ECO4 Eligibility: The Quick Answer
You likely qualify for ECO4 if you receive a qualifying benefit and your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. If both apply, you could get thousands of pounds worth of free energy improvements — insulation, boilers, solar panels, and more.
But even if you don't tick both boxes, there are alternative routes. Let's break down every way to qualify.
The Two Main ECO4 Requirements
1. You Must Receive a Qualifying Benefit
The following benefits automatically qualify you for ECO4:
- Universal Credit — the most common qualifier
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit (income under £16,480)
- Working Tax Credit (income under £16,480)
- Warm Home Discount (Core Group)
2. Your Home Must Have a Low EPC Rating
Your property needs an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below (D, E, F, or G). Around 60% of UK homes fall into this category, so chances are good.
Don't know your EPC rating? Check it free at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
What If I Don't Receive Benefits?
You still have options:
- LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility) — your local council can refer you if you're in fuel poverty, have health conditions worsened by cold, or are on a low income without benefits
- GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) — provides free insulation for homes in council tax bands A-D with no benefits required
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme — £7,500 towards a heat pump for any homeowner, no means testing
What If My EPC Is C or Above?
ECO4 typically requires EPC D or below. However, if your home has specific deficiencies (like no loft insulation despite a C rating), you may still qualify for individual measures. Your installer will assess this during the free home survey.
Do Tenants Qualify?
Yes! Both private tenants and social housing tenants can benefit from ECO4. You'll need your landlord's written consent for the work to be carried out, but the grant covers the full cost — neither you nor your landlord pays anything.
What Can I Get Through ECO4?
If you qualify, these improvements are available at zero cost:
- Loft insulation (saves £355-590/year)
- Cavity wall insulation (saves £195-595/year)
- Solid wall insulation — internal or external (saves £430-640/year)
- Boiler replacement (saves £300-400/year)
- First-time central heating (saves £900+/year)
- Solar panels (saves £800-1,100/year)
- Air source heat pumps
- Underfloor insulation
How Long Does ECO4 Last?
ECO4 has been extended to December 2026. However, funding is allocated first-come, first-served. Once the budget is exhausted, the scheme closes regardless of the deadline. Apply as early as possible.
Check Your Eligibility in 60 Seconds
Our free eligibility checker cross-references your details against ECO4, GBIS, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme simultaneously. Enter your postcode, answer a few questions, and find out exactly what you're entitled to.