Who qualifies for a boiler grant?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, backed by the UK government, was first established in 2013, and the fourth iteration – ECO4 – was set to expire in March 2026, but has now been extended until December 2026.
The boiler upgrade scheme, as it’s also known by many, has helped households all over the UK improve their energy efficiency and lower their energy bills to escape fuel poverty.
People who did qualify for a free boiler grant received a new boiler in place of their old, inefficient boiler in a bid to produce fewer carbon emissions.
But who qualifies for a boiler grant, and how can you replace your existing boiler with the government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme? Let’s find out.
What can your energy supplier provide via the ECO scheme?
The ECO4 scheme provides a wide range of energy-saving measures to low-income households around the UK. They include:
You could also receive a new biomass boiler if your property is off the gas grid and in a rural location. Properties that qualify for support can also get a boiler grant that covers the cost of replacing a fossil fuel heating system with a ground source heat pump.
If you meet the qualifying criteria, you could be in line for a free boiler replacement and potentially other energy-saving improvements. These are designed to improve your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating – a document that provides information about the energy efficiency of your property.
What are the qualifying eligibility criteria for the UK’s boiler upgrade scheme?
To qualify for the UK government’s ECO scheme for a free boiler grant, you must:
- Live in a property with a low Energy Performance Certificate rating (D or below)
- Have an annual household income of £31,000 or less
To receive a new energy-efficient boiler, you must also be receiving one or more of the following income-support benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee
- Pension Credit Savings
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
This means that homeowners, tenants, pensioners, the unemployed, and single parents can qualify for a boiler grant as long as they meet the above criteria.
Free boiler grant for disabled people
The ECO4 scheme provides boiler grants for disabled people, but they must meet three key categories.
They are:
- You or someone in the household must be receiving disability-related or other benefits
- You must be a homeowner or private tenant (not a council tenant)
- Your boiler must be at least seven years old
There are also free boiler grants for people on Universal Credit in the UK. They also must meet the above criteria, including having a boiler at least seven years old, to qualify for energy efficiency upgrades to their property.
What are the benefits of the UK government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme?
There are several benefits to upgrading your old, inefficient boiler, including lower heating costs, an improved EPC rating, and more.
Here’s what we believe to be the four key advantages of the government’s ECO scheme:
Lower energy bills
A new boiler requires less energy to power your central heating system, which means you’re also reducing your property’s wasted energy. Both of these combined mean you’re not using as much energy, thus reducing your monthly bills.
Improved energy efficiency
Less wasted energy means your home is now more energy efficient, which is the primary objective of the ECO scheme and free boiler grant. With improved energy efficiency, your property should receive an updated EPC rating, hopefully taking it above ‘D’. A good rating is anything above ‘B’.
Fewer carbon emissions
If you’re keen on protecting the environment, you’ll be delighted with a new boiler. Because they produce much less waste, this means they create fewer emissions, lowering your property’s carbon footprint.
Enhance property value
If you’re a homeowner and would like to move house one day in the future, energy-efficient upgrades can enhance the property’s value. A new boiler, and potentially some insulation and other energy-saving improvements, aim to increase your EPC rating. Combining these factors ensures your property will be more attractive to potential buyers.
Get in touch with Outlook Energy Solutions
So, who qualifies for a free boiler? It might be you!
Now that you’re aware of the situation and what the ECO4 scheme can do for you, you can check to see if you’re in line for energy-efficient upgrades.
If you’re still unsure whether your property qualifies as one of the UK’s low-income households, then you can speak to our friendly experts.
Simply get in touch with Outlook Energy Solutions today by calling 0800 464 7292, and we’ll be happy to discuss your current situation. Once we know a little bit about you and your property, we can point you in the right direction.
Alternatively, fill in the eligibility criteria form below to find out if you qualify for the ECO4 scheme.
