Let's break this down into 3 steps: 1) How to apply 2) Application process 3) Claiming funding process
How to Apply
Step 1 – Contact Home Energy Scotland
Start by contacting Home Energy Scotland, a Scottish Government-funded advice service. For phone advice, call 0808 808 2282 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm). Alternatively, you can complete their contact form and select 'email' to receive a response within 10 working days.
Step 2 – Receive Advice
An advisor will ask about your property, occupancy, and personal circumstances to determine the best funding scheme for you. They’ll explain the scheme’s key details and can send a paper application if requested.
If the improvements align with your property’s EPC and the scheme’s conditions, the advisor will refer you for funding. If you’re interested in clean heating or renewable systems, a specialist will create a recommendation report before you proceed.
Step 3 – Application Referral
Within two working days of your call, you’ll receive an email invitation to begin the application process.
Application Process
Step 1 – Creating an Account
Use the link from the referral email to register on the portal, where you can access your application form.
Step 2 – Completing the Application Form
In Stage 1, you must agree to the scheme’s terms and confirm that installation won’t begin until a written funding offer is issued. You can upload required documents and communicate with the Service Delivery Team via the portal. The following documents are needed to submit your application:
- A recommendation report, such as an EPC or a Home Energy Scotland report
- Your bespoke Heat Geek proposal, generated after the Design Consultation
- Any additional documents specific to your improvements
Step 3 – Application Processing
Once submitted, applications are typically processed within 10 working days. Delays may occur if documents are missing or clarification is needed. You can track your status and contact the team through the portal.
Step 4 – Funding Offer and Installation
After receiving a funding offer, sign the agreement within 14 days. You’ll then have 9 months to complete the installation work.
Claim process
Deposit
We can offer a deposit payment for the material costs of clean heating and renewable systems. You can claim up to 60% of the funding for each system you have applied for.
You will need to submit your drawdown claim through the online portal and confirm deposit amounts by submitting a quote or letter from your installer(s) which clearly shows the requested amounts.
Drawdown claims are not available for energy efficiency installations.
Step 1 – Claiming your funding
You can claim your funding per measure as installations are completed. This is to allow individual installers to be paid without having to wait for all works to be completed.
To submit your claim request, please use the online portal and provide the required documents. The following items will be provided by us (Heat Geek):
- Invoice for Completed Work
- MCS Certificate
You will need to take care of the following items:
- Post-Installation EPC
The post-installation Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must not include any recommendations for measures that have been installed under this application. - Payment Account Information
Ensure your payment account details are updated in your customer portal profile before submitting your claim form. - Renewable Installer Finder Review
Please leave us a review on Renewable Installer Finder (link).
For some measures and circumstances further documentation may be required, you can refer to the terms and conditions for detailed requirements or ask their Service Delivery Team for further information.
Step 2 – Claim processing times
They aim to process claims within 10 working days after submitting all required claim documentation.
The processing time may take longer if they need to request additional documentation or need clarification on submitted documents.
Step 3 – Receiving the funding
Once your claim is approved, they will process your payment using BACS transfer which can take between three and five working days.
It is your duty to pay us after receiving funding payments to your account. Energy Saving Trust is not liable to provide funding directly to installers. HES will also require you to submit proof of payment within 60 days of receiving your funding.
For further details and guidance, please visit the Home Energy Scotland website.