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 – is set to run until March 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.

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? Continue reading to find out.

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

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 ECO 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.