The main grants we work with are the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). Both are government-backed initiatives designed to help UK households improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy bills.

Yes, for households that meet the full eligibility criteria, the grants are 100% free (fully funded), covering the cost of the measure and installation. These are funded by energy suppliers as part of a government obligation, meaning you do not have to pay for the work yourself. In rare cases where your property requires significant complex work, a small contribution may be requested, but you will be informed upfront, and you have no obligation to proceed.

Q3: Do I have to be eligible for all three routes (Benefits, Income, and Health)?

No. You only need to meet the criteria for one of the primary eligibility routes, provided your property also meets the requirements (e.g., EPC rating of D-G):

1. Benefits Route: You receive one of the qualifying means-tested benefits.

2. Health Condition Route (ECO/GBIS Flex): Someone in your household has a health condition made worse by a cold home, confirmed via an NHS/GP referral.

3. Income Route (ECO/GBIS Flex): Your total household income is below the defined threshold (typically under £31,000/year).

4. General Group (GBIS only): Your home meets specific criteria based on its EPC rating and Council Tax band.

Yes, potentially. High blood pressure (hypertension) is considered a cardiovascular condition, which is one of the specific health issues recognised under the ECO/GBIS Flex route. If this condition is adversely affected by living in a cold home, you may be eligible.

Yes, you can still apply. Eligibility is primarily based on the occupier of the property. You must be the homeowner or a private tenant. If you are a private tenant, you will need to provide written permission from the landlord for the energy-saving work to proceed.

For ECO4, the property must typically have a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC rating of D, E, F, or G) to be eligible for a whole-house upgrade. For the GBIS (which focuses on insulation), your property must also have a low EPC rating (D-G) and be in a lower Council Tax Band (A-D in England, or A-E in Scotland/Wales).

The grants focus on a “fabric-first” approach, prioritising measures that stop heat from escaping. Covered improvements can include:

• Insulation: Loft, Cavity Wall, Solid Wall, Room-in-Roof, and Underfloor Insulation.

• Heating: Replacement of an inefficient or broken boiler, First-Time Central Heating (FTCH) installation, or installation of renewable heating systems like Air Source Heat Pumps.

The total time can vary depending on the measures installed (e.g., loft insulation is quick, solid wall insulation is longer). Generally, the process involves:

1. Eligibility Check & Application.

2. Technical Survey/Retrofit Assessment of your property.

3. Installation. The entire process from application to completion usually takes several weeks.

You will need to provide an official document or ‘Award Letter’ that clearly states and proves you are currently in receipt of the relevant qualifying benefit (e.g., a recent Universal Credit statement, Pension Credit Award letter, etc.).

The eligibility through a health condition requires verification from a qualified health professional.

• Our GP will contact you: In many cases, our team facilitates contact with your GP or relevant NHS Trust for referral.

• Proof you need to provide: Alternatively, you may need to provide a healthcare document (dated within the last 12 months) proving a relevant diagnosis, that you are on certain medication, or have undergone a procedure deemed adequate proof that your condition is adversely affected by a cold home.

Yes. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will need to provide proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or Council Tax statement) to finalise your application.

No. The grant is awarded to improve the energy efficiency of the property, and the funding is secured against the address. The improvements stay with the home, and you do not have to repay the funding if you decide to move.

No. Receiving a grant under the ECO or GBIS schemes for energy efficiency improvements does not count as income and will not affect your eligibility for any other government-provided benefits.