ECO4 Scheme Eligibility Guide: How to Qualify for a Free Boiler Grant in the UK
The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) scheme is a government-backed initiative in the UK designed
to ease fuel poverty, cut energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions by funding home energy, including free boiler replacements for eligible households.
Let’s be honest… no one wants to spend another winter wrapped in blankets or stressing over sky-high heating bills. If your boiler’s clunky and your home’s always cold, you’re not alone. That’s why the UK government introduced the ECO4 scheme is designed to help people like you stay warm and save money through fully funded energy-saving upgrades, including free boiler replacements for eligible households.
If you’re struggling with high heating costs, an old inefficient boiler, or cold, draughty living spaces, ECO4 could help. The scheme targets low-income and vulnerable households, offering grants to upgrade outdated heating systems with modern, energy-efficient alternatives at no cost.
ECO 4 Scheme Upgrade 2025
The ECO4 scheme isn’t some outdated initiative collecting dust. It’s been refreshed to actually work better. In late 2024, they tightened the rules to focus even more on families in hard-to-heat homes, especially those off the gas grid or struggling with bad insulation. So if that sounds like your situation, you might be even more likely to qualify now.
ECO4 2024 vs 2025 Updates
| Aspect | ECO4 2024 | ECO4 2025 Update | Alignment with Heatcore Offerings |
| Scheme Focus | Low-income households and vulnerable groups | Increased focus on hard-to-heat homes & low-income | ✔ Heatcore targets vulnerable & low-income customers |
| Boiler Replacement | Fully funded energy-efficient boiler replacements | Continued funding for new energy-efficient boilers | ✔ Heatcore provides free boiler replacements |
| Heating Controls | Smart heating controls are eligible | Enhanced incentives for smart heating controls | ✔ Heatcore offers heating control upgrades |
| Insulation Types Covered | Loft and cavity wall insulation included | Additional insulation options like room-in-roof | ✔ Heatcore offers loft, cavity, and room-in-roof insulation |
| Benefit Types Covered | UC, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credits eligible | Continued focus on UC, Pension Credit, and Child Tax Credits | ✔ Heatcore eligibility matches these benefit types |
| EPC Requirement | EPC rating between D-G required | EPC threshold remains, with a free EPC survey offered | ✔ Heatcore arranges free EPC surveys |
| Application Process | A mix of online and supplier applications | Streamlined direct applications through suppliers like Heatcore | ✔ Heatcore offers direct online and phone application support |
| Funding Availability | Funding on a first-come, first-served basis | Continues, applies urgency for quick application | ✔ Heatcore encourages prompt applications |
| Tenant Eligibility | Private tenants with landlord permission | Same eligibility criteria | ✔ Heatcore supports private tenants with landlord permission |
What Is the ECO4 Scheme and Why Should You Care?
The ECO4 scheme is part of the Government Heating Scheme UK. It’s designed to help lower-income households improve the energy efficiency of their homes. That means warmer rooms, lower bills, and a smaller carbon footprint.
ECO stands for Energy Company Obligation, and under this fourth version (ECO4), energy suppliers like Heatcore are required to fund home upgrades. And because there’s pressure on them to hit their targets, they want people like you to apply. That means faster approvals, better equipment, and a smoother process all around. Such as new boilers, insulation, and heating controls, for people who need it the most.
And the best part? You don’t need to spend a penny if you qualify.
Could you be missing out? Check your ECO4 eligibility in 30 seconds — most people are surprised to find out they qualify.
Who Qualifies: Understanding the ECO4 Eligibility Criteria
Here’s where things get real. You may already be eligible and not even know it.
To qualify for the ECO4 scheme in 2025, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. You Receive Government Benefits
If you or someone in your household gets income-related benefits, you could automatically qualify. This includes:
- Universal Credit (earning less than £1,423/month after tax)
- Pension Credit (guarantee and/or savings element)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit or Child Tax Credits (household income under £18,723)
Your award letter should be dated within the last 3 months.
2. Your Property Has a Low EPC Rating
Your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating needs to be between D and G. Don’t have one? Don’t stress, we can arrange a free EPC survey for you.
Learn more about how EPC ratings work.
Still not sure if you qualify? Talk to Heatcore — we’ll guide you through every step.
What Energy Efficiency Upgrades Are Covered?
