Are you shivering despite cranking up the heating? Battling skyrocketing energy bills? And getting a new boiler is too expensive for you right now? If so, a boiler grant could be the way to go!
The UK government provides several boiler replacement grants, potentially offering you a free, energy-efficient boiler. This article is your one-stop guide to navigating the world of boiler grants. We’ll answer all your burning questions, from who qualifies to how to apply, ensuring you don’t miss out on this chance to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
So, whether you’re a single parent, a homeowner, or a tenant, keep reading to discover if you could be heating your home with a free boiler.
A professional boiler installer could consult you on whether your current boiler is eligible for a free upgrade. Their expertise allows them to assess key factors such as the age, efficiency, and condition of your existing boiler. But how do you find an installer you can trust?
BoilerGrants can do the heavy lifting! Complete our short form, and up to 3 local installers will contact you to help you out. You’re under no pressure to accept any offers or pay any fees. Just click below to begin.
What is the UK government’s ECO scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme, a government initiative in Great Britain, strives to assist low-income households in enhancing the energy efficiency of their residences. It started in April 2022 and will run until March 31, 2026. Please note that the scheme no longer offers free boiler replacements in Northern Ireland.
However, residents of Northern Ireland can apply for the Affordable Warmth Scheme. With this scheme, homeowners whose boilers are 15 years and older can receive a new boiler and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Contact The NI Energy Advice Service for more information.
ECO4, funded by energy companies, is geared towards diminishing carbon emissions and addressing fuel poverty through financial aid for energy-efficient home upgrades. Note that energy companies can decide which retrofit projects they choose to fund and the level of support they provide.
To qualify for a free boiler grant from ECO4, check if you meet the following criteria:
- You must be a homeowner or a private or social housing tenant. Government-owned properties aren’t eligible.
- Your existing boiler should be at least 8 years old.
- You receive at least one of the government’s benefits, such as Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit Savings, or Universal Credit.
- Your home must possess an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below.
- Your property must be connected to the gas mains supply. The ECO4 scheme doesn’t include the installation of LPG gas, biomass, and oil boilers.
For those meeting the eligibility criteria, the application process for a free boiler grant through the ECO boiler scheme is straightforward. It typically involves completing an online application form or reaching out to an approved ECO installer directly.
Keep in mind that the free boiler grant initiative caters to individuals genuinely in need of financial support to enhance their homes’ energy efficiency. If you qualify and your current boiler is inefficient, outdated, or faulty, you may be entitled to a free boiler replacement.
Beyond free boiler grants, the ECO scheme extends funding for various energy-efficient home improvements: loft insulation, pitched roof and roof room insulation, solar PV, solid wall and cavity wall insulation, heating systems and controls, and renewable energy systems.
The overarching goal of boiler replacement grants is to assist households in curbing energy expenses and contributing to the UK’s objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Who qualifies for a free boiler?
Here’s the good news: you don’t necessarily need to own your home to qualify for GOV boiler grants.
To be eligible for the government free boiler scheme, you can be a homeowner, a private tenant, or even a social housing tenant, subject to meeting certain criteria:
- Homeowners: As long as the property is your primary residence and not detached (except bungalows in specific cases).
- Private tenants: If you have a private landlord and a qualifying tenancy agreement, you might be eligible. However, remember that the decision ultimately rests with your landlord. The property’s owner must be the person applying for the grant.
- Social housing tenants: Social housing tenants are eligible if they meet the other criteria. This opens doors for many facing fuel poverty in these types of accommodations.
The applicant should be receiving at least one of the following benefits within 18 months of installation: 
Please note that individuals who receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) no longer qualify for a boiler grant.
Do you have more questions regarding your eligibility for gov boiler grants? Then you need to consult an experienced boiler installer. But don’t waste hours of your precious free time googling through numerous installer options!
With BoilerGrants, your comfort and peace of mind are just a click away. Simply fill out our brief form, and we’ll connect you with up to 3 trusted local installers. There’s no obligation to accept any offers or incur any fees – it’s a hassle-free process. Click below to get started.
Do single parents qualify for a free boiler?
