Nest Wales
The name for the Welsh Government's Warm Homes scheme is Nest Wales. Free advice is offered, along with free improvements to home energy, if you have a low income or get means-tested benefits.
- The EPC score required, or less
- 54 (E)
- when an eligible health condition affects someone
- 68 (D)
- Number of households helped since 2011
- 60,000+
What Nest Wales pays for
Once you qualify, an adviser can put forward a package of improvements for your home at no cost. The Welsh Government says the package could cover insulation, solar panels, a heat pump, or fixing or replacing your boiler.
Over 60,000 households have received free home energy improvements from Nest since 2011. Their advisers also give free advice on benefits you could claim and on which energy tariff suits your home best.
Who qualifies for the Nest scheme Wales runs
To get free improvements, you must pass three tests.
- Your home is owned by you or rented privately, not from a housing association or the council.
- A means-tested benefit is paid to you, or your household has a low income.
- Your EPC score is low enough.
Which benefits qualify
Benefits that depend on your income and savings are means-tested. These qualify:
- Child Tax Credit, with individual income under £18,660 a year
- Income-based Council Tax Reduction
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
What counts as a low income
Not receiving any of these benefits doesn't rule you out: a low income can qualify you too. How many people live at home, and their ages, set the limit. Your mortgage or rent is taken off before income is counted, and disability payments don't count.
These yearly examples come from the Nest eligibility rules.
| Household | Yearly income limit |
|---|---|
| Single adult, no children | £15,521 |
| One adult, one child under 14 | £20,155 |
| Couple, no children | £23,166 |
| Couple, one child under 14 | £27,799 |
| Couple, two children under 14 | £32,433 |
| Single pensioner | £15,521 |
| Pensioner couple | £23,166 |
Your EPC score and Nest eligibility
A letter and a score are shown on your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). It's the score that Nest checks. To qualify, your home needs 54 (band E) or less.
With an eligible long-term health condition at home, the limit goes up to 68 (band D) or less. If nobody at home has one, a score of 68 or under means a reserve list place for you. Go to the EPC register and check what your home scored.
Which health conditions are eligible
A health condition could mean a higher EPC limit for you. Examples of eligible conditions:
- asthma, or a breathing illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- conditions affecting the heart or circulation, like heart attacks and strokes
- conditions affecting mental health, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder
- dementia
- developmental and intellectual disorders
Proof you'll need to give
Owners must supply one of these: the deeds to the property, a mortgage statement or a buildings insurance policy. Renters hand over their landlord's details, so Nest can ask the landlord to agree to the work.
A benefit award letter or a Council Tax statement is enough for benefits. A prescription, a treatment plan or a letter from a GP works for a health condition. A hospital letter also counts.
How to apply
Through the Nest pages on GOV.WALES you can contact them online or request a callback. You're welcome to call in Welsh.
- Request a callback from Nest, or contact them online.
- Your EPC score, your benefits or income and your home all get checked by an adviser.
- Provide your proof.
- If you qualify, Nest suggests a package of improvements for your home.
Common questions about Nest Wales
Does Nest cost anything?
Yes. The advice costs nothing, and the home improvements are free too if you qualify.
Can I get Nest as a council tenant?
No. Your home must be owned by you or rented privately. Council and housing association homes aren't covered.
What EPC rating does Nest require?
You need a rating no higher than 54 (band E), says the Welsh Government. With an eligible health condition at home, the limit goes up to 68 (band D) or less.
If I'm not eligible for Nest, what then?
Advisers can still point you to other schemes and go over your benefits with you. Homeowners can also turn to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which runs in Wales too.