How long does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant take?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from application to payment, though the installation itself must be completed before you receive the money. According to Ofgem’s latest data, the average processing time for a valid application is around 30 working days, but this can vary depending on installer workload and documentation checks.

Here is a realistic timeline based on the official process:

• You choose an MCS-certified installer, who submits the BUS application on your behalf.
• Ofgem reviews the application within 2 to 3 weeks. If documents are missing or incorrect, this adds 1 to 2 weeks.
• Once approved, the installer completes the installation. You then confirm the work is done.
• Ofgem pays the installer directly, usually within 10 working days after confirmation. The installer then passes the £7,500 grant to you.

In practice, the total time from first contact to money in your account is often 8 to 12 weeks. For example, Energy Saving Trust case studies show some households waited 10 weeks from application to payment in 2024, while others with straightforward applications received their grant in 5 weeks.

When this matters more: if you are on a tight budget or need the grant to cover the upfront cost of a heat pump, the delay can be significant. Installers may ask for a deposit or full payment upfront, so you need to have that cash available for 6 to 12 weeks. When it does not matter: if you have savings to cover the installation and can wait for the grant as a reimbursement, the processing time is less of a concern.

Bottom line: expect 6 to 8 weeks from application to payment for a smooth BUS claim, but budget for up to 12 weeks if there are delays. Check your installer’s payment terms before committing.

Sources

• Energy Saving Trust
• gov.uk
• Ofgem

A worked example

A 1930s semi-detached house in Manchester with a gas boiler being replaced by an air source heat pump typically receives the £7,500 BUS grant within 6 to 8 weeks of the installer submitting the application. The homeowner, Sarah, chooses an MCS-certified installer who submits the application on day one. Ofgem approves the application after 15 working days and the installation is completed on day 30. The installer confirms the installation digitally and Ofgem pays the £7,500 directly to the installer on day 42, who then deducts it from Sarah’s final invoice. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the homeowner must have the cash available for up to 12 weeks as the installer may require a deposit or full payment before the grant arrives. The heat pump costs £12,000 before the grant, leaving an upfront cost of £4,500 after the £7,500 BUS deduction.

What homeowners often get wrong

The most common mistake is assuming the BUS grant is paid upfront before installation, when in reality the installation must be completed and confirmed before Ofgem releases the money. Here are three errors that cause delays or missed savings

1. Thinking the grant covers the full cost of the heat pump Many homeowners expect the £7,500 grant to cover the entire installation, but a typical air source heat pump costs £11,000 to £15,000. The remaining £3,500 to £7,500 must come from your own pocket, and failing to budget for this can leave you unable to proceed after the application is approved.
2. Choosing an installer based solely on price Homeowners often pick the cheapest quote without checking if the installer is MCS-certified and experienced with BUS applications. A non-MCS installer cannot submit the application, and a poorly documented claim can add 4 to 6 weeks to the processing time, potentially voiding your 0% VAT eligibility if the installation slips past March 2027.
3. Assuming the grant pays for any heat pump type Some homeowners believe the BUS grant applies to all heat pumps, but it only covers air source, ground source, and water source heat pumps. Installing a hybrid system or a heat pump that isn’t on the MCS product database disqualifies you from the £7,500, leaving you with a £12,000 bill and no grant.

Quick reference

• Ofgem aims to process valid BUS applications within 30 working days, but incomplete submissions can push this to 50 working days or more.
• The £7,500 grant is paid directly to the installer, not to the homeowner, so you must agree on a payment schedule in writing before work begins.
• You must own the property and have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation to qualify for the BUS grant.
• Installing a heat pump under the BUS scheme saves around £395 per year on heating bills for a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
• Delays often occur when the installer submits the application with missing documents such as the MCS certificate or the property’s EPC, so check all paperwork is complete before submission.