Yes, single parents can qualify for a free boiler grant if they meet the specified criteria. Eligibility doesn’t solely depend on household structure but also considers income and property details. Single parents facing financial constraints may find relief through this scheme, ensuring a warm and comfortable home for their families.
In case a single parent receives a Child Benefit, their annual income factors in. Depending on the number of children, the income should be between £19,900 and £34,500. Find more details below.
About your home
Here are the deciding conditions for your property to be eligible for a free boiler.
- Boiler age: Your current boiler must be non-condensing, inefficient (G-rated) and at least 8 years old.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Your home must have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. You can find an existing one, get a new energy performance certificate yourself, or seek help from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
- Building modifications: Your property mustn’t have any extensions completed after 1 April 2022.
- Income: If you claim Child Benefit, the maximum amount your household can earn in the financial year should be between £19,900–£34,500 for a single parent and £27,500–£42,000 for a couple.
- Benefits: The owner of the property must be receiving one or more of the qualifying benefits mentioned earlier.
However, those who apply through Child Benefit should fall within Ofgem’s specific income thresholds to qualify for funding.
| Number of children | Single claimant | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | £19,900 | £27,500 |
| 2 | £24,800 | £32,300 |
| 3 | £29,600 | £37,200 |
| 4+ | £34,500 | £42,000 |
Which boilers qualify for a free boiler?
To be eligible for a free boiler grant applicable to gas boilers in the UK, check whether you meet specific criteria outlined by the ECO4 scheme.
Your boiler should meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 8 years of age or older,
- Be a gas boiler,
- Have a heat output of at least G and lower,
- Be non-condensing,
- Be a primary source of heating for the property.
Also, individuals may qualify for a grant that partially covers the expenses associated with switching from a fossil fuel heating system to a heat pump or biomass boiler through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) extends its benefits to homeowners or tenants who receive specific allowances and have a boiler that is inefficient and at least 15 years old. This initiative offers a grant of £5,000 to offset the expenses associated with transitioning to a more energy-efficient biomass boiler, offering the dual advantages of reduced energy costs and a diminished carbon footprint.
The 0% VAT scheme is another initiative for individuals residing in homes with boilers exceeding two years of age. This grant encompasses the expenses related to a new boiler installation, applying a reduced VAT rate of 0%. This presents an opportunity to achieve substantial cost savings on the overall installation.
Eligibility criteria include the installation of the boiler in a home older than two years, application availability for both homeowners and tenants and a requirement for the household to have a member over 60 years of age.
How do I apply for a boiler grant?
Securing a free boiler grant becomes a straightforward process when you adhere to the correct procedures. Initially, to check your eligibility for the grant, visit the government’s website or contact your local energy supplier.
If you’re a homeowner who qualifies for a boiler grant, the next step involves locating an accredited installer capable of performing the installation.
Following this, you’ll be required to fill out the application form, which can be completed either online or via traditional mail. The form requests details about your existing boiler, heating system, household income, and benefits.
Accuracy and honesty in providing all the necessary information are paramount, as any inaccuracies may lead to the rejection of your application.
If you are still unsure whether your current boiler is eligible for a free boiler grant, why not ask a heating expert? This way, you will get professional advice tailored to your specific situation and save hours on researching!
Fill out our 30-second form and we will connect you with up to 3 local heating engineers near you. Our service is free and non-binding! Click below to get started.
FAQ
How do I qualify for a boiler grant?
You should check specific eligibility criteria which commonly include factors such as income, home ownership or tenancy, and the age and efficiency of your current boiler. For this, contact your local energy supplier or check the government’s official website for the latest information.
Who qualifies for a boiler grant in 2024?
Homeowners, tenants, pensioners, unemployed as well as single parents can qualify for a boiler grant, such as ECO4. However, it no longer operates in Northern Ireland, so checking the latest updates is highly recommended.
What benefits qualify for a new boiler?
Common benefits that may qualify you for a new boiler include Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Income-related JSA, and Income-related ESA. The specific benefits considered may vary depending on the scheme and eligibility criteria.
Can you get a boiler grant if you receive PIP?
No, PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is no longer considered a qualifying benefit for boiler grants in the UK. However, if you receive PIP in addition to Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension, Child Tax, Universal Credit and others, then you might be eligible for a free boiler grant.
