Energy price hikes are currently at their highest and many households are finding it difficult to afford their bills as a result. With that in mind, a lot of people are looking for new ways to keep their homes warm that will also ensure they make significant savings on their energy expenses. Through the ECO4 scheme that is currently in place, you could get a government-backed free insulation grant if you meet the eligibility criteria it lays out. Find out if you could qualify for free insulation funding by visiting https://freeinsulationscheme.org.uk/
Can you get a home insulation grant through ECO4?
Free home insulation grants are available through the ECO scheme to fit cavity wall insulation, internal wall insulation, loft insulation, and room in roof insulation. Any of these insulation types could save you a minimum of £145 on your annual energy bills. All UK homeowners and some privately renting tenants who meet the eligibility criteria can qualify for free insulation funding. As long as your property is occupied, meaning it is not under any current renovation, you should be able to get an insulation grant.
Are you required to pay back the grant?
If you are eligible for an insulation grant you won’t have to worry about paying it back as it is completely free. As long as you meet the terms of the scheme, an installer will carry out the work and the grant will be added to cover the cost of the installation. Through the conditions of the ECO scheme, it is down to the main energy suppliers including British Gas, E. ON, Npower, Scottish Power, SSE, EDF, and others to provide the grants that will cover the cost of adding insulation to eligible homes.
Since the last variation of the ECO scheme to the current ECO4, there have been some changes to the eligibility criteria. This means that some people who would have previously been excluded from the scheme because they didn’t receive any benefits might now be eligible for a home insulation grant, particularly if they are from a low-income household. Funding is also aimed at homes whose Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) puts them in bands D, E, F, or G.
What are the qualifying benefits of an insulation grant?
If you or someone in your household is claiming one or more of the benefits listed below, then you should be able to get a free insulation grant. So, you can enjoy the benefits of having insulation fitted in your home without worrying about the steep price tag that comes with it.
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit (now eligible under ECO4)
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (now eligible under ECO4)
Even if you are not eligible for a full home insulation grant it is still worth applying as you might be able to access a subsidised grant to partially cover the cost of your new insulation.
