How to Check If You Qualify for a Boiler Grant [Step-by-Step]

How to Check If You Qualify for a Boiler Grant [Step-by-Step]

What Is a Boiler Grant?

A boiler grant is a type of government funding designed to help eligible households upgrade to energy-efficient boilers without bearing the full cost. The most common scheme offering these grants is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), specifically ECO4 and GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme). These schemes are funded by large energy companies and overseen by Ofgem.

Who Qualifies for a Boiler Grant?

Eligibility depends on several criteria. According to Ofgem and government guidelines, you may qualify if:

1. You Own or Privately Rent Your Home

• Most schemes are not available to council tenants.

• You must have the landlord’s permission if you're a private tenant.

2. Your Existing Boiler Is Inefficient or Broken

• Typically, the scheme supports replacing non-condensing boilers, which are older and less efficient.

• Boilers must generally be at least 8–10 years old and either faulty or inefficient.

3. You or Someone in Your Household Receives a Qualifying Benefit

Some of the commonly accepted benefits include:

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)

• Universal Credit

• Child Tax Credit

• Working Tax Credit

• Housing Benefit

• Child Benefit (subject to income thresholds)

4. Your Property Has a Low Energy Efficiency Rating

• Eligibility often requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.

• EPCs assess how energy efficient your property is on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

Step-by-Step: How to Check If You Qualify

Here’s a structured way to determine your eligibility using online tools and official sources:

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Criteria

Start by visiting official websites or consulting the Ofgem guidance to understand the baseline eligibility requirements. Pay attention to:

• Income thresholds

• Types of benefits

• Boiler age and condition

• EPC rating of your property

Step 2: Use a Boiler Eligibility Checker

There are many reputable boiler eligibility checker tools online. These usually ask for:

• Your postcode

• Household income

• Benefits received

• Boiler type and age

• Property tenure

📍 Use a checker that complies with ECO4 and GBIS rules, or go through a government-verified installer.

Step 3: Check Your EPC Rating

If you don’t know your EPC rating, you can check it for free on the UK Government’s official register:
Find EPC Register (England, Wales & Northern Ireland)

If your property doesn't have an EPC, it may need a survey to assess eligibility.

Step 4: Apply Through a Certified Installer

Once you’ve passed the checker, the next step is to:

• Book a survey with an approved installer.

• Provide supporting documents (benefits proof, ID, landlord consent, etc.).

• If approved, you’ll be scheduled for installation.

The process typically takes 2–6 weeks from application to installation.

Boiler Grant Process in a Nutshell

Important Data and Statistics

• According to the UK Government, over 300,000 households received heating upgrades under ECO3.

• The average UK household could save £300 to £500 annually with a modern, efficient boiler (source: Energy Saving Trust).

• ECO4 is expected to run until March 2026, targeting low-income and fuel-poor households across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Final Thoughts

Boiler grants can play a vital role in reducing energy bills and improving comfort, especially during the colder months. With clear eligibility criteria and government-backed funding, it’s worth checking whether your home qualifies.

If you're unsure where to begin, a boiler eligibility checker is a quick and easy starting point. Make sure to apply through an Ofgem-approved installer to avoid scams or unnecessary charges.