2026 is just around the corner, and we are all listening to the widespread news that ECO schemes will end next year. That means all the free boiler grants will be cancelled, and there are no more ECO4 grants available. To give you the proper answer, we have confirmed from authentic government resources (their news and updates).
This blog post will guide you through the upcoming support and grant plans for UK homeowners. You will get to know complete information about various schemes, including ecoschemes, boiler grant schemes, and many more.
Is ECO4 Really Cancelled? The Truth About the 2026 Deadline
According to the sources, the ECO4 scheme is scheduled to end on the 31st of March 2026. But it does not mean that it’s a sudden cancellation. This scheme was initially designed as a year-long aid program. Meanwhile, we explicitly say that no final decision has been made for ending or sudden cancellation. The Government want to support their needy and eligible households in all ways.
What Free Boiler Grant Means for You Right Now
As per the reliable sources, the free boiler grants under the ECO4 scheme are fully operational at the moment. They are accepting the application. However, because of the probability of the end scheme date, the applicant needs to take immediate action to secure their rightful funding.
Understanding ECO4 Agenda: What Free Boiler Scheme Support Is Available?
As we all know ECO4 scheme provides fully funded support to the low-income households in the UK. This support includes the following perks:
Heating Upgrades
- One can get free boiler replacement and installation
- First-time central heating system installation.
- Air Source heat pumps installation
- Ground heating system upgrades and installation
- Smart heating controls and modern thermostat setups.
What Energy Efficiency Measures Can You Get
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Internal and external solid wall insulation
- Underfloor insulations
- Solarlight Panels
Who Can Qualify for the ECO4 Free Boiler Scheme in 2026?
Those households that already receive any of the following benefits can qualify for the eco4 free boiler grants. These benefits include:
- If you receive Universal Credit
- Holds a Pension Credit
- If you have a Child Tax Credit
- If you have Working Tax Credit
- If you hold an income-based Allowance
- If you have an Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance, that called Disability Benefits
- Child Benefit for those households that have an income under £31,000
Moreover, with LA Flex can declare your eligibility if your properties have low EPC ratings. You can check your eligibility here.
What Will Replace ECO4? A Plan for Warm Homes in 2026 & Beyond
When the ECO4 ends in 2026, the UK government plan to launch a Warm Home project under ECO5. Probably, this plan will launch in April 2026 till March 2028. The ultimate goal of this plan also represents the government’s vision to tackle fuel poverty.
The three main components of the Warm Homes Plan include the following:
- Local Grant
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (Expanded and Unaffected)
- Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
Warm Homes: Local Grant
This plan will be managed by the local council with effective local grants to support households. The eligible candidates can receive up to £15,000 for energy performance upgrades and an additional £15,000 for low-carbon heating installations.
Available Measures Include:
- They will get free insulation upgrades, including loft, cavity wall, and solid wall upgrades.
- They can get a solar system, PVs, and battery storage
- Air source and ground source heat pumps.
- Window upgrades for free.
- Get smart heating controls.
Warm Homes: Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The official sources claim that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will remain operational and will be expanded in 2026. This grant requires no income checks. Any homeowner in England and Wales can apply for the scheme and get access.
Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
The budget of approximately £1.2 billion has been passed from 2025 to 2028 to run this program. The social housing landlords and tenants also easily upgrade their homes. They can make a smart move towards warmer and more sustainable homes in the upcoming year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Seeking Grants
If you think you are eligible for a free boiler and any other grants, you must avoid these common mistakes.
- Waiting for Better Schemes: Do not waste your time looking for better upcoming schemes. It is not a good decision. Waiting for other options might be a loss for you if nothing is planned.
- Misperception About Council Support: Every local council has its own specificities; if you think that all councils will offer you the same support, you might be wrong.
Consult with some unprofessional Installers: You must use professional installers for your home heating and upgrading systems.
- Ignoring Your EPC Rating: Always check your EPC ratings first. If you did not fall in between E-G ratings, you might not qualify.
- Application Delay: If you are still not applying for any Eco grant, you might not get your desired grant on time. So, start applying before the deadline.
Some Regional Considerations Regarding ECO Schemes and Free Boiler Grants
The demand and supply of the ECO schemes and their related grants may vary as per regional requirements. Some conditions may apply to one state or some to the other. The applicant must follow up according to their region. For instance,
England: For England homeowners, all the above-mentioned ECO schemes are available until March 2026.
Wales: For Wales, only ECO4 and Boiler Upgrade Schemes are available. Others may not be applicable.
Scotland: For Scotland, ECO4 is available until the upcoming March. Others, like Warm Homes and Boiler Upgrade, are not applicable.
Northern Ireland: For Northern Ireland, all kinds of eco schemes, including ECO4, are not applicable. Only the Boiler Replacement Scheme is available.
Do Not Miss Out on the Chance: Take Action Today
Time is running fast. Homeowners must take some sensible actions if not yet applied for free boiler grants. This is the demand of the time to save the energy reservoirs that cost you much. With every single passing day, you might be one step away from getting the grant.
Do you really think delaying will cut off your energy costs? You might be wrong. Carbon emissions and fuel poverty are rising day by day. It will cost you enough annually that you cannot afford to waste money on these needs.
Think logically and do these things immediately:
What You Should Do Now:
- Immediately check your ECO4 eligibility.
- Visit your local council’s website and confirm the local grants.
- Upgrade the heat pump installations.
- Contact the verified installers for a free assessment.
- Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you.
- Try to fill out the form and submit your application as soon as possible.
FAQs
Is the ECO4 scheme cancelled?
No, ECO4 is not cancelled at the moment. The government may end the ECO4 scheme on the 31st of March 2026. And it might be a possibility of extension for at least 6-9 months. But it’s not yet been confirmed.
Shall I be able to get a free boiler in 2026?
Yes! If you apply before the end date, you can get a free boiler grant. After the issue date, there is a possibility for Warm Home locally-based grants.
Is there any chance of the upcoming ECO5 scheme in 2026?
Yes, some sources claim that there is quite an optimal chance of starting the next phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) phase 5.
How do I check my eligibility for taking the free boiler grant?
You can visit our website, which is Free Boiler Scheme UK. Here you can easily check your eligibility for getting the grant. Once you fill in the application form, the further assessment and installation processes will start.