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Who Qualifies For A Boiler Grant In 2024? Find Out If You Can Apply
- If you have an inefficient home heating system and receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for one of the boiler grants available in the UK.
- Currently, there are several grants and schemes that you can apply for, such as the ECO4 scheme or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can receive up to £5,000 to install a biomass boiler.
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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UK Government’s ECO scheme: What is it?
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.
The ECO scheme is driven by a Government initiative known as the HHCRO (Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation), also known as the Affordable Warmth Obligation. This obligation states that energy suppliers must provide repairs or replacement boilers free of charge to the households most in need.
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.
Am I eligible for a free new boiler grant?
To access the current ECO4 scheme and potentially benefit from a free new boiler, you must meet the following criteria:
- Live in England, Scotland, or Wales
- Your property must need improvements or energy efficiency upgrades
- You must own the home or have a landlord/owner’s permission to make improvements
- Your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating as follows:
- If you own the property -> D, E, F or G
- If you rent privately -> E, F or G
- In social housing -> E, F or G
Any supplier that is part of the scheme is obligated to offer support, regardless of whether they are your current energy supplier or not.
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:
| Child Benefit | Pension Guarantee Credit | Income Support |
| Housing Benefit | Pension Savings Credit | Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) |
| Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits) | Universal Credit | Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) |
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.
What is ECO4 Flex?
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):
- Your home requires energy efficiency upgrades and;
- Your gross annual household income is under £31,000 or a person in your household has a severe or long-term health condition that is adversely affected by living in a cold home due to one of the following:
- A cardiovascular condition,
- A respiratory disease,
- Limited mobility, or
- Immunosuppression
Other criteria may be considered for the scheme. To find out more about referrals you can contact your local authority directly.
Do pensioners qualify for a free boiler?
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:
- Owning their home or living in privately rented accommodation
- Receiving benefits such as Pension Credits (Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit)
- Receiving Working Tax Credit
- Having a property EPC of G or below
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.
Do single parents qualify for a free boiler?
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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How much does a boiler grant cost?
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.
Eligibility criteria for other boiler grants in the UK
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.
| Grant name | Period | What is on offer? |
|---|---|---|
| 0% VAT Rates | April 2022 – March 2027 | You will pay 0% VAT when you install energy-saving materials, such as heat pumps and biomass boilers. |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) | April/May 2022 – April 2028 | You can claim up to £5,000 towards the cost and installation of a biomass boiler or up to £7,500 for a heat pump. |
| Warmer Homes Scotland (Scotland Only) | N/A | Home Energy Scotland can fund energy-saving improvements. This can include new gas boilers. HES also offer grants and loans, to those eligible, for other efficiency improvements. |
| Affordable Warmth Scheme (Northern Ireland Only) | N/A | You can get a grant to improve energy efficiency in your home, including a boiler replacement or system upgrade. |
| Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) (Northern Ireland Only) | 2022 – 2025 | Funding is available to improve the energy efficiency of homes, including boiler upgrades. |
How do I apply for a boiler grant?
To apply for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, follow these simple steps:
- Check your eligibility: Check the latest government guidelines to see if you’re eligible. For example, you must own your home (or have the owner’s permission), receive one of the specified benefits and prove your home needs energy efficiency measures.
- Contact energy suppliers: Contact any of the obligated suppliers; find out how they are involved in the ECO4 scheme and what you may be able to receive from them. We recommend contacting multiple suppliers so that you can find the best support for your needs – as they don’t all offer the same things! Remember – not all suppliers offer ECO4 measures for free, so you may be required to contribute towards some of the costs yourself.
- Apply for your chosen scheme supplier: Once you’re sure you’re eligible and have chosen a supplier, you can reach out to them and apply directly.
- Undergo an assessment: Your chosen supplier will usually need to survey your home to identify the necessary energy efficiency improvements required.
- Installation: Following the assessment, installers will determine what is needed and move on to the installation.
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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What’s more, they will give you free, no-obligation quotes for any boiler upgrade work you require – it’s risk-free and takes only a few seconds to get started. Click below to get going.
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FAQ
Becky has been bringing quality advice to homeowners since 2021. As an experienced writer, she is keen to help our customers find the help they need when they need it.
