ECO4 Grant Scheme Eligibility:
Everything You Need to Know

The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) grant scheme is a UK government initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and addressing fuel poverty. By focusing on improving the energy efficiency of low-income and vulnerable households, this scheme offers vital support to those who need it most. Here’s an in-depth look at eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

Do you want To Apply for a FREE ECO4 Grant?

Yes

What is the ECO4 Grant Scheme?

The ECO4 scheme is the latest phase of the UK government’s effort to promote energy efficiency. It builds on previous phases of the Energy Company Obligation programme and places a strong emphasis on upgrading the energy performance of homes occupied by vulnerable and low-income households. The scheme not only helps reduce energy bills but also contributes to the UK’s broader goal of lowering carbon emissions.

Who is Eligible for the ECO4 Grant Scheme?

Eligibility for the ECO4 grant scheme is primarily based on financial and vulnerability criteria. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Benefits That Qualify for ECO4

Households receiving the following benefits may be eligible:

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Income Support (IS)

Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

Pension Credit Savings Credit

Working Tax Credit (WTC)

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

Universal Credit (UC)

Housing Benefit

Child Benefit (subject to income caps depending on the number of children and who else lives in the household)

Unfortunately, these benefits are not eligible for the ECO4 grant:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Severe Disability Allowance

Carer’s Allowance

Attendance Allowance

Armed Forces Independence Payment

War Pensions Mobility Supplement

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Constant Attendance Allowance

Other Qualifying Criteria

Additionally, certain households may qualify based on the following criteria:

Low Income and Vulnerable Household Criteria: This includes those with a low income and vulnerabilities related to health, age, or other risk factors.
Local Authority Flexible Eligibility: Some local authorities can identify households that may benefit from the scheme, even if they do not receive the above benefits.

The ECO4 grant scheme eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that support is directed towards those who need it most, in terms of improving their home’s energy efficiency and reducing heating costs.

What Else Affects Eligibility?

Property Type

The scheme typically targets homes that are less energy-efficient and therefore have a lower Energy P erformance Certificate (EPC) rating, usually D, E, F, or G. This also includes the efficiency of your current boiler or heating system. However, if your EPC certificate is above a D but the certificate is old or out of date, you may still qualify as standards may have changed since your last EPC rating was carried out. Therefore, get in touch with us for expert advice.

Residence

Applicants must typically reside in the UK and own or rent the property being upgraded. Private tenants may need landlord permission to proceed.

– Homeowners and private tenants can both be eligible, although the requirements and support available can vary slightly.

– Landlords of eligible tenants may also apply for the grant to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

– Energy-saving measures for social/council housing are dealt with through the relevant local council.

Energy Efficiency Measures

Means Tested Benefit

Someone living in your home is in receipt of a means tested benefit, such as Universal Credit, ESA etc or your household income is below £31k, or you suffer with ill health

EPC Rating D,E,F or G

If you’re not familiar with your Energy performance rating (EPC).
We can check this online for you. Over 41% of homes in the UK are rated ‘D’ or
below.

Inefficient Boiler

Non-condensing boilers are classified as inefficient and most boilers with hot water cylinders too. As well as some older model Combi boilers.

What Measures Will Be Installed Upon A Successful ECO4 Grant Application?

The measures received under ECO4 vary depending on property type, fuel source, and ownership status, ensuring tailored support for different household circumstances.

Off-Gas Properties

For off-gas properties, which are not connected to the mains gas network, ECO4 provides a range of low-carbon and energy-efficient solutions. These homes often rely on more expensive or carbon-intensive fuels such as oil, LPG, or electric heating. Under ECO4, eligible households may receive measures such as air source heat pumps, insulation (including solid wall, cavity wall, loft, and underfloor insulation), and solar panels. The aim is to reduce reliance on costly fuels while improving thermal comfort and cutting carbon emissions. Off-gas properties typically benefit greatly from fabric-first approaches, ensuring that heat loss is minimised before heating system upgrades are installed.

On-Gas Properties

For properties connected to the mains gas network, ECO4 offers a slightly different suite of measures, focusing heavily on improving the energy efficiency of existing gas heating systems alongside fabric improvements. Boiler replacements with energy-efficient models, and a strong emphasis on insulation measures such as cavity wall, loft, and floor insulation to prevent heat loss. In some cases, a hybrid renewable system may be installed and/or smart heating controls. The focus is on achieving the highest possible improvement in the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating while reducing household energy bills and carbon emissions.

Private Tenants and Homeowners

ECO4 provides support to both private tenants and homeowners, but the approach differs slightly depending on tenure. Private tenants, require landlord consent for measures to be installed but under proposed government regulations, private rental properties with an EPC rating below a C will likely need to meet this standard by 2030. Therefore, landlords have a unique opportunity to get ahead of these legal requirements by taking advantage of this scheme to fund this work, at no cost to them or their tenant. This means landlords can improve their properties for free, benefiting tenants with lower bills and warmer homes while avoiding future compliance costs. Both groups are eligible for measures such as insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable technologies where appropriate.

