Can I Get a Grant for a New Boiler in the UK?

Heating your home can be expensive. Boilers are essential, especially during the cold UK winters. But what happens if your boiler breaks and you can’t afford a new one? The good news is, you might be able to get help through a Boiler Grants UK. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know.

We’ll cover:

What a boiler grant is
Who qualifies
How to apply
The types of boilers covered
Other help available

Let’s get started.

What Is a Boiler Grant?

A boiler grant is free money or funding support to help people in the UK replace their old or broken boilers. These grants are part of government-backed schemes. They help low-income households and vulnerable people to stay warm.

You don’t have to repay a boiler grant. It is not a loan. It’s part of the UK’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and help homes become more energy-efficient.

Why Are Boiler Grants Offered?

The UK government wants to cut energy use and help people save money. Heating makes up a big part of a home’s energy bills. Old boilers are less efficient. That means they use more fuel and cost more to run.

By replacing old boilers with new ones, people can:

Use less energy
Save money on bills
Reduce their carbon footprint
Stay safe and warm

Boiler grants are a key part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which we’ll explore next.

What Is the ECO Scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a UK government program. It started in 2013 and is still running. Its goal is to help households lower their energy bills and improve their home’s heating systems.

Under the ECO scheme, large energy companies must help customers with energy-saving improvements. One of the most popular improvements is getting a boiler grant.

The latest version is ECO4, launched in 2022 and expected to run until 2026.

Who Qualifies for a Boiler Grant?

Not everyone can get a boiler grant. To qualify, you must meet certain rules.

Here are the general criteria:

1. Your Boiler Must Be Old or Broken

Usually, the boiler must be more than 8 years old. It must be inefficient, not working well, or broken.

2. You Must Own or Privately Rent the Property

Homeowners and some private renters are eligible. If you rent, your landlord might need to approve the upgrade.

3. You Must Receive Certain Benefits

You or someone in your household must receive at least one of these benefits:

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Child Benefit (with income limit)
Housing Benefit

4. Your Home Must Have a Poor Energy Rating

The energy rating of your home, called EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), must be E, F, or G. This shows that your home isn’t energy-efficient and needs help.

What Type of Boiler Can You Get?

Most boiler grants cover the cost of installing an A-rated condensing gas boiler. These are energy-efficient and cheaper to run.

Some schemes also offer:

Air source heat pumps
Biomass boilers
Hybrid heating systems

The boiler you get depends on your home and what suits your heating needs best. A qualified installer will assess this during a free survey.

What Does the Boiler Grant Cover?

A boiler grant often covers:

The cost of a brand-new boiler
Professional installation
Thermostat and heating controls (if needed)
Pipework and safety checks

Sometimes, you might need to pay a small fee. But many people pay nothing at all.

How to Apply for a Boiler Grant

Applying is simple. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Check If You Qualify

Use an online boiler grant eligibility checker. These are free and easy to use. You’ll answer a few questions about your income, home, and current boiler.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

If you qualify, fill in the application form online or by phone. You’ll need to provide:

Your name and contact details
Proof of benefits (such as award letters)
Details about your boiler and property

Step 3: Home Assessment

An installer will visit your home. They’ll check your current heating system and make sure your home fits the rules.

Step 4: Installation

If everything is approved, a new boiler will be installed. This is often done within a few weeks.

Is It Really Free?

For many people, yes — the boiler is 100% free.

But in some cases, a small contribution may be needed. This depends on your property, the type of boiler you choose, and any extra work needed. You will be told about this before anything is installed.

What If I Don’t Qualify?

If you don’t qualify for a boiler grant, there are still other options:

1. Local Authority Flex (LA Flex)

This allows people who don’t get benefits but have low income to still get help. It’s part of ECO4. You’ll need to meet your local council’s rules.

2. Boiler Finance Plans

Many companies offer monthly payment plans for new boilers. These can be interest-free or low interest.

3. Green Deal

This was a government loan scheme for energy-saving home improvements. It’s not active now, but some companies still offer Green Deal-style loans.

4. Winter Fuel Payment / Cold Weather Payment

These are payments to help with heating bills. They don’t pay for a new boiler, but they reduce heating costs.

What Are the Benefits of a New Boiler?

Getting a boiler grant can improve your life in many ways:

1. Lower Energy Bills

New boilers are more efficient. They use less fuel and save you money over time.

2. Better Heating

Your home will warm up faster and stay warm for longer.

3. Safer System

Old boilers can leak gas or break down. A new boiler is safer and more reliable.

4. Helps the Environment

Efficient boilers use less gas, which means lower CO2 emissions.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved

Here are a few tips to help your boiler grant application go smoothly:

Double-check your benefit status before applying. Make sure it’s up to date.
Have your EPC rating ready if possible.
Keep paperwork handy, like your National Insurance number and benefit award letters.
Use reputable grant application websites or go directly to the ECO scheme providers.

Final Thoughts

A boiler grant can be a real lifesaver. It helps you heat your home safely and affordably. The UK government knows how important it is for people to stay warm, especially those who struggle with money. That’s why the ECO4 Scheme and other support programs exist.

If your boiler is old, broken, or expensive to run, check if you qualify for a free or discounted replacement. It only takes a few minutes to apply. And you could end up saving hundreds of pounds every year on your heating bills.

Don’t wait until winter hits. Apply for a boiler grant today and enjoy a warmer, safer home tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get a boiler grant?

From application to installation, it can take 2 to 6 weeks. It depends on how fast your paperwork is processed and installer availability.

Can I choose the boiler brand?

Usually, you don’t get to pick. The installer will provide a trusted, energy-efficient brand that meets your needs.

Can landlords apply?

Yes. Landlords can apply on behalf of tenants if the tenant qualifies based on benefits. The landlord must agree to the work.

Can I get a second grant if I’ve had one before?

You can’t get another grant if you’ve already had one in the past few years unless your current boiler is beyond repair and you still meet the rules.