What if you could get your roof repaired or replaced without paying the full cost?

Many homeowners in the UK struggle with repairing or replacing their roofs due to the high cost. Because the weather can get unpredictable at times, you are always dealing with some sort of damage. 

The good thing is, you can get a fully or partially funded roof grant through various schemes in the UK. These schemes help low-income families make their homes safe without burdening them with financial pressure. 

Here, we have discussed in detail everything you need to know about new roof grants in the UK.

What Is a Roof Grant in the UK?

A roof grant in the UK is a type of financial support for homeowners with a damaged roof. The granting schemes are offered by both local councils and national programs. You can get funding for emergency, partial, or full roof repair and replacements. 

Roof grants are not the same as loans. You do not need to repay them. This makes them valuable for low-income families. However, these schemes have an eligibility criteria you need to meet. 

Many of these schemes are available throughout the year. They cover broken tiles, downpipes, flashing, and gutter leaks. Still, some schemes are available only if the roof is a direct danger to the occupants of the house. 

Eligibility for Roofing Grants

The eligibility criteria for new roof grants in the UK differ for each council. Generally, they consider your age, income level, disability status, and ownership of the property. 

• Income: Roof grant schemes are for low-income families. This means your total household income must be under a certain benchmark to get approved. Though, the number is decided by two things. Your local council and the grant scheme you want to apply for. 
• Age: Older homeowners aged 60 or over get preference in some grant schemes. It’s a way to help people who no longer work or don’t have enough financial means in their late years. 
• Disability Status: People with special needs get additional support. In some cases, you can also get approval if someone living in your house is disabled. Although, your local council should acknowledge them as vulnerable. 
• Ownership: Best if you are the owner yourself. Or otherwise, have a long-term leasehold interest in your property. In the latter case, you must provide a written landlord approval.
• Lower EPC Rating: Your property should have a D, E, F, or G rating. Some councils in the UK accept a C rating too if combined with medical conditions. 

You will get an easy approval if you meet any of these conditions. Check your local council laws for further details about eligibility for roofing grants. Then, highlight the points in your favor in your application. Prepare proof of age, income, disability status, and property ownership/tenancy in advance. 

What If You Don’t Receive Benefits?

You still have some options if you don’t meet the eligibility for roofing grants:

• Your total household income should fall under £31,000/year. 
• You are diagnosed with cold-related health conditions. Be ready to provide medical reports in this case. 
• Your property is located in an area with poor fuel access. 

However, the final approval is still confirmed by your local council. In such a case, they may inspect your property to see whether a repair or replacement is needed.

How Long Does Grant Approval Take

A roof grant approval is a time-taking process. Common schemes can get approved in six months. Others can take more time. 

The delay in time is caused by a lot of factors. Like if your application form does not have all the documents. Or you are not eligible. 

Generally, 2 to 6 months can take for a grant application to be approved. Sometimes, multiple approvals are required. This can take further time. 

Other factors can also delay the approval. Like a high-demand season or limited council funding. The funding doesn’t meet the contractor’s quotes. All these processes can add weeks or even months before your application is formally reviewed. 

Roofing Grant Schemes in UK & Funding Can You Get

Each grant scheme covers a different type of roof improvement or repair. They are available through both local councils and national schemes. However, you should first visit your municipal council’s website to see which schemes are available in your area. 

Generally, you will find these schemes for roofing grants in the UK:

Home Repair Assistance Grant (HRAG) 

This scheme is beneficial when your roof is damaged to an extent that it is rated as a Category 1 Health and Safety Hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). 

In other words, if the occupants’ safety is in direct danger, you can get a new roofing grant in the UK through the HRAG scheme. The grant usually has a maximum limit of £5,000 within any three-year period. 

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

DFG schemes focus on making homes safer for disabled people. If you are or have a disabled person in your home, you can apply for these schemes through your local council. 

The process covers structural changes in your roof to improve overall safety. In England, the DFG Grant is typically capped at up to £30,000 per household. 

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

ECO4 is one of the biggest energy-efficiency schemes in the UK. It offers roof grants for low-income families or vulnerable properties. 

The process covers many energy-saving measures. Like attic/loft insulation, boiler upgrades, and heating upgrades. It doesn’t have a fixed per‑household cap because the funding is focused on individual roofs’ insulation needs. 

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

This is an energy-efficiency scheme aimed at houses with poor roof insulation. Though it is similar to the ECO4 scheme, it offers roof grants for low-income families (attic/loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and sometimes solid wall insulation). 

The scheme ran successfully until March 2026, but you should keep an eye on it in case the government opens it again. It was mainly available to households in England, Wales, and Scotland with Council Tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Wales/Scotland).

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Roof Grant

Applying for a roof grant in the UK is an overwhelming process. You can get stuck in an endless loop of complex paperwork and eligibility criteria. To make things easier for you, here is a step-by-step process guide to increase your chances of approval.

1. Review the eligibility criteria carefully. Each council has its own eligibility rules. So, check if you meet any or all of the requirements. 
2. Visit your municipal council’s website to see the available grant schemes. Search for these keywords: housing grants, home repairs, or assistance schemes. 
3. Gather required documents like:

• Proof of identity (passport or driving license)
• Financial proof (income statement)
• Proof of benefits received from the government (Universal Credit statements, pension documents)
• Proof of ownership or tenancy agreement (a written approval by the landlord in the latter case)
• Details about your property (age, current condition, repairs required)
• Quotes from at least three approved roofing contractors 

1. Fill out the online application form on your local council’s website. Or, you can get a paper form by visiting the council office in person. 
2. Attach all the required documents and submit the application to the relevant authority. Also, save copies of everything for your personal record. 

On receiving, the council will formally review your application. If anything is missing, you will be asked to attach it. Once your application is completed, the council will ask for a visit to verify the roof’s condition. 

Why Professional Help Makes a Difference

Roofing grants in the UK are more complicated than it seems. A lot of paperwork is required. You also have to find the right scheme for your property. And in some cases, you have to partially pay for the funding too. 

Professionals can help you speed up the process of new roof grants. They are familiar with the grant process and its requirements. This saves you from a delayed or rejected application. 

Once your case proceeds, expert roofing contractors are responsible for the job. Your council may recommend you to some contractors, or you can select your own. This final stage turns the approved funding into actual repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are new roof grants?

New roof grants help in paying for a new roof. Homeowners who cannot afford a full roof replacement can get partial or full funding through the UK’s home improvement schemes. 

Who is eligible for roof replacement grants?

Homeowners above 60 years old. Disabled people. Low-income families. Properties with a low EPC rating. All these can be eligible for roof replacement grants. 

Can I get a free new roof through a grant?

It is not common to get a full roof grant unless you are strictly eligible. In most cases, you will be asked to contribute partially. 

How do I apply for a new roof grant?

Find grant schemes in your area through your local council’s website. Fill out the form. Attach relevant documents. After submitting, the council will visit your property for inspection.

Are roof grants available for landlords?

Roof grants are more common for homeowners than property investors. Though landlords can help tenants if they meet the eligibility criteria.