- this applies only where gas and oil are not available
- This applies where with a boiler at least 15 years old and the householder:
- is over 65
- has a child in receipt of child benefit or Kinship payments
- receives disability living allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payment (PIP) / Attendance Allowance/Industrial Injuries Benefit
Priority 3 - Windows
- replace single glazed windows
Priority 4 – Solid Wall Measures
- provide solid wall insulation (detached properties only)
Insulating solid wall properties is expensive. So we will expect you to complete the other measures first.
We may offer you energy efficiency measures from more than one of the priority groups listed; this scheme should not be considered ‘windows only’.
A whole house approach is taken and you must complete each measure in the order of priority.
You may decide not to carry out one or more of the energy efficiency measures we awarded grant-aid for. You must tell us this in writing.
You cannot move grant monies to another measure(s). You will lose this part of the grant-aid awarded.
How much grant-aid can I get?
You may receive up to £7,500 through the Affordable Warmth Scheme. The grant will depend on the energy efficiency measures our Technical Officer recommends.
Your home may be of solid wall construction and it may need insulation. In these cases we may pay grant-aid up to £10,000.
You should not have to contribute to the work agreed through the Scheme.
Your contractor may give you an estimate that is higher than the grant-aid amount we give you. You should then get estimates for the work from other local builders or contractors. We recommend at least three. This will help you complete the work at the best price possible.
Your contractor may tell you that you need extra work. You must explain the reasons for this and send us details of the work.
You must provide this information before you start any work.
The Grants Office will consider the request and in some cases may agree to pay for the extra items of work. But, if they do not and you still wish to go ahead you must pay the difference.
You should also contact the Housing Executive if you’re finding it difficult to get the work done.
Who can do the work?
It is your responsibility to appoint a contractor(s) you believe is competent to carry out the work at your home.
You and your contractor(s) must ensure that all work carried out in your home follows:
- all building regulations and
- any other statutory requirements
You may have concerns about the standard of work to your property. Or damage may occur to your home while the work is being carried out. You should raise your concerns with your contractor(s).
We are not responsible for contractors. You employ the contractors.
You may be installing or replacing a central heating system in your home. You must make sure that you are using a competent installer.
Where you are having a gas boiler installed you must use a registered Gas Safe Engineer.
NI Direct have more information about the Gas Safe Register. You can read more about this at:
If you are awarded grant-aid for solid wall insulation the installer you employ must be in a position to provide a minimum 25-year guarantee for the work.
Private Sector Tenants
You may rent your property from a private landlord and qualify for help through the Scheme. But your landlord must:
- agree to the energy efficiency measures being carried out
- be registered with the Department for Communities' Landlord Registration Scheme* and
- pay 50% of the total cost of the energy efficiency measures to improve their property.
*NI Direct has more information about the Landlord Registration Scheme. You can read more about this at:
