The clock is ticking, and you cannot do anything after once its over. This is 2026, and if you are still struggling with the high energy bills, your old boiler is the problem. Do hurry, applicants! Only two months remain. As per the recent updates, the UK government only offers a free boiler grant 2026 till 31st of March. After that, no applications will be accepted.
The installation of new boilers can change your home life. ECO4 helps many families. They get new, efficient boilers at no cost. This guide covers everything you need. You can still check your eligibility, and you can apply for the free boiler grant till March.
ECO4 Scheme Almost Running Out – Goal Almost Achieved
ECO stands for Energy Company Obligation. Phase 4 is a government initiative to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions. It provides funds for energy upgrades for UK homes. Everything is available for you at NO COST, whether it’s a free boiler or their insulation processes. The scheme started in 2022 with the same target, and it will end in March 2026. The official sources have not confirmed it yet.
Once the government achieved their goal to help low-income and needy households, it will end this scheme for UK netizens. So if you think you’re eligible and in need, you may fill in the application as soon as possible.
- ECO4 is designed to make your home more sustainable, efficient, and warmer in the cold season.
- It can cut your energy cost that can lower bills and provide eco-friendly solutions.
Is the Free Boiler Grant and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026 the Same Or Different
Both schemes are different in their purpose and target goals. Still, many people become confused when discussing the free boiler grant and boiler upgrade scheme. They think of them as the same. But the ultimate difference between them is as follows.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers free grants to reduce low-carbon emissions. This grant is specifically designed for UK homeowners to install heat pumps. On the other hand, the Free Boiler Grant is designed to cut energy bills. It gives sustainable heating solutions through boilers for needy households.
But the ultimate goal of both schemes is just to provide warmth. It can make your boiler more efficient and reliable throughout the season.
Is There Any Change in the Qualifiers for Free Boiler Grants in 2026?
The eligibility for the free boiler grant in 2026 is straightforward. No change in the qualifier criteria. The applicant must received one of the certain benefits.
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit/ Child Benefit
- Work Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is income-based
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) income-related
- Annual Income Support
If you have any of the following grants, you qualify for free boiler grants in 2026.
Other Important Factors to Get the Free Boiler Grant 2026
There is a list of other important factors that can make a household eligible to get the grant in 2026. It can be done by applying through the LA flex route that follows these parameters.
Home Ratings that Actually Matter in 2026: Grant Access
Your home matters a lot. The Government and local councils categorise houses that can help in understanding the qualification. These ratings are known as Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), from highest efficiency A, B, and C to lowest efficiency, like D, E, F, and G. According to these ratings:
- The qualifiers must fall in between (D-G) ratings.
- The household must have an old, inefficient boiler.
- Commonly, it must be older than 10 years.
- Non-condensing boilers are on high priority to be changed.
- Those homeowners who do not have central heating systems can get help on top.
Income Range And Boiler Grant Eligibility 2026
The annual income of the household also matters. If your income is under £31,000, you may qualify for the free boiler grant in 2026. Both homeowners and tenants can apply for this grant.
Locality-Based – Top Regions That Can Apply For ECO4 Till March 2026
According to the OfGem report, the eligible candidates of the ECO4 scheme till 31st of March 2026 are:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
Health Issues And Free Boiler Grant Access
Through the ECO4 Flex route, chronic health conditions can make households eligible to get the grant. But the applicant must have access to LA flex to avoid any hassle.
Apply for a Free Boiler Grant 2026: Complete Guideline
To apply for the free boiler grant in 2026 is simple. There are many online platforms available that can help you apply easily. It’s just a few-minute process, but you must have all the important documents with you.
Steps to Involve in Applying For Free Boiler Grant
- Visit https://freeboiler-scheme.co.uk/
- Go to the Check Eligibility Section.
- Fill in the form according to the requirements.
- Add your personal details and apply.
This process involves three steps:
✔ Fill out the eligibility form
✔ Book a free site survey
✔ Register for free boiler installation
Once your survey is approved, the professional installers will come and install the free new A-rated boiler in your place.
Tip: What You Should Do When Applying for the Grant
If you really want to qualify for the free boiler grant, we recommend that you be honest while applying. This is the only key to success. Add your original and eligible details. Respond to their calls and questions as much as you can. And last but not least, choose the trusted installers so that the process will not be delayed.
Types of Free Boiler Grants Available
There are several free boiler and heating grants available in 2026 for UK homeowners. The most popular and the most demanding grant is the Free Boiler Replacement UK.
- Free Boiler Replacement Grant, as it replaces inefficient boilers with A-rated ones.
- The second most popular grant in 2026 is first time central heating for those houses that do not have any heating system.
- If you have old boilers of at least 2005 and older, you are eligible for a back boiler replacement grant that will give you a combi boiler.
- Free insulation grants are also available if you have loft and cavity wall options for better efficiency and performance.
Apart from boilers, there are some other options available, such as heat pumps under the boiler upgrade scheme.
Why Should You Act Now on Free Boiler Grants?
As we all know, the ECO4 scheme ends soon, so you must secure your grant as soon as possible. Once the deadline for the free boiler grant 2026 passes, it will not resume until any extension. So, do not look for the extensions anymore. Let’s keep saving on your energy bills and make your homes warm and sustainable. Let’s help the environment and apply now to make the earth a better place to live in.