The ECO4 grant can cover up to £15,000 in heating and insulation costs, but eligibility rules are tighter than previous schemes.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a UK government scheme that requires large energy suppliers to fund energy-efficiency improvements for low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households. It replaces the earlier ECO3 scheme with stricter eligibility criteria and a stronger focus on whole-house upgrades rather than single measures.
Applying for the ECO4 grant starts with checking you receive a qualifying benefit like Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Grants cover up to £15,000 for insulation and heating, but you must own your home or have landlord permission. Contact your energy supplier to begin.
- Check you receive one of 7 qualifying means-tested benefits.
- You must own your home or have landlord permission.
- Grants cover up to £15,000 for whole-house upgrades.
- Social housing tenants need an EPC rating of E, F, or G.
- Apply through your energy supplier or an authorised installer.
- The ECO4 grant can cover up to £15,000 in heating and insulation costs, but eligibility rules are tighter than previous schemes.
- How to apply for ECO4 starts with checking your benefits status
- Quick numbers ECO4 grant amounts and energy savings
- How to apply for ECO4 requires a certified installer assessment
- How to apply for ECO4 grant gov uk the step-by-step process
- How to verify an ECO4 installer MCS certification and TrustMark registration
- What to do if your ECO4 application is rejected
The maximum grant value varies by property type and the measures installed, but insulation and heating system replacements can reach up to £15,000 per household, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ, 2026). The exact amount depends on your home’s size, current energy performance, and which improvements are recommended.
How to apply for ECO4 starts with checking your benefits status
Eligibility for ECO4 is primarily based on whether you receive specific means-tested benefits. You must be receiving at least one of the following: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit (with a household income below £20,000), or Working Tax Credit (with a household income below £20,000). Housing Benefit recipients may also qualify in some cases (GOV.UK, 2026).
You must also own your home or rent from a private landlord. Social housing tenants are generally ineligible unless the property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F, or G. If you rent privately, your landlord must agree to the work, and the property must have a valid EPC rating below D (Ofgem, 2026).
Quick numbers ECO4 grant amounts and energy savings
| Measure type | Typical grant value (£) | Estimated annual bill saving (£) | Typical payback period (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation | £500 – £1,000 | £180 – £225 | 3 – 5 |
| Cavity wall insulation | £800 – £2,000 | £250 – £350 | 3 – 6 |
| Solid wall insulation (internal or external) | £5,000 – £15,000 | £400 – £700 | 8 – 15 |
| Gas boiler replacement | £1,500 – £4,000 | £200 – £350 | 5 – 10 |
| Air source heat pump | £7,500 – £15,000 | £300 – £600 | 10 – 20 |
| Solar PV panels | £3,000 – £6,000 | £200 – £400 | 8 – 15 |
Grant values and savings figures are based on data from the Energy Saving Trust and Ofgem’s ECO4 deemed scores (Energy Saving Trust, 2026; Ofgem, 2026). Actual savings depend on your current heating system, property size, and energy usage.
How to apply for ECO4 requires a certified installer assessment
You cannot apply directly to the government for an ECO4 grant. Instead, you must contact an MCS-certified installer or an approved ECO4 delivery body, such as your energy supplier or a local authority scheme. The installer is responsible for assessing your property and submitting the funding request on your behalf (GOV.UK, 2026).
The installer visits your home to survey the property, assess the current EPC rating, and recommend which eligible measures will deliver the best energy savings. They also check that your home meets the minimum EPC requirement (typically below D) and that the proposed work is technically suitable (MCS Service, 2026).
How to apply for ECO4 grant gov uk the step-by-step process
Follow these steps to apply for an ECO4 grant:
- Step 1: Check your benefits eligibility and EPC rating. You need to be receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit, and your home must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. You can check your EPC rating on the GOV.UK EPC register (GOV.UK, 2026).
- Step 2: Find an MCS-certified installer or local authority scheme. Use the GOV.UK “Find an installer” tool or contact your energy supplier directly. Some local authorities also run ECO4 schemes for residents (GOV.UK, 2026).
- Step 3: The installer conducts a free survey and submits a funding request. The survey will assess your home’s current energy performance and recommend eligible measures. The installer then submits the funding request to your energy supplier or the scheme administrator.
- Step 4: If approved, the installer completes the work, and the supplier funds the cost directly. You do not receive the grant money yourself. The supplier pays the installer, and you pay nothing for the approved work (GOV.UK, 2026).
How to verify an ECO4 installer MCS certification and TrustMark registration
All ECO4-funded installations must be carried out by installers registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for heating and renewable measures. For insulation work, installers must also hold TrustMark registration and be certified under the relevant PAS standards, such as PAS 2030:2023 (MCS Service, 2026).
Before agreeing to any work, check your installer’s credentials on the MCS website or the TrustMark database. TrustMark is a government-endorsed quality scheme that ensures work meets building regulations and industry standards (TrustMark, 2026). Using an unregistered installer could mean the work is not funded under ECO4 and may not comply with building regulations.
What to do if your ECO4 application is rejected
Common rejection reasons include: you are not receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit, your property’s EPC rating is D or above (meaning it is already reasonably efficient), or your home already has adequate insulation or heating that meets current standards. The installer or supplier should explain the specific reason for rejection in writing (Ofgem, 2026).
If you believe the decision is incorrect, you can appeal by requesting a review from your energy supplier. You can also contact the Citizens Advice consumer service for free, independent guidance on how to challenge the decision or find alternative support (Citizens Advice, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by checking you receive a qualifying benefit like Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Then contact your energy supplier or an authorised installer to arrange a free home assessment. Ofgem oversees the scheme and provides a list of participating suppliers.
You must receive one of these: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit (income under £20,000), or Working Tax Credit (income under £20,000). Housing Benefit may also qualify in some cases, according to GOV.UK.
The maximum grant is up to £15,000 per household for insulation and heating system replacements, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The exact amount depends on your property size and recommended measures.
You must receive a qualifying means-tested benefit and own your home or rent from a private landlord. Social housing tenants are only eligible if the property has an EPC rating of E, F, or G. Private renters need landlord consent and an EPC below D, as set by Ofgem.
The application process typically takes 4 to 12 weeks from initial assessment to installation. This includes a home survey, approval from your energy supplier, and scheduling the work. Delays can occur if your property needs multiple measures.
