Anyone who qualifies for a boiler grant can have a broken or inefficient boiler replaced with an A-rated boiler free of charge.

Data from the Energy Saving Trust shows the costs of installing a new boiler can range from £3,700 to £5,500, depending on the type of boiler. The costs can be higher if the installation is complex or requires additional work, making it expensive for many UK residents.

Fortunately, a boiler grant can provide households with access to a free, energy-efficient boiler. For low-income households, pensioners, or families struggling with rising energy bills, these grants can be life-changing. They not only remove the upfront cost of replacing an old boiler but also help reduce heating bills by hundreds of pounds each year.

Many households that previously had to choose between heating and other essentials can finally enjoy consistent warmth and lower energy usage. Upgrading to an A-rated boiler reduces waste, improves heating performance, and plays a direct role in lowering household energy consumption.

Understanding who qualifies for a boiler grant, which schemes are currently active, and how to apply can help households access the support they’re entitled to.

Key Takeaways on Who Qualifies for A Boiler Grant:

• If you qualify, your old or broken boiler can be replaced entirely free of charge with an energy-efficient A-rated model.
• Upgrading to a modern condensing boiler can cut heating bills by £130–£500 a year, depending on your home size and energy usage.
• Main UK Schemes include ECO4, LA Flex, Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), Affordable Warmth Scheme (Northern Ireland), and Warmer Homes Scotland.
• Low-income households, benefit recipients, pensioners, and those with health or mobility conditions affected by cold homes can qualify.
• All boiler grants are non-repayable and do not affect benefits or taxes.

Overview of Boiler Grant Schemes in the UK

The UK government and major energy suppliers fund several grant schemes to help households upgrade from old or inefficient heating systems to modern, energy-efficient alternatives. Each programme has its own rules, eligibility criteria, and supported measures.

1. Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme

ECO4 is currently the main route for many homeowners and tenants to receive a free boiler replacement. It runs until March 2026 and targets low-income households or those living in homes with lower energy efficiency ratings (EPC D or below). Grants cover A-rated boilers, heat pumps, and insulation measures.

2. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) supports the decarbonisation of heat in buildings. It provides upfront capital grants to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers in homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. Installers can apply for £5,000 off the cost of installing a biomass boiler or £7,500 off the price of installing an air source or ground source heat pump.

3. Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex)

Through LA Flex, local councils may allow households that do not receive qualifying benefits but still meet income or vulnerability thresholds to access support under ECO4. Criteria often include income below a set threshold (e.g., under £30,000 to £31,000), medical conditions, or high heating costs relative to one’s income.

4. Northern Ireland – Affordable Warmth Scheme

In Northern Ireland, the Affordable Warmth Scheme is designed for low-income homeowners and private tenants (owning and occupying, or with landlord consent) whose total gross annual income is under £23,000. The Scheme offers grant-aid for energy efficiency measures, including boiler replacement or upgrades, subject to a technical assessment and funding availability.

5. Scotland – Warmer Homes Scotland

In Scotland, the Warmer Homes Scotland programme provides support of £10,000 or more to eligible homeowners or private tenants in homes with lower energy efficiency. Improvements can include central heating (such as a new gas boiler or heat pump) or insulation. Eligibility is available to homeowners or private tenants, subject to specific criteria, including dwelling size, Council Tax band, receipt of benefits, or age.

Why These Schemes Exist

These programmes are designed to tackle fuel poverty, cut household heating bills, and reduce carbon emissions. They aim to remove the financial barrier to replacing older, inefficient boilers with modern, energy-efficient systems, supporting the UK’s broader net-zero and energy-efficiency targets.

What size boiler is right for your home? If you are considering a combi boiler, the choice is mainly determined by the number of radiators in your home. Check out our complete guide to new boiler installation here if you are wondering about the best type of boiler for your home. 

Who Qualifies for a Boiler Grant — Household and Income Criteria

Boiler grants are designed to support those who are most affected by rising energy costs and poor home energy efficiency. While each scheme has its own eligibility criteria, most programmes share a common goal: to help low-income, fuel-poor, or vulnerable households access modern, A-rated boilers without financial strain.