Which Boilers Qualify for Replacement Under The ECO4 Scheme?

Under the ECO4 scheme, boiler eligibility is determined by efficiency ratings. Boilers with an efficiency rating below 86.7% may qualify under the scheme. Find out your current boiler rating by searching our boiler table below to check the efficiency rating of your boiler.

Why Apply Now?

By acting now, eligible households and landlords can access these improvements at no cost, thanks to the government-backed funding. This is a significant opportunity to upgrade your property and for landlords to avoid future compliance costs when energy efficiency standards become mandatory.

Have any questions?
0151 559 1563

How to Check Your Eligibility

1. Enter your postcode using the eligibility checker.

2. Contact us at 0151 559 1563 for personalised advice tailored to your circumstances.

3. Refer to the ECO4 Ofgem guidance to find out more about the government-backed ECO4 grant scheme

Why Choose Us?

We are committed to ensuring that households benefit from the ECO4 scheme with minimal hassle.

Here’s why you can trust us:

• Trustmark Government Endorsed

• NICEIC Approved Contractor

• RECC Approved

• MCS Certified

• Gas Safe Registered

• Trading Standards Compliant

Common Questions About ECO4 Eligibility

Can private renters apply?

Yes, but private renters will need permission from their landlords to proceed with the improvements.

What if my home already has an EPC above D?

Is the scheme completely free?

Does the grant have to be paid back?

The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) grants, which are part of the UK’s energy efficiency scheme, do not need to be paid back by the recipients. These grants are designed to help improve the energy efficiency of homes, particularly for low-income and vulnerable households, by funding measures such as insulation, heating system upgrades, and other energy-saving improvements.
The funding for ECO4 grants comes from the energy suppliers, who are obligated to provide financial support as part of their regulatory requirements. Therefore, eligible homeowners and tenants who receive ECO4 grants benefit from these energy efficiency improvements at no direct cost to themselves, and there is no requirement to repay the grant.

Is this a scam?

What if I do not qualify?

Is this tax payer’s money?

What if I am not in receipt of benefits?

What if my landlord will not agree to it?

Private landlords must agree to the necessary work, but under proposed government regulations, private rental properties with an EPC rating below a C will likely need to meet this standard by 2030. These changes aim to make homes warmer and more energy-efficient for tenants. Therefore, landlords have a unique opportunity to get ahead of these legal requirements by taking advantage of this scheme to fund this work now, at no cost to them or their tenant. This means landlords can improve their properties for free, benefiting tenants with lower bills and warmer homes while avoiding future compliance costs. For more details, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-upgrade-revolution-as-renters-set-for-warmer-homes-and-cheaper-bills

What if I live in council housing or housing association accommodation?

What areas do you cover?

What if I only want a single measure installed, such as solar panels or a heat pump?

ECO4 scheme is a whole-house assessment to improve the energy efficiency of the property. Solar panels are usually installed on eligible off-gas properties to supplement the cost of running a heat pump and lower bills, along with insulation measures. Mains gas eligible properties usually receive new energy-efficient boilers, smart heating controls, and insulation measures to improve the property’s EPC rating and help lower bills.ouse assessment to improve the energy efficiency of the property.

Is this scheme for homeowners only?

Does my house need cavity walls to qualify?

Does my property need to have an EPC rating of D or below?

What if my property is off-gas?

What if I live in a mobile home or vehicle?

What if I live in a park home?

Unfortunately, Park Homes are not eligible.

The grant scheme focuses on improving energy efficiency through approved insulation and heating measures. Unfortunately, park homes are not typically suited for the insulation measures covered under this scheme due to their construction and material limitations. Park homes do not meet the criteria for the installation of standard insulation systems, such as cavity wall insulation or loft insulation, which are required for funding.

Will I qualify if I have a condensing boiler?

Can I apply for other schemes through Fairway Energy?

Currently, Fairway Energy only provides services under the ECO4 and GBIS grant schemes. Fairway Energy do not provide funding or services for any of the following schemes:

• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
• Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
• Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
• Nest Scheme (Wales)
• Warmer Homes Scotland
• Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Cold Weather Payment

For more details on these schemes please refer to the gov.uk website.

Take the first step today and make your home greener, warmer, and cheaper to run with the ECO4 grant scheme!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your home.

Call us today or start your application online! Click the following links to learn more about the evolution and impact of ECO4 or learn more about the potential future of ECO (ECO5).

ECO4 Grant Scheme Eligibility: Everything You Need to Know