It’s time to embrace cold chilling winds and snow storms. Some households would simply change the overall layout of the home. Others may need to invest in heating systems and insulation to keep the home warm and cosy. However, not everyone can afford to replace or upgrade the heating system.
It’s also a reality that the energy cost has risen in the UK. And if you are still using the old boiler for heating purposes, the energy Costs can reach sky high, making it impossible to afford for low-income households.
If you are a resident of the UK and a homeowner, you can benefit from the ECO4 Boiler Grant that comes for everyone getting financial assistance. Have you never heard of ECO4 Boiler Grant before? Are you still wondering who qualifies for the government boiler scheme? Do recipients of Income-based Employment Support Allowance fulfil free boiler grant eligibility criteria?
What is the Government ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme?
The ECO4 Boiler Grant is a scheme introduced by the government of the UK to help reduce carbon emissions, provide better heating systems with more efficiency, and reduce fuel poverty.
The government ECO Scheme UK started in 2013 to facilitate a large number of households to deal with ever-increasing pollution such as greenhouse gases. The funding helps them to replace their existing heating systems such as boilers and air source heat pumps and achieve more efficient heating systems for their homes.
Who Qualifies for ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme UK?
ECO4 Government Boiler Grant Scheme is not limited to replacing the existing heating system such as a boiler. It also includes a wide range of efficiency measures such as improving insulation based on the requirements.
The ECO4 Government Boiler Scheme is meant to assist homeowners and private tenants. However, to qualify for the boiler grant, it is important to note that the household is receiving qualifying benefits or the annual income is less than £31,000.
The verification is done by conducting a (Department for Work and Pensions) DWP check. However, in some cases, the applicant might be asked to present self-declaration about household income.
Here is the list of qualifying benefits to fulfill the free Boiler Grant eligibility criteria:
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Child Benefits
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Saving Credit
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
Are Recipients of Income-based Employment Support Allowance (ESA) Eligible for ECO4 Boiler Grant?
Yes, recipients of income-based employment support allowance (ESA) are eligible for the ECO4 boiler grant. But what is employment support allowance (ESA)? Let’s give you an overview.
Income-based Employment Support Allowance is for people who have a disability or health conditions and have limited capability of work. Moreover, they haven’t paid enough National Insurance contributions, which makes them a recipient of Employment Support Allowance.
The recipient receives the money to meet the living cost and support to get back to work. Everyone including employed, unemployed, or self-employed can apply for Employment Support Allowance. It is important that you have worked as an employee or self-employed.
Important Things to Know about the ECO4 Government Boiler Scheme
The ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme covers carbon-emitted boilers. If the radiators have gone faulty of your central heating system, you are covered under ECO4 boiler scheme. Any shortfall needs to be paid on your behalf. But it should not stop you from applying for a free boiler grant as it helps in reducing energy bills for the years to come. It also helps in improving your EPC rating and increases the value of your home. Here are some of the important things to remember before applying for the ECO4 Government Boiler Scheme.
Available for Homeowners and Private Tenants
The scheme is available for both homeowners and private tenants. However, tenants need to get approval from the landlord to apply for a government boiler grant. It is a great opportunity for landlords to improve their home energy efficiency as well as EPC rating.
Financed by Energy Providers
The ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme is financed by big energy providers. However, if they are unable to meet the target, they might end up paying heavy fines. The government has made it compulsory for energy providers to provide support and contribute to the ECO scheme.
Replacing Non-condensing Boilers
The ECO4 boiler grant can be used to replace a non-condensing boiler. However, the boiler needs to be less than 84.6% efficient and is 15 years old.
ECO Scheme also Include Insulation Grants
Generally, old houses are not well maintained when it comes to heat loss. However, if the home has poor insulation, the ECO scheme also covers insulation grants to improve energy efficiency as well as EPC rating.
Process May Take 1-2 Weeks
The process may take 1-2 weeks from the day you contact to the day of installation. It all depends on what company you choose to install a boiler.
ECO Funding is Available for Limited Boilers
The ECO funding is available on certain types of boilers. But you can apply for a new gas boiler at any time without worrying.
ECO Scheme is Available for England, Wales, and Scotland
If you are living in any area of Scotland, England, or Wales, you can apply for the ECO scheme. However, the scheme is not available for people living in Northern Ireland.
Applying for the ECO Scheme is Simple
If you want to know whether you are eligible for the ECO4 grant scheme and need to proceed further, simply enter the postcode and leave the rest to us.
How Does Applying for the ECO4 Boiler Grant Benefits Me?
The question that is asked frequently by the majority of people is how and why applying for an ECO4 boiler grant benefits me. There are several good reasons to apply for the grant that could benefit you in the long run.
Improve Heating Performance
One of the reasons to apply for the ECO4 Boiler Grant scheme is to improve heating performance in your home. In the extreme cold, you may not experience optimal heating with your old boiler. The reason is that it is not energy-efficient, consumes more energy and delivers less.
However, with the upgrade, you may experience better and more powerful heating in less time. The new boilers come with the latest technology helping them to deliver optimal performance without wasting resources.
Lower Energy Bills
Applying for the ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme will not only improve heating in your home but also help in reducing energy bills. As we mentioned earlier, new boilers are equipped with the latest technology to deliver optimal performance and heating. This ultimately helps in consuming less energy such as gas. It all reflects at the end of each month after seeing your bill. You will be surprised to know how drastically the bills have reduced.
Improve EPC Rating
It’s time to apply for the ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme to improve your EPC rating. If your rating is D or below, you must not delay further and apply for it as early as possible. In case if you sell your house, an improved EPC rating will help increase its value by as much as £8000 or more.
Less Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Emissions
Old boilers are highly inefficient and produce greenhouse gases due to more consumption. In fact, they produce less heat, which may result in turning on the heating system for a long time. But not when you have swapped your old boiler with a new one as they are more eco-friendly and produce zero carbon. It helps in promoting a pollution-free environment, which is the goal of the UK government to achieve by the end of 2050.
Increase the Value of Your Home
If the EPC rating of your home is less than D, you are not going to get as much return as with a good rating. New boilers are highly-efficient and help in increasing the EPC rating. Whenever you wish to sell your house, an improved EPC rating will increase the chances of selling quickly. Moreover, you will receive a handsome amount that otherwise would not be possible with a poor EPC rating.
Summing Up
If you are still having doubts in your mind or need any assistance regarding the ECO4 Boiler Grant scheme, you can contact ecoenergyservices.co.uk. For the latest updates on the Government boiler scheme keep visiting our website.
