ECO4 vs GBIS: Quick Comparison
| Feature | ECO4 | GBIS |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Must receive qualifying benefits | Council tax bands A-D (no benefits needed) |
| EPC requirement | D, E, F, or G | No EPC requirement |
| What you get | Insulation, boilers, solar, heat pumps, first-time central heating | Insulation only (loft + cavity wall) |
| Max value | £10,000+ (multiple measures) | Up to £1,800 (insulation only) |
| Deadline | December 2026 (extended) | March 2026 |
| Homeowners | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Private tenants | ✅ Yes (with landlord consent) | ✅ Yes (with landlord consent) |
When to Apply for ECO4
- You receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, JSA, ESA, etc.)
- You want MORE than just insulation (boiler, solar panels, heat pump)
- Your home has an EPC of D or below
- You want the maximum possible value (£10,000+)
ECO4 is the bigger, more comprehensive scheme. If you qualify, always apply for ECO4 first — it covers more measures and has higher funding per household.
When to Apply for GBIS
Apply for GBIS if:
- You DON'T receive qualifying benefits
- You're in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales)
- You mainly need insulation (loft or cavity wall)
- You want a simpler, faster application process
Can You Get BOTH?
Yes — but not for the same measures. If you qualify for ECO4 and get your cavity walls insulated, you can't then get GBIS to do the same work. But you COULD get ECO4 for a boiler replacement and GBIS for loft insulation, for example.
In practice, if you qualify for ECO4, it covers everything GBIS does and more. GBIS is really the fallback for people who don't qualify for ECO4.
Can You Stack With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Yes! The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is completely separate. You can get ECO4 insulation AND a £7,500 heat pump grant through BUS. This is the ideal combination — insulate first, then install a heat pump into a well-insulated home for maximum efficiency.
Not Sure Which You Qualify For?
Our eligibility checker tests you against ALL active schemes simultaneously. Enter your postcode, answer a few questions, and see exactly what you're entitled to.