Who Qualifies for a Free Boiler Grant?
To qualify for a free boiler replacement under the Government's ECO4 scheme, you need to meet two main criteria: receive a qualifying benefit, and live in a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.
Qualifying Benefit
You or someone in your household must receive one of the qualifying benefits listed below. Most benefits auto-qualify — some have income thresholds.
EPC Rating D, E, F, or G
Your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. Properties with ratings of E, F, or G are given highest priority.
Benefits That Automatically Qualify
If you receive any of the following benefits, you automatically meet the benefit requirement for a free boiler grant — subject to your property's EPC rating.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is the most common qualifying benefit for a free boiler grant. If you or anyone in your household receives Universal Credit, you are likely eligible for a free boiler replacement under the ECO4 scheme, subject to your property's EPC rating.
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
Pensioners receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit automatically qualify for a free boiler grant. This includes those receiving both Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. The free boiler will not affect your Pension Credit payments.
Income Support
Households receiving Income Support qualify automatically for the ECO4 free boiler grant. Income Support is a means-tested benefit for people on a low income who are not required to seek work.
Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
If you receive income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, you qualify for a free boiler replacement under the ECO4 scheme. This applies to the income-based form of JSA, not contribution-based JSA.
Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance is a qualifying benefit for the ECO4 free boiler grant. This applies to the income-related form of ESA, which is means-tested.
Housing Benefit
Households receiving Housing Benefit may qualify for a free boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme. Housing Benefit is paid to help with rent costs for people on a low income.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance is a qualifying benefit for the ECO4 free boiler grant. DLA is paid to disabled people who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment qualifies you for a free boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme. PIP is the successor to DLA and supports people with long-term physical or mental health conditions.
Carer's Allowance
Carer's Allowance qualifies you for a free boiler grant. It is paid to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a substantial disability or illness.
Severe Disablement Allowance
Severe Disablement Allowance is a qualifying benefit for the ECO4 scheme. It is paid to people who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit qualifies you for a free boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme. It is paid to people who have become disabled as a result of an accident or disease caused by their work.
War Pension Mobility Supplement
War Pension Mobility Supplement is a qualifying benefit for the ECO4 free boiler scheme.
Constant Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance qualifies you for a free boiler replacement under the ECO4 scheme.
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Armed Forces Independence Payment is a qualifying benefit for the ECO4 free boiler grant.
Benefits with Income Thresholds
The following benefits qualify subject to your household income falling below the relevant threshold. Thresholds vary by household size.
Child Tax Credit
If you receive Child Tax Credit and your annual household income is below the relevant threshold for your household size, you qualify for a free boiler grant. Income thresholds vary by the number of adults and children in your household.
Working Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit recipients may qualify for a free boiler grant if their household income falls below the relevant threshold. This benefit is being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit recipients can qualify for a free boiler grant subject to income thresholds that vary by household composition. Single claimants and couples with children have different income limits.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance does not, by itself, appear on Ofgem's standard Help to Heat Group benefit list. It may be relevant where another eligible benefit is received or where the household meets an ECO4 Flex health or low-income route. A supplier or local referral process assesses eligibility.
Universal Credit Income Thresholds
| Household Composition | Max Monthly Take-Home Income |
|---|---|
| 1 Adult | £1,100/month |
| 1 Adult + 1 Child | £1,450/month |
| 1 Adult + 2 Children | £1,800/month |
| 1 Adult + 3 Children | £2,150/month |
| 1 Adult + 4+ Children | £2,500/month |
| 2 Adults | £1,650/month |
| 2 Adults + 1 Child | £2,000/month |
| 2 Adults + 2 Children | £2,350/month |
| 2 Adults + 3 Children | £2,700/month |
| 2 Adults + 4+ Children | £3,050/month |
Child Benefit Income Thresholds
| Household Composition | Max Annual Household Income |
|---|---|
| Single Claimant + 1 Child | £18,500/year |
| Single Claimant + 2 Children | £23,000/year |
| Single Claimant + 3 Children | £27,500/year |
| Single Claimant + 4+ Children | £32,000/year |
| Couple + 1 Child | £25,500/year |
| Couple + 2 Children | £30,000/year |
| Couple + 3 Children | £34,500/year |
| Couple + 4+ Children | £39,000/year |
Don't Receive Any Benefits? You May Still Qualify via LA Flex
Even if you don't receive any qualifying benefits, you may still be eligible through the Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) pathway. Under LA Flex, your local council can confirm your eligibility based on low household income (typically under £31,000/year), health conditions, or living in a deprived area.
Learn About LA FlexEPC Rating Requirements
Don't know your EPC rating? You can check it for free on the Government's EPC register at epcregister.com.