Warm Homes: Local Grant Eligibility Checker - New Income Verification Approach
Introduction
Last year at the Warm Homes: Local Grant roundtable, DESNZ introduced an updated version of the current WH:LG eligibility checker which will include a new Income Verification approach for all Local Authorities.
Published: January 2025
Contents
The new digital service
The new digital service – which is still in development - will streamline the application process for consumers, enabling Local Authorities to speed up income checks locally. The new tool will run as a back-end system, securely confirming income eligibility using data from across government (DWP and HMRC) and credit agencies. It will provide Local Authorities with an indication of whether:
- the consumer is above or below the household income threshold (£36k) for the scheme;
- in receipt of means-tested-benefits;
- living with someone that is in receipt of benefits; and
- in an eligible index of multiple deprivation (IMD) area
The tool delivers a seamless verification journey for the consumer. A referral is sent directly to their Local Authority via the Warm Homes Grant Recipient Portal (which houses the automated batch system and area for you to submit your monthly reports for the WH:LG).
Existing non‑digital Local Authority routes for verification will continue to operate alongside the new Government home upgrade advice and information service where needed. For example, in the case of an 'undetermined referral', due to insufficient or unclear data, the application may need to be reviewed manually by a local authority.
Be involved in developing this tool:
We will be reaching out to Local Authorities who volunteered to be involved in testing the new Income Verification Tool in the Warm Homes: Local Grant roundtable. If you would like to volunteer, there is still an opportunity to join! Please reach out to eligibilitycheckersupport-cai@energysecurity.go.uk by 13th February 2026 and DESNZ will be in touch.
Further information about the new Government home upgrade advice and information service:
The new advice and information service will be multi-channelled including a digital single front door. Consumer will be able to find tailored advice and get a personalise action plan for their home, locate trusted local installers and apply for government grants. This will streamline the consumer journey and build public trust in energy efficiency offerings, helping consumers identify cost-effective upgrades and access available support schemes. It is expected the service will launch this summer and DESNZ will provide updates as the project develops.
After launch, the Warm Homes Grant Recipient Portal will be the single access point for all referrals, replacing the existing standalone referral portal. This means less administrative burden for LAs and more time to accelerate installations, helping even more households, more efficiently.