Grant rules for windows changed sharply in 2026. ECO4, the scheme that once paid for free double glazing, was due to end on 31 March 2026 (an extension was consulted on, so check GOV.UK), and the routes that remain are tightly means-tested. This checker takes four answers (your nation, whether anyone is on income-related benefits, your EPC band and whether you own the home) and points you to the scheme most likely to fit. It runs entirely in your browser, sends nothing anywhere, and gives you a likely verdict rather than a guarantee.
The 2026 grant landscape in brief
In England, the Warm Homes: Local Grant is the scheme to know. It runs until March 2028, targets lower-income households in EPC bands D to G, and can fund up to £30,000 of energy upgrades including glazing. In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland offers an interest-free loan of up to £8,000 towards windows. Wales runs Nest, which leans towards insulation and heating, so double glazing is not guaranteed. Northern Ireland's Affordable Warmth Scheme covers up to £7,500 for residents earning under £23,000 a year, but it is closing around March 2026. For the full picture, including how to apply, see our main double glazing grants guide.
Why most people end up paying privately
The honest position is that grants reach a minority of households. With ECO4 winding down and the remaining schemes carrying strict income and EPC tests, the majority of homeowners will fund their windows themselves. That is not bad news on its own, because a well-chosen uPVC casement is already good value, but it does mean you should plan around the private cost rather than hope for funding. If you are comparing quotes, our guide on avoiding overcharging is worth a read before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
Rarely, and only through means-tested schemes. ECO4, which once funded close to 100% of the cost for some households, was due to end on 31 March 2026, though the government consulted on a short extension, so check GOV.UK for its current status. The headline England scheme, the Warm Homes: Local Grant, covers up to £30,000 of energy upgrades for lower-income households in EPC bands D to G, but only around 15% of households qualify, so do not assume free windows.
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is the headline England scheme in 2026, open until March 2028. It targets lower-income households whose home is in EPC band D to G and can fund glazing as part of a wider package of up to £30,000. You apply through your local council.
Yes. Home Energy Scotland offers an interest-free loan of up to £8,000 towards windows, plus broader grants of up to £15,000 for wider measures. Warmer Homes Scotland adds secondary glazing and insulation for homeowners and private tenants on benefits.