Understanding Insulation Grants

Many homeowners assume they need to be receiving certain benefits to qualify for free insulation grants, but this isn’t always the case.

There are several government schemes in Great Britain that offer free or reduced-price insulation to help improve home energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

What Insulation Grants Are Available?

Two primary insulation grant schemes are available to homeowners in Great Britain:

• Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
• ECO4 (including LA Flex)

While both offer insulation funding, they have different eligibility requirements.

What Types of Insulation Can I Get?

You could be eligible for free grants for these types of insulation:

• Loft insulation grants
• Roof insulation grants
• Cavity wall insulation grants
• External wall insulation grants
• Internal solid wall insulation grants

A free loft insulation grant is the most commonly awarded because it is usually the least expensive insulation option.

However, it is still possible to get funding for cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation.

GBIS: Eligibility Criteria

The Great British Insulation Scheme focuses on supporting low-income households living in homes with poor energy efficiency. To qualify for GBIS, you must meet the following criteria:

• Household Income: Below £31,000 per year
• EPC Rating: D-G
• Council Tax Band: A-E in Scotland and Wales, or A-D in England
• Homeownership: You must own your property or have your landlord’s permission to proceed.

Importantly, GBIS does not require you to be on benefits to qualify. The focus is on household income and your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.

ECO4: Eligibility Criteria

ECO4 is designed to help those receiving means-tested benefits improve the energy efficiency of their homes. To qualify for ECO4, you must meet the following criteria:

• Household income: Below £31,000 per year
• EPC rating: D-G
• Means-tested benefits: One of the following:
  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Child Benefit (with a household income below a certain amount)
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Pension Credit Savings Credit
• Homeownership: You must own your property or have your landlord’s permission to proceed

LA Flex: An Alternative for Those Not on Benefits

If you don’t qualify for ECO4 because you don’t receive benefits, you may still be eligible for insulation funding through LA Flex.

• LA Flex is part of the ECO scheme but offers more flexibility regarding eligibility.
• Each Local Authority sets its own criteria for LA Flex to target households in need of support.

Common LA Flex Eligibility Criteria:

• Household income: Below £31,000 per year
• EPC rating: Below D
• Health conditions: Conditions that could be worsened by cold weather
• Fuel poverty: You are considered to be living in fuel poverty because of sustained debt with your energy bills.
• Referral: You have been referred by various organizations, including:
  • Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme
  • Mortgage provider
  • Energy supplier
  • Citizens advice

How to Check Your Eligibility

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money on your energy bills. Click here and apply