Saving money on household expenses is critical as the cost of living rises. UK homeowners and renters have used the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme for years to improve energy efficiency. You should be aware of the changes in the ECO4 scheme UK in 2024. This blog outlines the ECO4 scheme, who is eligible, what documents are required, and how to apply.
With the ECO4 Grant Scheme in Scotland and Wales, you can get all the information from the Free Boiler Scheme. You need to update your home heating system for free.
Overview: What Is the ECO4 Scheme UK?
The ECO4 scheme, launched in July 2024, provides energy-efficient upgrades to low-income families to lower energy expenditures and carbon impact. You must receive at least one benefit to be eligible for the ECO4 Grant. Eligible UK homeowners can receive complimentary home heating upgrades, including insulation and free boiler upgrades.
The best part? It’s easy to get started! Check your eligibility for the 2024 Eco4 boiler grant application form.
- What is the ECO4 scheme in Scotland?
ECO4 Funding Scotland is a government-funded program that offers grants and funding to Scottish householders who want to install energy-saving measures in their homes. The scheme aims to help consumers lower their energy consumption and save money on utility bills.
- What is the ECO4 Grant Scheme in Wales?
ECO 4 is a government program that funds energy-efficiency improvements in the home, such as a free central heating system for the first time or updates to an existing heating system, such as boiler replacement, non-condensing boiler replacement, and insulation. The UK government ECO4 Scheme will run for four years, from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2026.
What Does The UK Government ECO4 Scheme Cover?
The ECO4 scheme covers a wide variety of energy-saving measures to make houses warmer, more pleasant, and cheaper to operate, such as:
- Free Boiler Replacement Scheme
Free boiler replacement grants and schemes are available via the UK Government’s ECO Scheme 2024 if you receive qualifying income-related benefits. These government-funded non-condensing boiler replacement grants are offered to homeowners and private tenants. It would help if you met these eligibility criteria, such as having an old boiler, receiving certain benefits, and having a household income of less than £31,000 per year.
- First-Time Free Central Heating Grant
The ECO4 project provides free eco-energy grants for new central heating systems in households without one. This could dramatically improve home heating efficiency. Central heating systems are more efficient than individual heaters, making your home warmer and more comfortable. Gas central heating installation grants can increase the value of your property, making it financially beneficial.
- Free Insulation Grants
Insulation plays an important role in energy savings. ECO4 grants are available for free cavity wall insulation in Wales, lofts, and solid walls. The UK Free Insulation Scheme prevents heat from escaping through walls, roofs, and floors. This keeps your home warmer for longer, reducing heating costs and energy bills.
Who Qualifies For Eco4 Funding UK?
Income, benefits, and the quality of the heating system determine eligibility for the ECO4 scheme. Understanding these eligibility requirements will allow you to take advantage of the grants if you qualify.
ECO4 Grant-Eligible Benefits
ECO4 grants must have one or more of the following benefits:
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA): for unemployed people actively seeking work. JSA recipients may qualify for ECO4.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): This benefit is for people who cannot work due to a disability or illness. The scheme is offered to ESA recipients.
- Income Support Allowance: This benefit is available to low-income individuals without the need to file for unemployment. Income support recipients may be eligible for ECO4 funding.
- Working Tax Credit: Benefits low-income workers. The plan may be available to Working Tax credit holders.
- Low-income families are eligible for the Child Tax Credit. Child Tax Credit recipients are eligible to receive ECO4 incentives.
- Universal Credit: For low-income or unemployed individuals. The plan may be available to Universal Credit recipients.
- Pension Guarantee Credit: This benefit is available to seniors with low incomes. Pension Guarantee Credit holders may be eligible for ECO4.
- Pension Savings Credit: This benefit is available to pensioners over the state pension age who have saved. This scheme is available to Pension Savings Credit participants.
- Child Benefit (subject to income limits): For parents. Income also affects ECO4 scheme eligibility.
- Housing Benefit: This is for renters. Housing Benefit recipients may be eligible for ECO4 grants.
What Exactly Is The Difference Between Eco3 And Eco4?
- Funding increase: ECO4 has a larger financing pool than ECO3, allowing more families to benefit from energy-saving initiatives.
- Broader eligibility: ECO4 broadens eligibility standards to include more low-income households, allowing more people to receive assistance.
- ECO4 focuses on improving overall home energy efficiency to conserve more energy per household.
- Comprehensive measures: Unlike ECO3, which frequently focuses on single measures, ECO4 promotes a whole-house strategy to achieve maximum efficiency gains.
- Support for vulnerable groups: ECO4 has improved provisions for vulnerable groups, such as older people and people with disabilities, to ensure proper care.
What Documents Are Needed for UK ECO4 Scheme Applications in 2024?
In 2024, applicants must provide many documents to confirm their eligibility for the ECO4 Scheme UK 2024. Having these materials readily available will help to simplify the application process.
What you need:
- Proof of Benefits
It would help if you established that you receive qualifying benefits. Include award letters or DWP papers. These documents confirm that you get scheme-eligible benefits.
- Identity and citizenship proof
Valid identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, is required. It verifies your identification and ensures that you have completed the application.
- Proof of Address
Utility bills, council tax invoices, and bank statements showing your present residence are necessary. These documents prove you live at the energy efficiency improvement address.
- EPC Energy Performance Certificate.
Your house requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to determine energy efficiency. Providers may provide EPCs for those who do not have them.
- Old Boiler Information
Your boiler’s make and model are required. It determines your eligibility for the ECO4 scheme, which replaces old boilers. The effort primarily replaces non-condensing boilers installed before 2005.
Check your eligibility for ECO4 funding here or use our online eligibility checker.
Don’t Wait! Apply For ECO4 Scheme 2024 Today
The ECO4 scheme promotes energy efficiency by installing new boilers, insulation, and renewable heating systems. Free Boiler Scheme’s free home energy upgrades save energy costs and encourage sustainability.
