Government Grants 2026

Free energy grants for your home

The UK government funds several schemes that can cover the full cost of insulation, heat pumps, and boiler replacements. Check which grants you qualify for — it takes 30 seconds.

Available Schemes

Three government grants you could claim

Each scheme targets different households and improvements. Many homeowners qualify for more than one.

ECO4 Scheme

Up to £10,000+

Free insulation, boiler replacements, and heating upgrades for low-income and vulnerable households. Runs until March 2026.

Benefits-based eligibility

Great British Insulation Scheme

Free insulation

Cavity wall and loft insulation for homes in lower council tax bands. No benefits required — wider eligibility than ECO4.

Council tax bands A–D

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

£7,500

Grants towards air source and ground source heat pumps. Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf. Extended to 2028.

Homeowners only
Scheme Details

ECO4 Scheme

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in eligible homes. It's the largest domestic energy efficiency scheme in the UK, covering everything from loft insulation to first-time central heating systems.

Who qualifies?
  • Receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support
  • Income-Based JSA or Income-Related ESA
  • Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (income under £16,480)
  • Housing Benefit
  • Home with EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
Loft insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Boiler replacement
Central heating
Solid wall insulation
Solar panels
Up to £10,000+
Value of improvements
March 2026
Scheme deadline
2–4 weeks
Typical approval time
100% free
No cost to eligible households
Scheme Details

Great British Insulation Scheme

Formerly known as ECO+, GBIS specifically targets insulation upgrades. The eligibility criteria are broader than ECO4 — you don't need to be on benefits. If your home is in a lower council tax band, you could get free or heavily subsidised insulation.

Who qualifies?
  • Home in council tax bands A–D (England) or A–E (Scotland/Wales)
  • No benefits requirement for the general group
  • Homeowners and private tenants (with landlord consent)
  • Home must have an EPC to confirm insulation need
Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulation
Flat roof insulation
Room-in-roof insulation
Free insulation
For qualifying households
March 2026
Current funding period
45%
Typical heat loss reduction
No benefits
Required for general group
Scheme Details

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides upfront capital grants to help homeowners replace fossil fuel heating with low-carbon alternatives. The £7,500 grant significantly reduces the cost of installing an air source or ground source heat pump.

Who qualifies?
  • Property owner (not available for new builds)
  • Valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • No previous BUS grant on the property
  • Installation by an MCS-certified installer
  • Replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system
Air source heat pump
Ground source heat pump
£7,500
Grant per installation
Until 2028
Scheme extended
£300+/yr
Typical bill savings
2–3 days
Typical installation time
FAQ

Grant questions answered

Common questions about ECO4, GBIS, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Can't find your answer? Enter your postcode and we'll help.

ECO4 is a government obligation on energy suppliers running until March 2026. You may be eligible if you receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Income-Based JSA, and your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Eligible improvements include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, boiler replacements, and first-time central heating.
GBIS provides free or heavily subsidised insulation to homes in council tax bands A–D in England and A–E in Scotland and Wales. It covers cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, flat roof insulation, and room-in-roof insulation. You do not need to be on benefits to qualify — it is available to a wider group of homeowners.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 towards an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump installation. The grant is applied directly by your MCS-certified installer, reducing the upfront cost. You must own your property and have a valid EPC to qualify.
Yes, in many cases you can combine grants. For example, you could receive ECO4 funding for insulation and separately apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for a heat pump. However, you cannot use two grants for the same measure on the same property.
ECO4 applications typically take 2–4 weeks from initial survey to approval. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is usually processed within a few days once your MCS installer submits the application. GBIS timelines vary by local authority but are generally 2–6 weeks.
For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, yes — you must own your property. For ECO4 and GBIS, both homeowners and private tenants (with landlord permission) can apply. Social housing tenants may also qualify through their housing provider.
ECO4 runs until March 2026. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been extended to 2028. GBIS is currently funded through March 2026. Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is recommended.

Check your eligibility now

Enter your postcode to see which grants you qualify for. Free.