Warm Homes Oldham

Warm Homes Oldham is associated with local support for residents who are struggling to heat their homes, manage energy bills or improve their property's energy efficiency.

The support available in Oldham has changed over time. Depending on the help you need, you may now be directed to the Oldham Energy Action Team, Green Doctors, Warm Homes Oldham or the Warm Homes: Local Grant.

Quick answer: Oldham residents can get free energy advice and may qualify for funded home improvements. Low-income households in privately owned homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G may be eligible for support through the Warm Homes: Local Grant.

What Is Warm Homes Oldham?

Warm Homes Oldham was established to help local residents affected by fuel poverty. Fuel poverty means a household cannot afford to keep its home adequately warm after paying for other essential living costs.

The programme has previously connected residents with different types of help, including:

• Advice about reducing household energy use

• Support with high gas and electricity bills

• Help dealing with energy debt

• Benefit and income checks

• Small energy-saving improvements

• Heating and insulation funding where available

• Referrals to local charities and support organisations

The Warm Homes Oldham name continues to appear in council support information. However, residents looking for help in 2026 may also be directed to newer services, including the Oldham Energy Action Team and the Warm Homes: Local Grant.

Important: Warm Homes Oldham and the Warm Homes: Local Grant can provide advice or help with property improvements. The Warm Home Discount is a separate £150 credit added to eligible energy accounts.

What Help Is Available in Oldham?

The correct service depends on your circumstances and the type of support you need.

Warm Homes: Local Grant in Oldham

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is an England-wide programme delivered through participating councils. It provides funded energy-saving improvements for eligible low-income households living in privately owned or privately rented homes.

If your household qualifies, an assessor will inspect the property and recommend suitable improvements. The measures offered will depend on the condition of your home, its current energy performance and the funding available.

Possible improvements include:

• Loft insulation

• Cavity wall insulation

• Solid wall insulation

• Underfloor insulation

• Air source heat pumps

• Solar panels

• Smart heating controls

• Ventilation improvements

• Energy-efficient windows or doors where approved

Our complete guide to the Warm Homes: Local Grant explains how the national programme works and what the funding may cover.

Who Can Qualify for the Grant?

Final eligibility is decided by the council or its approved delivery partner. The main national conditions provide a useful starting point.

You may qualify if:

• The property is in Oldham and is your main home

• You own the property or rent it from a private landlord

• The property has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G

• Your total household income is normally £36,000 a year or less

• Someone in the household receives an eligible means-tested benefit

• The property is in an eligible low-income postcode area

You do not necessarily need to receive benefits. Some households can qualify through their total income or postcode.

Private tenants can apply, but their landlord must normally agree to the work. The landlord may also be asked to contribute towards some improvements.

Check Other Home Energy Grants

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Check Available Home Energy Grants

How to Apply for Warm Homes Support in Oldham

1. Decide what kind of help you need

Start by identifying whether you need help with energy bills, debt, heating repairs or larger property improvements. Different services handle different problems.

2. Check your EPC rating

The Warm Homes: Local Grant normally supports properties with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. The application service can help if you do not know your current rating.

3. Prepare your household information

You may need to provide:

• Proof of your identity

• Proof of household income

• Recent benefit letters

• A recent energy bill

• Evidence that you own or rent the property

• Your landlord's contact details if you are a tenant

4. Submit your application or enquiry

Use an official council or government application route. The official Warm Homes: Local Grant service allows you to enter your postcode and begin the correct application process.

5. Complete the property survey

If you pass the initial checks, an assessor may visit your home. The survey will identify which improvements are suitable and whether they meet the scheme rules.

Application cost: Applying through the official government or council route is free. You should not be charged an application or assessment fee simply to check whether you qualify.

Oldham Energy Advice Contact Details

Oldham Council currently directs residents seeking energy advice and home retrofit consultations to the Oldham Energy Action Team.

Oldham Energy Action Team telephone: 0161 543 0000

Email: oldham@nea.org.uk

Oldham Council also lists the following Warm Homes Oldham contact details in its housing support information:

Warm Homes Oldham telephone: 0800 019 1084

Email: warmhomes@oldham.gov.uk

Explain what kind of help you need when making contact. The adviser can then direct you to the most appropriate current service.

Is the Work Completely Free?

Approved improvements under the Warm Homes: Local Grant are funded for eligible owner-occupiers. The grant is normally paid to the approved installer. It is not usually given directly to the household as cash.

Private tenants should not normally pay for approved measures themselves, although their landlord may be asked to make a contribution. Always request written confirmation of the funding arrangement before agreeing to any work.

Advice from the Oldham Energy Action Team is free. Other heating repair or replacement programmes may have different eligibility rules, limits and availability.

What Happens After You Apply?

1. Initial check: Your postcode, income, benefits and property details are reviewed.

2. Evidence request: You may be asked to provide documents confirming your circumstances.

3. Home assessment: An assessor checks the property's condition and energy performance.

4. Recommended improvements: Suitable measures are selected according to the survey.

5. Funding decision: The council or delivery partner confirms whether the work can be funded.

6. Installation: Approved contractors arrange and complete the agreed work.

7. Completion checks: The work is inspected and relevant certificates should be provided.

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Approval depends on your eligibility, the home survey, available funding and whether the proposed improvements meet the scheme rules.

Safety and Scam Advice

Protect your personal information

Use an official government, council or recognised delivery-partner application route. Be cautious if a cold caller promises guaranteed funding, requests an application fee or pressures you to sign an installation agreement immediately.

Before work begins, confirm who is paying for it, which improvements have been approved and whether you could become responsible for any additional costs.

Keep copies of the property survey, written funding approval, installation agreement, warranties and completion certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warm Homes Oldham still available?

The Warm Homes Oldham name remains in Oldham Council support information. Current energy help is also available through the Oldham Energy Action Team, Green Doctors and newer grant programmes.

Can I get a free boiler through Warm Homes Oldham?

Boiler help may be available through separate repair, replacement or energy-obligation schemes. A gas boiler replacement is not automatically included in the Warm Homes: Local Grant.

Do I need to receive benefits?

Not always. You may qualify through household income, an eligible postcode or certain benefits. Your property must also meet the scheme requirements.

Can private tenants apply?

Private tenants can potentially qualify, but the landlord's permission will normally be required. The landlord may also be asked to contribute towards some improvements.

Can social housing tenants apply?

The household application route is mainly intended for privately owned and privately rented homes. Social housing tenants should contact their housing provider about repairs and energy-efficiency improvements.

How long does the application take?

The initial response may arrive within approximately 10 working days. The complete process can take longer because documents, a property survey and funding approval may be required.

Check What Energy Support You Can Get

If you live in Oldham and cannot keep your home warm, contact the local energy advice team even if you are unsure whether you qualify for a grant. An adviser can review your circumstances and explain which current programmes may be suitable.

Prepare your income information, energy bills and EPC details before applying. Providing complete and accurate information can prevent unnecessary delays.

Explore Current Heating and Energy Grants

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