How much are the vouchers worth?

The maximum value of the vouchers is £5,000 for most homeowners, however those on low incomes who receive certain benefits can receive vouchers covering 100 per cent of the cost of improvements, up to £10,000. These benefits include universal credit, housing benefit and income support. For the full list of qualifying benefits see Simply Energy website.

Who is eligible?

The following are eligible to apply for vouchers:

• All owner-occupiers in England, including shared-ownership, long-leaseholders and park homeowners.
• Landlords of private rented domestic properties.

Your property must be in England to be qualify for the scheme. New-build properties that have never been lived in are excluded.

What can the vouchers be used for?

Under the scheme, the government has divided energy-efficient home improvements into ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ measures.

Primary measures refer to:

• Home insulation (e.g. loft, under-floor and wall)
• Low carbon heating systems (e.g. air or ground source heat pump, solar thermal and biomass boilers)

Secondary measures refer to additional energy saving measures including:

• Improvements to windows and doors (e.g. draught proofing, double/triple glazing, secondary glazing, upgrading to external energy efficient doors)
• Upgraded heating controls (e.g. hot water tank thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves)

But there are several catches. Households will need to install at least one of the primary measures to qualify for funding. For example, you will only get money off double glazing if you are also beefing up insulation or installing a low carbon heat pump at the same time.

In addition, you cannot use the voucher to replace tired, old double glazing that is already in your home - only single glazing.  But it’s okay to use the vouchers to ‘top up’ existing measures, for example additional loft insulation to the recommended level.

If you opt to install low-carbon heating, you’ll need adequate insulation too. But this can be installed as part of the package, so you don’t have to have it in place but will need to use some of the grant to cover insulation.

The amount you get towards the cost of secondary measures cannot exceed the contribution toward primary measures. In the government’s example, a homeowner who gets £400 towards the cost of installing cavity wall insulation can only receive a maximum £400 more for secondary measures, such as replacing single glazed windows with double glazing.

Items not covered by the voucher system

There are certain home improvements that are not covered by the voucher scheme, including building a new home extension or converting a loft or garage into a habitable room. Nor will you get vouchers for asbestos removal, re-roofing, damp proofing or a new gas or oil boiler. The government wants homeowners to install a new low-carbon heating system, rather than replace an existing fossil fuel boiler.

How do I apply for the grants?

You will need to fill out an online application. Go to the Simple Energy Advice website to check what energy efficiency or low carbon heat improvements can be made to your home. You will also be able to apply by phone or post if you can’t access the internet.

The SEA service will confirm whether the home improvement you apply for is eligible for vouchers to cover some or all of the cost. You should only hire a trader or installer to carry out the work after you have had it confirmed that your application has been accepted.

Can I choose any trader to carry out the Green Homes Grant work?

No. Traders must be TrustMark approved or MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) registered to be able to do work in your home covered by the voucher scheme. You will need to choose from the Government’s list of accredited traders in your local area.

It is recommended you get at least three different quotes to get value for money. Keep a record of these quotes as you will need to submit them as part of your application.

Where can I get help outside England?

The Green Homes Grant is for England only but there are various other energy efficiency schemes running across the UK, such as Warmer Homes Scotland, the Nest scheme in Wales and Affordable Warmth Scheme in Northern Ireland.

Will the Green Homes Grant be extended?

The voucher scheme is due to end in March 2021 but the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called for it to continue for a further 12 months. IT is currently unclear if the deadline will be extended.

Can the grant be used with the Renewable Heat Initiative?

Yes. The Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI) is a government scheme which gives cash support for seven years to homeowners who install eco-friendly heating systems, such as ground and air source heat pumps. If you already have a heat pump, you can opt for a further measure, such as solar thermal, under the Green Homes Grant. Meanwhile those looking to install a heat pump will need to first apply for a Green Homes Grant and then a RHI – and not the other way around. The cost of the vouchers will be deducted from the value of the RHI payments.

Even if you are only eligible for a small Green Home Grant it may still be worth getting the work done – the Government says you will reap the benefit with lower energy bills. Plus, making your home more energy efficient will reduce your carbon footprint.