UK Cost of Living: 6 Government Grants Helping the Vulnerable & Landlords
The rising cost of energy and everyday essentials has left [...]
The rising cost of energy and everyday essentials has left many households under pressure. For vulnerable families and landlords managing rental properties, keeping up with bills isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a serious financial strain. That’s why the government has introduced a range of cost-of-living grants and energy support schemes to ease the burden.
Some offer short-term relief; others help reduce bills permanently by improving your home’s efficiency. Knowing which is which, and who qualifies, is the first step toward making real savings.
Here are six government-backed grants and schemes worth knowing about, plus how So Eco helps you check eligibility and unlock the right support.
1. Energy Company Obligation (ECO Schemes)
The Energy Company Obligation is one of the government’s main long-term schemes to support vulnerable households and improve home energy efficiency. The scheme currently running is focused on improving insulation and upgrading heating systems in low-income or fuel-poor homes. Its approach is often described as “fabric first”, making sure homes are properly insulated before replacing or upgrading heating systems.
Who qualifies:
Households on certain means-tested benefits.
Homes with low EPC ratings (E, F, G).
People are considered vulnerable to fuel poverty.
What it covers:
Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, internal wall insulation, and room-in-roof insulation.
Heating system upgrades or repairs are where appropriate.
In some cases, renewable technologies may be included, though insulation and heating remain the main priorities.
How to apply: Applications are made via approved suppliers or partners. At So Eco, we simplify this by checking your eligibility through our online tool, handling the paperwork, and arranging the necessary surveys.
Looking further ahead, the scheme is expected to continue beyond 2026, with future versions likely to broaden support for low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and batteries, while maintaining a strong focus on reducing fuel poverty.
Learn more at Ofgem’s ECO scheme page.
2. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to encourage households to move from fossil fuel heating to low-carbon alternatives.
Who qualifies: Homeowners in England or Wales with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The scheme supports replacing oil, gas, or direct electric heating.
What it covers: Grants of up to £7,500 for air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, or biomass boilers.
How to apply: Accredited installers apply on your behalf, and the grant is taken directly off the upfront cost.
See GOV.UK: Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
At So Eco, we make it simple. We check eligibility, guide you through requirements, and connect you with accredited partners who handle the application and installation.
3. Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount provides direct help with winter energy costs. It’s a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill during the colder months.
Who qualifies: Pensioners on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, and some low-income households (depending on the supplier).
What it covers: A £150 discount is applied automatically for most eligible households.
How to apply: Most people don’t need to apply; suppliers and government records handle this automatically.
More details: Warm Home Discount scheme.
4. Winter Fuel Payment
For older households, the Winter Fuel Payment provides extra support when heating costs are at their highest.
Who qualifies: Most people born before a set date each year (generally over 66). Payments are automatic if you already get the State Pension or certain benefits.
What it covers: Between £250 and £600, depending on age and circumstances, plus a one-off Pensioner Cost of Living top-up.
How to apply: Usually automatic, though some need to claim if not receiving the State Pension.
Read the Winter Fuel Payment guidance.
5. Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is provided by local councils and offers short-term help with essentials like food, clothing, and energy bills. It’s particularly important for vulnerable households in immediate difficulty.
Who qualifies: Households struggling with essentials. Eligibility varies by council.
What it covers: Food vouchers, energy bill contributions, and sometimes clothing or school costs.
How to apply: Through your local council or with help from Citizens Advice.
6. Landlord Energy Efficiency Support
Landlords are also under pressure. Properties below EPC band E cannot legally be rented, and improving energy efficiency can be costly.
While there isn’t one single national grant for landlords, support is available through:
ECO (if tenants qualify).
Local authority schemes.
In some cases, regional funding is used to improve rental stock.
So Eco’s landlord services help property owners explore options, keep homes compliant, and reduce running costs for tenants.
How So Eco Supports You
So Eco doesn’t replace these grants. We make them easier to access. Our role is to:
Check eligibility with our free tool.
Handle the paperwork for schemes like ECO and BUS.
Connect you with accredited installers who carry out the work to high standards.
Alongside these grants, we also guide households and landlords through:
Insulation upgrades, from loft to internal walls.
Our renewable energy hub provides a complete view of sustainable options.
FAQs: Government Grants and Support
Do cost of living grants cover solar or heat pumps?
Not usually. Cost of living grants are normally cash payments or bill discounts. Energy upgrades are mainly supported through ECO or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
What are energy bill grants UK, and do I qualify?
They include schemes like ECO, Warm Home Discount, and the Household Support Fund. Eligibility depends on your income, benefits, and property type. Use So Eco’s eligibility checker or GOV.UK’s energy bills support page for guidance.
Can landlords apply for ECO?
Yes, if their tenants qualify under the scheme’s criteria.
Can I combine different grants?
Sometimes. For example, you may receive ECO support for insulation and also qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. But BUS and ECO usually don’t overlap on the same system.
What’s the Household Support Fund?
It’s a local council fund to help with essentials like food and heating. Check details through your local authority or Citizens Advice.
What about the future of ECO?
The scheme is expected to continue beyond 2026, with future versions likely to include broader support for low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and batteries, while keeping fuel-poor households as the priority.
Final Thoughts
Government schemes and energy bill grants UK provide vital support in difficult times. Some bring immediate relief, while others lower bills for good. Together, they form a toolkit that households and landlords can use to fight rising costs.
So Eco’s role is to simplify it all: checking eligibility, guiding applications, and connecting you with accredited installers.
If you’re ready to see what you qualify for, explore our grants and funding or try our eligibility checker.
Because the real goal isn’t just getting by – it’s creating a home that’s affordable, comfortable, and sustainable for years to come.
