Home Grants & Energy2 min check

Boiler Grant Eligibility Checker

Answer a few short questions to see whether you may be eligible for a UK boiler grant under current schemes such as ECO.

Short answer

Most "free boiler" grants in the UK now sit inside the ECO4 scheme or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). You're most likely to qualify if you own or privately rent a home with EPC band D–G and someone in the household receives a means-tested benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit). ECO4 also has a "Flex" route councils can use for low-income households not on benefits.

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How it works

The checker scores three signals scheme operators use: tenure (owner-occupiers and private tenants are usually in scope; landlords and social housing follow separate routes), heating system age and EPC band (older / lower bands are prioritised), and household income / benefits (the gating factor). A high score means you fit the standard ECO4 profile; a mid score means LA Flex or supplier-specific schemes may help; a low score means you'll likely need to self-fund or use 0% finance.

Worked example

A private tenant in a band E house with a 2008 boiler whose partner gets Universal Credit scores high — they should approach an installer registered for ECO4. An owner with a 2018 boiler, EPC C and £45k income scores low — grants are unlikely but a new A-rated combi on 0% finance still saves ~£250–£350/year vs running an old non-condensing boiler.

Who should use this

•Owner-occupiers and private tenants on a low income or means-tested benefits
•Households with old (pre-2010) gas, oil or electric heating
•People with EPC band D, E, F or G
•Pensioners on Pension Credit

Common mistakes

×Paying upfront to a cold-caller — legitimate ECO4 installers never ask for money
×Assuming you don't qualify because you're not on benefits — LA Flex covers many low-income households
×Letting your landlord block the work — private landlords can apply too
×Not getting your EPC checked — the rating is decisive

Frequently asked questions

Is the boiler actually free?▾

Under ECO4 it usually is for qualifying households, but some schemes ask for a contribution if your home needs extra work (e.g. flue relocation, system flush).

Can I choose any installer?▾

No — only TrustMark-registered installers contracted to a scheme funder (an energy supplier) can claim ECO4 funding for your job.

What if my boiler still works?▾

ECO4 typically only replaces broken or very inefficient boilers (usually 70%+ efficiency loss or non-condensing). Working modern boilers won't qualify.

Does it apply to oil or LPG?▾

ECO4 prioritises moving off fossil fuels. Off-gas homes are often steered toward heat pumps via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 grant) instead.

Related calculators

ECO4 Scheme Checker →Heat Pump Cost Calculator →Insulation Grant Checker →Energy Bill Savings Calculator →