winter.
- Upgrades also help the environment. When you utilise less energy, you diminish your carbon footprint.
- The best part is, HUG grant enhancements raise property value, therefore making it a viable investment.
- The grant also helps make the home safer by upgrading old systems.
Why Some Homes Do Not Qualify
Not all homes meet the requirements for this grant. Homes with gas heating usually do not qualify. Homes with high-income households are also excluded. The grant is meant for low-income families with high energy needs. Homes with modern insulation or heating may not be eligible. The goal is to help homes that need the most improvement. If your home does not qualify, other grants may be available.
How to Prepare for an Application
Preparation can make your application process smooth. First, gather documents that show income and benefits. You may need to show recent pay slips, tax statements, or proof of benefits. Check your heating system and note its type and condition. Look at your home’s insulation, windows, and doors. This information can help during the inspection. Preparing everything ahead of time makes the application faster and easier.
Additional Tips to Qualify for the Grant
Here are some tips to improve your chance of approval. First, be honest about your needs. Explain why your home needs upgrades. Second, keep your income documents up-to-date. Income changes can affect eligibility, so use the latest documents. Third, be ready to accept inspections and recommendations. This shows that you’re serious about improving your home. Finally, ask for help from local authorities if you have questions.
Other Grants to Consider
If you don’t qualify for the Home Upgrade Grant, don’t worry. Other grants may help you improve your home. The ECO4 scheme is a good alternative. It helps with insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers discounts on modern boilers. The Great British Insulation Scheme focuses on wall and loft insulation. Each grant has different requirements, so explore them to find the best option.
Conclusion
The Home Upgrade Grant is a great opportunity for many UK families. It offers to make the home comfortable, reduce bills on energy and cut carbon emissions. Click here to see if this grant scheme could be for you. The application is simple, and many upgrades are covered. Even if your home doesn’t qualify, other grants can help. Remember, making your home energy-efficient has lasting benefits. Consider applying and enjoy a warmer, greener home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Home Upgrade Grant is provided to the households in the United Kingdom to make structural changes such as improving insulation, heating systems, windows et cetera in order to reduce energy costs.
Often, filtration for this grant targets those at or below the low income threshold, claimants of certain benefits and people who live in non gas boiler heated households.
Yes, tenants can apply as long as they qualify on the income level but they have to seek the landlord’s consent concerning the improvements.
The respective grant considers costs such as those incurred when installing insulation, installing new heating systems and energy-efficient windows and doors which work to minimise heat loss and energy expenditure.
