Can I Get a Free Government Insulation Grant If I’m Not on Benefits?
Key takeaways: The government offers free loft and cavity wall [...]
Key takeaways:
- The government offers free loft and cavity wall insulation to low-income households across the UK.
- Households can claim grants of up to 25% for installing external wall insulation, even if they’re not on low income or benefits.
- The ECO Scheme will come to an end in March 2026.
Households on low income or benefits are likely eligible for 100% funding for insulation grants, making their homes more energy efficient with lower heating bills.
However, if you’re not on benefits, you may still be eligible for a government insulation grant.
Here’s what you need to know:
Can I get my house insulated for free?
Most households across the UK can claim government grants of up to 25% for installing external wall insulation, even if they’re not on benefits or have a low income.
However, if you want your house insulated for free, certain criteria must be met before you reap the benefits.
In order to qualify for a free cavity wall or loft insulation grant, your property must meet certain criteria.
The property must be:
- A residential property
- Insulated to a specified standard
- Owned by you (or you must have permission from the owner)
- Your main home (you must live in the property for at least 6 months of the year)
These government grants are currently available through the ECO scheme.
What is the ECO Scheme?
Set up in 2013, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is a government initiative that aims to tackle fuel poverty and help people stay warm in their homes.
Homeowners can be eligible for more than one grant through the ECO scheme, and with it being a grant, the money doesn’t need to be repaid.
Although some homes may be offered enough to fund 100% of the installation, some households may not receive the full grant due to their situation and will need to cover some of the costs.
The ECO scheme offers grants available for numerous types of insulation, including:
- Loft insulation
- Internal walls insulation
- Room in roof insulation
To learn more about home insulation, click on the links.
The programme will come to an end in March 2026, so you better act fast.
What makes the Great British Insulation Scheme different from ECO4?
The ECO4 Scheme is exclusively available to low-income households that are receiving government benefits, such as; Income-based Jobseekers Allowance; Universal Credit; Income Support; and Child Tax Credits.
On the other hand, the Great British Insulation Scheme (formally the ECO+ Scheme) is aimed at households that don’t receive government support but live in a home with an EPC rating of D or below and in a lower Council Tax band.
Contact us today to see if you’re eligible for either scheme!
What are the criteria for a free loft insulation grant?
To be eligible for free insulation through the ECO4 Scheme, somebody living in the property must be receiving at least one of the benefits listed below:
- Child Benefit (household income limits apply)
- Child Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Households receiving a gross annual income of £31,000 or less also qualify for grant funding.
Limits for child benefit income for free government grants UK
Homes applying for a free insulation grant while using Child Benefit as the primary qualifying benefit will be tested against their household income.
The amount each household is entitled to will vary depending on the number of children in the house and whether the claimant is a single parent or part of a couple.
A property’s household income from all sources (before tax) must not exceed the limits shown below:
| Single | Couple | |
| 1 Child | £19,900 | £27,500 |
| 2 Children | £24,800 | £32,300 |
| 3 Children | £29,600 | £37,200 |
| 4+ Children | £34,500 | £42,000 |
It’s worth noting that these income rules only apply if Child Benefit is the only benefit received in the household.
If you receive any benefits listed in the previous section, you automatically qualify and don’t need to meet the income rules.
Why bother with insulation?
Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow, keeping your home warm in winter but nice and cool in summer.
Some of the many benefits of home insulation include:
- Lower home energy bills
- Reduced heat loss
- Lower environmental impact
- Dry, warm and comfortable home
To enquire about free insulation, contact So Eco today.
Loft insulation grant for pensioners
The government offers a wide range of benefits and grants to help pensioners with the cost of energy bills and insulation costs.
One such benefit is the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a one-off payment of between £150 to £300 to help cover the cost of heating your home during the winter months.
To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must be:
- Aged 66 or over (born on or before 25 September 1956)
- Living in the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man during the winter period
- In receipt of a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance
Once you have applied for the payment, you’ll get it automatically the following year.
Check if you’re eligible today
Get in touch with So Eco today to check your eligibility for a free insulation grant.
Simply fill in our quick eligibility form and see whether you’re eligible today!
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