Universal Credit Unlocks Major Energy Grants
If you receive Universal Credit, you qualify for the ECO4 scheme — one of the most generous energy efficiency programmes in the UK. Through ECO4, you can receive free home improvements worth £5,000-£15,000 at absolutely no cost to you. This includes insulation, boiler replacements, and even heat pumps.
Key fact: Universal Credit is a qualifying benefit for ECO4. This means you can get free insulation, a free boiler, or a free heat pump — funded by energy companies, regulated by Ofgem, and at zero cost to you.
All Grants Available on Universal Credit
| Scheme | What You Get | Cost to You |
|---|---|---|
| ECO4 | Free insulation, boilers, heat pumps | £0 |
| GBIS | Free insulation (council tax A-D) | £0 |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 off electricity bill | £0 |
| Household Support Fund | Help with energy bills (via council) | £0 |
ECO4 — What You Can Get on Universal Credit
Universal Credit qualifies you for all ECO4 measures, provided your home has an EPC rating of D or below. Available improvements include:
- Loft insulation — save up to £590/year on energy bills
- Cavity wall insulation — save up to £395/year
- Solid wall insulation (internal or external) — save up to £475/year
- Boiler replacement — new A-rated condensing boiler
- Air source heat pump — low-carbon heating system
- Room-in-roof insulation — for converted lofts
- Underfloor insulation — for suspended timber floors
- First-time central heating — if you've never had central heating
How to Apply for ECO4 on Universal Credit
- Check eligibility online — use our free checker (60 seconds)
- Provide your UC award letter — a recent Universal Credit statement or screenshot from your journal
- Home survey — a surveyor visits to assess your property (1-2 weeks)
- Receive recommendation — you're told which measures you qualify for
- Installation — work is carried out by TrustMark-registered installers (1-3 days)
The entire process takes 4-8 weeks from application to completion.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
On top of ECO4, you may also qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme. GBIS provides free insulation through two pathways:
- Benefits pathway: if you're on Universal Credit (or other qualifying benefits)
- Council tax band pathway: if your home is in bands A-D (no benefits needed)
GBIS covers loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. It can be combined with ECO4 measures for maximum benefit.
Warm Home Discount
Universal Credit claimants may qualify for the Warm Home Discount — a £150 one-off credit applied to your electricity bill between October and March. Eligibility is based on a combination of your income, energy costs, and property characteristics. If you qualify, your energy supplier will contact you — you don't need to apply separately.
Household Support Fund
Your local council may offer additional energy bill support through the Household Support Fund. This can include one-off payments towards gas and electricity bills. Contact your council directly to find out what's available in your area — eligibility varies by council.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Universal Credit award letter — or a screenshot from your UC journal showing your current award
- Proof of address — utility bill or council tax bill
- Landlord permission — if you're a private tenant (your landlord must consent to the work)