You may have seen the adverts for the Warm Front campaign on the telly.
The adverts make it look like the grants only apply to OAPs. However,
Disability Living Allowance is one of the qualifying benefits. I guess
we fall into the "other vulnerable groups" category. People on Income
Support and other benefits also qualify. Warm Front can provide draft
proofing, insulation, including cavity wall insulation, and, sometimes,
heating up to a maximum of £2500. Owning your own house (along with your
mortgage company) does not matter as long as you are on one or more of
the qualifying benefits. You will need to prove receipt of the
qualifying benefit(s) and house ownership if you own your own house. If
you are in rental or council accommodation, they will approach your
landlord to get their approval before any work starts. I can't see a
landlord turning down the opportunity to improve their house for
nothing. I don't know if you may get means tested because I am unable to
work. Means testing wasn't mentioned to me, so it may be solely based on
the need for improvements.

For regional phone numbers and addresses, see below. Or read about the
Warm Front campaign and apply on line at:
http://www.eaga.co.uk/Grants%20available/warm_front.html

After applying, you will get a phone call to ask some questions and be
told if you qualify for the scheme. I receive DLA and Incapacity Benefit
and was told  that I do qualify for up to a £2500 grant. If you do
qualify, their surveyors will evaluate your house and decide what work
they will do to improve the situation. Anything will be an improvement
in my house. I have been promised a surveyor visit before Christmas.
Once they decide what they will do, you go on a waiting list for the
work to be done by their work crews. I'm not sure how long that list is.
While I am irked that we don't qualify for cold weather payments, a
warmer house would be great. As my central heating and immersion tank
are in terminal decline (original to the 1980's house), they both badly
need replacing. The immersion heater only has one coil still working.
The other coil died several years ago. Warm air heating is only just
better than no central heating. Very expensive, very inefficient. Parts
are no longer available to fix the boiler, so I hope it doesn't die yet.
I have no idea how thick the insulation in my loft is, but the surveyor
will check things like that. AFAIK, this house does not have cavity wall
insulation and all windows and doors are drafty, especially the font
door and French windows which both have a gale blowing through them. The
money behind the scheme is provided by the government, but is
administered by the EGA Partnership.

Apply and see if you qualify for a grant through the Warm Front
campaign.

England:
0800 316 6011
Eaga Partnership Ltd,
Freepost NEA 12054,
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1BR

Wales:
0800 316 2815
Eaga Partnership Ltd
Unit 4
Ty Nant Court
Ty Nant Road
Morganstown
Cardiff
CF15 8LW

Scotland:
0800 072 0150
Eaga Partnership Ltd
Freepost SCO 4421
Edinburgh
EH6 0BR

Northern Ireland:
0800 181 667
Eaga Partnership Ltd
Dinree House
Thomas Street
Dungannon
County Tyrone
BT70 1HN

Eire is not yet covered, but it sounds like they are in negotiations
with the relevant governmental agencies.