Affordable Warmth Scheme: insulation grants in Northern Ireland
The Affordable Warmth Scheme is the Northern Ireland grant for insulating and heating lower-income homes. The Housing Executive runs it, and owners who qualify pay nothing.
- £23,000
- the income cap for a household
- £7,500
- the grant; £10,000 if the wall is solid
- March 2028
- money lasts until
Who is eligible?
- Either you own and live in the home, or a private landlord rents it to you.
- Each year, the total gross income of your household comes in under £23,000.
- Your landlord has to be on the Landlord Registration Scheme, and covers half of what it costs.
You apply through the Housing Executive.
What the Affordable Warmth Scheme pays for
Each home gets up to £7,500, or £10,000 if solid wall insulation is required. Priority goes to the insulation:
- New loft insulation, or a top-up, taking it to 275mm
- Draught-proofing and cavity wall insulation
- Ventilation
- Boiler replacement for some groups, along with heating.
- Insulation for solid walls
From 2027: the Warm Healthy Homes Fund
Affordable Warmth will be replaced by the Warm Healthy Homes Fund, which should become the main scheme from April 2027. Owners and private tenants on lower incomes will get a whole-house, fabric-first approach. The consultation runs until 19 August 2026, and the rules are still not final.
In the meantime, keep applying to Affordable Warmth, which has improved more than 30,000 homes and is funded to March 2028. See the plans from the Department for Communities.
Boiler Replacement Scheme in Northern Ireland: closed
The Housing Executive's Boiler Replacement Scheme closed to new applications on 21 September 2023. It gave homeowners with a household income under £40,000 up to £1,000 towards replacing a gas, oil or LPG boiler at least 15 years old. Only approvals already given were honoured.
No standalone boiler grant has replaced it. Affordable Warmth can still put in a new boiler for some groups alongside insulation, and the free NI Energy Advice Line on 0800 111 44 55 can check what fits. The closure was announced by the Department for Communities.
More insulation grants in Northern Ireland
You can't get the Warm Homes: Local Grant, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or the Warm Home Discount in Northern Ireland. Past the income line, no general grant exists, so what a loft job costs and saves is where to begin. A Disabled Facilities Grant from the Housing Executive can adapt heating for a disabled person. The grant tracker covers every UK scheme.
Common questions about the Affordable Warmth Scheme
Is the Affordable Warmth Scheme free?
For owner-occupiers who qualify, yes. Private landlords pay 50% of the cost for a tenant's home.
Do I apply through my council?
No. Since September 2023 you apply straight to the Housing Executive. The council referral role ended on 31 August 2023.
Can I use the Warmer Homes Scheme in Ireland from Northern Ireland?
No. The Warmer Homes Scheme, now called fully funded energy upgrades, is run by SEAI for homes in the Republic of Ireland. The free scheme for lower-income homes in Northern Ireland is Affordable Warmth.
Can I get an SEAI insulation grant in Northern Ireland?
No. SEAI grants are for homes in the Republic of Ireland only. In Northern Ireland, insulation grants come through the Housing Executive.
Does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cover Northern Ireland?
No. It covers England and Wales only.
Is there a Warm Home Discount in Northern Ireland?
No. The Warm Home Discount is paid on bills in England, Scotland and Wales only, so homes here get no rebate from it.
Get an installer survey quote
Over the income line? Accredited installers in Northern Ireland can survey the home and quote.