Renewable Heat Incentive legacy claims

The Renewable Heat Incentive closed to new applicants in 2022, but over 100,000 UK households still receive quarterly payments under legacy claims.

The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) closed to new applicants on 31 March 2022. However, households that were already accredited before that date continue to receive quarterly payments for the full seven-year term of their agreement. These ongoing payments are known as legacy claims.

As of 2026, the number of active domestic RHI legacy claims stands at approximately 105,000, according to Ofgem’s latest quarterly compliance data (Ofgem, 2026). Legacy claims are not a new application process; they are existing payments that you must maintain through correct annual meter readings and compliance submissions. This article focuses on who is eligible to continue receiving these payments, who has been excluded or removed, and how to confirm your claim status.

Who qualifies for RHI legacy payments in 2026

To qualify for ongoing payments, you must have submitted a valid RHI application before the March 2022 deadline and received a letter of accreditation from Ofgem. The property must have been your primary residence at the time of application, and the heating system (for example, a biomass boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal system) must still be installed and functioning.

You must have submitted annual meter readings and a declaration of compliance each year since accreditation. Missing two consecutive submissions can trigger payment suspension. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) reports that the average quarterly payment for a typical heat pump legacy claim in 2026 is approximately £175 (DESNZ, 2025). Ofgem’s Domestic RHI Payment and Compliance Guidance (2026 edition) confirms that you must keep your contact details and bank account information up to date in your online account to avoid payment delays (Ofgem, 2026).

Who does NOT qualify for RHI legacy payments

Households that applied after the scheme closed on 31 March 2022 are ineligible. No new applications are accepted under any circumstances. Properties that have been sold or where the heating system has been removed or replaced are no longer eligible, unless the new homeowner applied for and received a transfer of the agreement.

Households that failed to submit annual meter readings or compliance declarations for two consecutive years have had their payments permanently terminated. Ofgem’s Termination of RHI Payments policy document states that approximately 8% of all legacy claims were terminated for non-compliance between 2023 and 2026 (Ofgem, 2026). You can read the full closure rules on the GOV.UK page Renewable Heat Incentive: domestic scheme closure (GOV.UK, 2022).

How to confirm your RHI legacy claim status (featured-snippet target)

To confirm your claim status, log into your Ofgem RHI online account at rhi.ofgem.gov.uk and check the “My Payments” section for the next scheduled payment date and amount. If you cannot access your account, call the Ofgem RHI helpline on 0300 003 2289 and provide your RHI reference number and property postcode.

You can also check your annual compliance status by reviewing the “Compliance” tab. A green tick means your meter readings are up to date; a red cross indicates a missed submission. Ofgem’s Domestic RHI: how to manage your payments guide (2026) recommends checking your account at least once every quarter to ensure your details are current (Ofgem, 2026).

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How to verify your installer’s MCS certification for legacy claims

To have made a valid RHI legacy claim, the original installer must have been MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) at the time of installation. You can check an installer’s MCS certification by searching the MCS database at mcsdirectory.co.uk using their company name or MCS certificate number.

If the installer has since gone out of business, Ofgem may still accept the claim if you have the original MCS certificate and installation date. Contact Ofgem’s legacy claims team for guidance. For heat pumps and solar thermal, MCS certification is mandatory. For biomass boilers, the installer must also be registered with the Biomass Suppliers List. The MCS Certification and Installer Register (2026) provides full details (MCS, 2026). how to check MCS certification for heat pumps

What happens if you miss a meter reading or compliance deadline

Missing a single annual meter reading results in a payment suspension until the reading is submitted. Payments resume from the date of submission, but the missed quarter is not paid retroactively. Missing two consecutive annual readings triggers permanent termination of the legacy claim, with no right to appeal or reapply.

Ofgem sends a reminder letter and email 60 days before the deadline. If you have changed address or email, you must update your Ofgem account immediately. The Domestic RHI: compliance and payment suspension policy (2026) states that you can submit meter readings for the current year even if you missed the previous year, but the two-year rule still applies (Ofgem, 2026). how to submit RHI meter readings online