Who Qualifies For A Boiler Grant In 2024? Find Out If You Can Apply

Are you in need of a new boiler, but struggling with the expense? Well, you might be happy to learn that funding support might be available to you in the form of a free boiler grant scheme.

For those who meet the criteria, the UK Government offers support and funding to help homeowners access new, highly-efficient boilers. Whether you need a repair or a whole system upgrade, there could be funding available for you! 

In this article, we’ll look in detail at the available boiler grants, find out who is eligible and discover how much funding is on offer. We’ll also look closely at how you can apply and the steps you need to take. 

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The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme aimed at addressing fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions across the UK. Currently known as ECO4 (until March 2026), the scheme is designed to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable households to access free energy-efficiency measures - such as boiler repairs, boiler replacements or insulation. 

The scheme works by enforcing an obligation on the largest (and some medium-sized) energy suppliers to promote and supply home improvement measures to consumers. These measures should ensure access to adequate heating and reduce energy waste.

Suppliers included in the obligation are, among others, British Gas, EDF Energy, Octopus Energy, Scottish Power and E.ON. For a full list of all current suppliers, you can check the latest updates on the official OFGEM website. 

Energy suppliers can provide various measures under the ECO scheme, including a free boiler replacement for those who meet eligibility criteria.

To access the current ECO4 scheme and potentially benefit from a free new boiler, you must meet the following criteria:

You may also be eligible for ECO support, such as a free boiler upgrade or repair, if you are receiving any of the following benefits:

Local authorities can also refer households to the scheme directly (under a subsequent option called ECO Flex) if they consider a resident to be eligible. However, it’s worth noting that not every home that receives the above benefits will be accepted - this could be because the home is already deemed energy efficient or the occupants don’t meet the income thresholds.

This is a part of the ECO4 that allows local authorities or suppliers to refer households to the scheme directly. If a household is identified as vulnerable, or low-income, and is not currently receiving benefits but needs energy improvements, they can be referred to an obligated supplier. 

An energy supplier might also refer a household if they are a customer who struggles with fuel debt or regularly loses their energy connection due to financial hardship and inability to use pre-payment meters. 

You may benefit from an ECO4 Flex referral if the following applies (Source: Ofgem.gov.uk):

Other criteria may be considered for the scheme. To find out more about referrals you can contact your local authority directly.

Pensioners, or those over 60, can qualify for a new free boiler under the ECO scheme if their home requires energy-efficient improvements and they meet the required eligibility criteria. 

This can include:

If they have a long-term health condition which is affected by cold weather, they could also be referred under the ECO Flex element of the scheme.

Single parents may qualify for a free boiler replacement under specific conditions of the ECO4 scheme. For example, you must own your home, or have permission from the owner to make improvements.

You may also need to prove that you are on a low income, which can be shown through the benefits you receive. For example, if you receive child tax credits, child benefits or any form of income support, you could be eligible.

You will also have to show, through an assessment, that your household needs a boiler replacement - if it has broken down or is over 7 years old, for example. 

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If you are eligible for a new boiler through a boiler grant scheme, there is a possibility that you may only be partly subsidised for the boiler cost - the whole installation may not be free. You must understand whether this is a possibility before you enter into the scheme. 

Depending on the energy supplier you access the scheme with, it is their decision as to whether they fund all or part of your boiler upgrade. For example, in some cases, you might have to contribute to installation costs, but the new boiler unit will be freely supplied. 

You should note, however, that you can ‘shop around’ to find a deal that suits your needs best. You can access the ECO scheme via multiple suppliers, so it’s worth checking what each of them can offer you.

Across the UK, other grants and schemes are available to help you upgrade your home heating, whether that’s with a new boiler replacement or an upgrade to a renewable energy option.

The table below outlines some of the current grants or schemes that can be accessed across the country. We recommend looking into each one carefully to see if you may be eligible to benefit from it, as each has its own in-depth set of eligibility criteria.

To apply for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, follow these simple steps:

The ECO4 scheme will run until March 2026 and is a valuable resource for those living in financial difficulty. Accessing funding and support can be overwhelming, but speaking to a professional installer about your options can really help - and that’s what we’re here for! 

If you want to get expert advice on improving your home’s efficiency or getting an old boiler repaired or replaced, it couldn’t be simpler. With our straightforward form, you only have to input a few details and we’ll do the rest. 

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