Here’s the thing… ECO4 isn’t just about boilers. Sure, a new one’s great, but the scheme can go further. You might get insulation for your loft, better heating controls, and even upgrades to make your entire home more energy-efficient. It’s like a full heating makeover without the hefty price tag. If you qualify for the ECO4 scheme, you could be in for more than just a new boiler. The funding can also cover:
- Boiler replacement or full central heating installation
- Smart heating controls
- Loft and cavity wall insulation
- Room-in-roof insulation
- Draught-proofing and pipe lagging
This isn’t just about being warmer, it’s about long-term energy efficiency upgrades that save you hundreds over time.
Mariah, a pensioner in Nottingham, replaced her old boiler under ECO4. She now saves £40/month and her home finally feels cosy again.
ECO Innovation Uplifts
Ever heard of “innovation uplifts”? No worries if not… I hadn’t either. But basically, it means the companies installing your new boiler or insulation could get bonus points (literally) for using the best tech. So you’re not just getting a cheap fix, you’re getting a kit that’s been tested to actually save you money in the long run.
The Documents You’ll Need
If you’re anything like me, paperwork can be a bit of a headache. But getting these ready up front can make things smoother:
- Proof of benefits – a recent award letter from DWP (not older than 3 months)
- Proof of ID – a passport, driving licence, or birth certificate
- Proof of address – your latest council tax bill or a recent utility bill
- EPC certificate – don’t have one? We’ll arrange this for free.
Having these documents ready will help speed up your application. And if anything’s missing, no worries, Heatcore can help fill in the blanks.
The ECO4 Application Process: Step-by-Step
Okay, let’s walk through how to actually apply. It’s easier than you might think:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Start with Heatcore’s online eligibility checker. It’s fast, free, and doesn’t lock you into anything.
Step 2: Submit Your Documents
Upload your documents online or send copies by post. If you get stuck, just call and someone will help.
Step 3: Book a Free Home Survey
A certified Gas Safe engineer from Heatcore will visit your home. They’ll check your boiler, heating controls, and insulation to confirm what needs upgrading.
Step 4: Get Approved and Schedule Installation
Once approved, you’ll be booked in for installation. The work is done by registered professionals and typically takes just one day.
Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | What Happens | Your Action | Notes |
| 1. Check Eligibility | Use Heatcore’s online checker to see if you qualify based on your age, income, and boiler status | Answer a few quick questions | Takes less than 30 seconds |
| 2. Upload Documents | Provide proof of benefits, ID, address, and EPC report | Upload or send your documents | Benefit letter must be less than 3 months old |
| 3. Book a Free Home Survey | A Gas Safe engineer visits your home to inspect your boiler and heating system | Schedule a convenient survey time | Free of charge, no deposit |
| 4. Approval & Confirmation | Heatcore reviews documents and surveys, confirms ECO4 grant eligibility | Wait for confirmation | No need to contact the council yourself |
| 5. Boiler Installation | Professional installation of a new energy-efficient boiler and any eligible insulation | Be home for installation day | Usually completed in 1 day |
| 6. Post-Installation Support | Heatcore ensures the system works perfectly and provides warranty support | Contact Heatcore for any follow-up questions | Support team available if needed |
Apply now with Heatcore and get the ball rolling before funding runs out.
Warning: ECO4 funding is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply now before your slot is gone.
Check out what our customers say on Trustpilot
Junior:
What I will say is that the workmanship was far better than my expectations, and they all did a great job with care and attention, and courtesy
Everything You Need to Know About ECO4
Is this really free?
Wondering if ECO4 is truly free? The answer is yes, and if you qualify, the entire cost is covered by the scheme, with no deposits or hidden fees. As for the boiler you’ll receive, you can expect a modern, A-rated condensing model backed by a warranty.
While you can’t choose the brand, all options provided are trusted and highly efficient. If you’re a tenant in a privately rented home, you may still apply with your landlord’s permission, though council and housing association tenants aren’t eligible.
The process is quick, typically taking 3 to 5 weeks from the installation application, even faster if you have all your documents prepared!
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Here’s the truth: ECO4 funding won’t be around forever. It’s time-sensitive, and demand is high. Every month, we see more people applying, which means fewer spots left.
So if you’ve read this far, chances are you’re either eligible or pretty close.
Taking just 30 seconds to check your eligibility could mean a free boiler, lower bills, and a much warmer home.
Here’s the bit most people miss: ECO4 is time-limited. The government checks in every year or so and changes the rules depending on uptake. If too many people apply, or if targets get hit early, you could miss out. So if your gut’s telling you to apply, do it now. You’ve got nothing to lose.
Ready to stop worrying about your boiler? Apply now or contact our team today. We’re here to help, not hassle.
