ECO4 Eligibility 2026: Complete Guide to Qualifying

What is the ECO4 scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) is the UK government's flagship energy efficiency programme. It legally requires large energy suppliers to fund free home improvements for eligible households across England, Scotland, and Wales. The scheme launched in April 2022 and is currently set to run until 31 March 2026.

Under ECO4, qualifying homeowners and tenants can receive thousands of pounds worth of upgrades at no personal cost. These include insulation, boiler replacements, heat pumps, solar panels, and more. The programme is regulated by Ofgem and delivered by approved installers working on behalf of energy companies.

ECO4 takes a "whole-house" approach, meaning rather than installing a single measure, it aims to bring your home up to at least an EPC Band C through a tailored package of improvements. This makes it one of the most comprehensive energy grant schemes available to UK households in 2026.

ECO4 eligibility criteria: The two main routes

There are two primary ways to qualify for ECO4 in 2026. Understanding which route applies to you is the first step to accessing free energy upgrades.

Route 1: Qualifying benefits (the main route)

The most straightforward way to qualify is by receiving one of the government-approved benefits. If you (or someone in your household) receives any of the following, you are likely eligible:

• Universal Credit — the most common qualifying benefit
• Pension Guarantee Credit — including Savings Credit element
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit — with annual household income under £16,480
• Working Tax Credit — with annual household income under £16,480
• Housing Benefit
• Warm Home Discount Core Group
• Child Benefit — with annual household income under £16,480 (in some cases)

If you receive any of these benefits, you have met the primary eligibility requirement. You will also need to meet the property criteria outlined below.

Route 2: LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility)

Even if you don't receive qualifying benefits, you may still qualify through the LA Flex pathway. This route is designed for households that are in fuel poverty or on low incomes but fall outside the benefits system. Your local council can issue a declaration confirming your eligibility based on:

• Low household income — typically under £31,000 annually
• High energy costs relative to income
• Vulnerability factors — age, disability, health conditions
• Living in a deprived area — based on Index of Multiple Deprivation data
• Council tax band A-E properties — varies by local authority

LA Flex criteria vary between councils, so it is worth checking with your local authority or using our eligibility checker to see if you qualify through this route.

EPC rating requirements for ECO4

Your property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is a critical factor in ECO4 eligibility. The scheme targets the least energy-efficient homes in the UK.

EPC Band	Eligibility Status	Priority Level
E, F, or G	Fully eligible — highest priority	🟢 High
D	Eligible if improvements can reach Band C	🟡 Medium
A, B, or C	Generally not eligible	🔴 Low

Properties with EPC ratings of E, F, or G are given the highest priority under ECO4 because they have the greatest potential for improvement. The scheme's goal is to bring these homes up to at least a Band C rating, which can reduce energy bills by £400–£900 per year.

If you don't know your EPC rating, you can check it for free on the government EPC register. Simply enter your postcode and find your property. If your home has never had an EPC, one will be arranged as part of the application process at no cost.

Which property types qualify for ECO4?

ECO4 covers a wide range of property types across the UK. Here's what qualifies:

• Owner-occupied homes — houses, bungalows, flats, and maisonettes
• Private rented properties — with written landlord consent
• Social housing — council homes and housing association properties
• Park homes — eligible for certain insulation measures
• Properties of any age — from Victorian terraces to 1990s builds

Properties that may not qualify

Some properties are excluded from ECO4 or may face restrictions:

• New-build homes — properties built after 2012 typically have high EPC ratings already
• Listed buildings — may be eligible but with restrictions on external insulation
• Properties in severe disrepair — structural issues may need addressing first
• Second homes or holiday lets — only primary residences qualify

What improvements can you get through ECO4?

ECO4 funds a comprehensive range of energy efficiency measures. The specific improvements offered depend on your home's current condition, EPC rating, and what will make the biggest impact:

Under the whole-house approach, a surveyor will assess your property and recommend a package of measures designed to achieve the maximum energy efficiency improvement. For example, a typical package might include cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and a boiler upgrade — all provided free of charge.

ECO4 for tenants: Your rights and options

Tenants absolutely can benefit from ECO4, but the process varies depending on your tenancy type:

Private tenants

If you rent privately and meet the benefit or income criteria, you can apply for ECO4. However, you will need written permission from your landlord before any work begins. Most landlords agree because the improvements increase their property's value and EPC rating at no cost to them.

Your landlord cannot charge you for ECO4 improvements — the work is fully funded by energy suppliers. If a landlord refuses, you can encourage them to read our landlord guide to energy grants explaining the benefits.

Social housing tenants

Council and housing association tenants may qualify if they receive qualifying benefits. However, social landlords often apply for ECO4 funding directly and manage the installation process. Contact your housing provider to ask whether they have an ECO4 programme in place.

How to check your ECO4 eligibility

Follow these steps to find out whether you qualify and get the process started:

1. Use our free eligibility checker — enter your postcode and answer a few quick questions at our eligibility checker to get an instant result
2. Gather your documents — benefit award letters, proof of address, and your latest energy bill
3. A surveyor visits your home — they'll assess your property, check the EPC, and recommend suitable measures
4. Receive your installation package — approved installers carry out the work at no cost to you
5. Enjoy lower energy bills — typical households save £400–£900 per year after improvements

Common ECO4 eligibility mistakes to avoid

Many eligible households miss out on ECO4 because of simple misunderstandings. Here are the most common mistakes:

• Assuming you don't qualify — even partial benefits like Housing Benefit can qualify you
• Not checking LA Flex — households without benefits may still qualify through their council
• Ignoring an old EPC — if your EPC is outdated, a new assessment may show a lower rating that qualifies you
• Waiting too long — funding is finite and the scheme closes March 2026
• Thinking tenants can't apply — tenants are just as eligible as homeowners
• Paying for an application — ECO4 is always free; never pay an agent or broker

ECO4 vs other energy grant schemes in 2026

ECO4 is not the only grant scheme available. Here's how it compares to other options you might be eligible for:

Feature	ECO4	GBIS	Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Funding	100% free	100% free	£7,500 grant
Main requirement	Benefits or LA Flex	Council tax A-D	Own property, valid EPC
Measures covered	Insulation, heating, solar	Insulation only	Heat pumps only
Ends	March 2026	March 2026	March 2028
Can combine?	Yes, with BUS	Yes, with ECO4	Yes, with ECO4/GBIS

You can potentially combine ECO4 with other schemes. For example, you might receive insulation through ECO4 and a heat pump grant through BUS. Read our guide on stacking energy grants for more details.

What happens after ECO4 closes?

ECO4 is currently scheduled to close on 31 March 2026. The government is expected to introduce a successor programme, but the details — including eligibility criteria, funding levels, and available measures — have not been confirmed.

History shows that successive schemes often have tighter eligibility requirements and reduced funding. The original ECO scheme was more generous than ECO2, which was more generous than ECO3, and so on. If you are currently eligible, applying now gives you the best chance of receiving the maximum benefit.

Don't wait for a future scheme that may offer less. Check your eligibility today and secure your free improvements while ECO4 funding is still available.