The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
- Grants of up to £7,500 are available for low-income households or heat pump upgrades.
- You must receive a qualifying benefit and have an income under £31,000 a year.
- Work must be carried out by a TrustMark or MCS certified installer.
The key variable is your household income and current heating system. Grants are primarily for owner-occupiers or private tenants in England, Scotland, or Wales who receive certain benefits or have a low income (under £31,000 a year for most households). They do not apply to new-build homes or properties with a recent boiler installation. The scheme is delivered by energy suppliers, so you apply through your supplier or a registered installer.
Check your eligibility first
You must be receiving at least one qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Income Support. The Energy Saving Trust confirms that households with an annual income under £31,000 and a property Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G are typically eligible (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). You also need to be the homeowner or have landlord permission. If you live in a flat, check if your building has a communal heating system, grants may not apply.
Choose a registered installer
Only TrustMark or MCS certified installers can carry out work under the grant scheme. The TrustMark website provides a search tool to find vetted tradespeople in your area (TrustMark, 2026). Avoid unregistered contractors, they cannot process the grant, and you risk losing financial protection. The installer will assess your home, confirm eligibility, and submit the grant application on your behalf. You do not pay the installer upfront; the grant is deducted from the final bill.
Apply through your energy supplier
Contact your current energy supplier or the scheme administrator to start the application. Ofgem states that suppliers such as British Gas, E.ON, and Octopus Energy are obligated to offer grants under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme (Ofgem, 2026). You will need to provide proof of benefits, a recent energy bill, and consent for a home survey. The supplier then arranges the survey and installation. Typical processing time is 4–8 weeks. If your application is rejected, you can appeal by contacting the supplier’s customer service team.
A worked example
A typical 1930s semi-detached house in Manchester with gas central heating and an EPC rating of E would receive a £7,500 BUS grant to install an air source heat pump, bringing the upfront cost to roughly £5,500 after the grant and 0% VAT (until March 2027). The Energy Saving Trust estimates this home would save around £395 per year on heating bills compared to an old gas boiler, with a payback period of approximately 14 years. Over the heat pump’s 25-year lifespan, total savings would exceed £9,800 at current energy prices. The homeowner would need an income under £31,000 and a qualifying benefit like Universal Credit to access the grant through a TrustMark-certified installer. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £5,500 |
| Yearly savings | £395 |
| Payback period | 14 years |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £9,800 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake is assuming a boiler grant covers a like-for-like gas boiler replacement when it actually prioritises heat pumps. Here are the three biggest errors homeowners make.
- Thinking the grant is cash in hand The misconception is that the government sends you a cheque. The right answer is that the £7,500 is deducted from the installer’s invoice, meaning you never handle the money and must use a TrustMark-certified firm to avoid voiding the offer.
- Applying before checking your EPC rating Many households rush to apply without realising their property must have an EPC rating of D or lower. If your rating is C or above, you miss out on the grant entirely, wasting time and potentially paying for a survey you did not need.
- Ignoring the income cap Households earning over £31,000 a year often assume they still qualify. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
Quick reference
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £7,500 for an air source heat pump installation in eligible low-income homes.
- You must have an annual household income under £31,000 and receive a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
- Your property’s Energy Performance Certificate must show a rating of D, E, F, or G to qualify for the grant.
- Work must be carried out by a TrustMark or MCS-certified installer to avoid voiding the grant and warranty.
- 0% VAT on heat pump installations applies until March 2027, reducing the upfront cost by roughly £1,000 on a typical system.
Frequently Asked Questions
You qualify if you receive a qualifying benefit like Pension Credit or Universal Credit and have a household income under £31,000 a year. The Energy Saving Trust confirms these criteria apply to owner-occupiers and private tenants in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £7,500 for households upgrading to a heat pump. Ofgem administers the scheme, which is available to owner-occupiers and self-build homes in England and Wales.
Yes, if you receive Universal Credit and have a low household income under £31,000 with a poor EPC rating of D to G. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