1. Benefit Recipients

The majority of government-backed schemes, including ECO4 and LA Flex, prioritise households receiving income-based benefits. You’re likely to qualify if you receive one or more of the following:

• Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Universal Credit
• Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit

These benefits serve as key indicators that a household may be at risk of fuel poverty, enabling energy suppliers and local councils to identify those most in need.

2. Low-Income Households Not on Benefits

Even if you don’t receive government benefits, you may still qualify under LA Flex. Local authorities can use flexible criteria to support households with:

• A combined annual income typically under £31,000
• Medical conditions aggravated by cold homes
• High heating costs relative to income (fuel-poor homes)

Each council has discretion over who qualifies, so it’s always worth checking with your local authority before assuming ineligibility.

3. Pensioners and Vulnerable Residents

Older residents often qualify automatically. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit or those living alone in older properties are usually fast-tracked for grants. Vulnerable individuals, such as those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mobility issues, are also prioritised, as they tend to spend more time at home and rely heavily on heating.

4. Tenants and Homeowners

Both homeowners and private tenants are eligible to apply. However, tenants must obtain their landlord’s permission for any boiler work. Landlords may also qualify for specific regional grants, especially where low-income tenants occupy properties or have an EPC rating of D or lower.

5. Exclusions

Households in new builds or recently upgraded properties typically don’t qualify. Likewise, applicants with a functioning, modern boiler (usually less than eight years old) will not meet the replacement criteria. Each grant scheme is designed to target homes where the heating system is inefficient, unsafe, or near the end of its service life.

Who Qualifies for A Boiler Grant Based on Property and Boiler System?

Boiler grant approval depends not only on household income or benefits but also on the property type and the condition of the existing heating system. These technical criteria help ensure that grants are used where upgrades will have the most significant impact on energy efficiency and carbon emissions.

1. Property Eligibility

Most grant schemes focus on homes that are older, less efficient, or more expensive to heat. Typical requirements include:

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. Homes with a higher rating are generally excluded, as they already meet efficiency standards.
• Type of property: Houses, bungalows, and flats can all qualify, but detached and semi-detached homes are often prioritised because they tend to lose more heat.
• Construction and insulation quality: Properties with poor insulation or no loft and cavity wall insulation are strong candidates for combined grants that include both heating and insulation measures.
• Ownership: Homeowners qualify most easily. Private tenants can apply with landlord consent, while social housing tenants may be eligible through separate local authority funding.

2. Boiler and Heating System Criteria

Schemes like ECO4 and the Affordable Warmth Scheme specifically target inefficient or broken boilers. To qualify, the system must usually meet one or more of the following:

• The boiler is over 8–10 years old.
• It operates at an efficiency of below 85% (rated C or lower).
• It frequently breaks down, leaks, or struggles to maintain consistent heating.
• It runs on older fuels such as oil, LPG, or solid fuel and is being replaced with a cleaner system.

In Northern Ireland’s Affordable Warmth Scheme, the replacement is only approved after a technical inspection confirms that the boiler is old or inefficient enough to justify a grant.

3. Heating System Upgrades Covered

Depending on the grant, the following upgrades may be included:

• Replacement of an old non-condensing boiler with a modern A-rated condensing boiler.
• Installation of a renewable system, such as an air source heat pump, under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
• Addition of smart heating controls, thermostatic radiator valves, or hot water cylinder insulation to improve system performance.

If you want to learn about the best way to heat your conservatory, you may want to check out our guide on which electric heater is cheapest to run. You may be surprised to find out that it is not a halogen heater.

4. Installer and Certification Requirements

All installations must be carried out by certified professionals registered under schemes such as Gas Safe, MCS, or TrustMark. The installer must complete necessary documentation, and the new system must comply with Building Regulations and Ofgem’s ECO4 guidance.

After installation, the property typically receives an updated EPC showing improved efficiency, a key requirement for closing out the grant and confirming compliance.

How Does the One Who Qualifies for A Boiler Grant Apply?

Applying for a boiler grant involves a few structured steps designed to confirm that both your household and your home meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria. While each grant has slight variations, most follow the same general process.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Begin by reviewing the qualifying criteria specific to your region and situation. Confirm that your household income, benefits, and property type match the conditions set out in the relevant scheme (ECO4, BUS, LA Flex, Affordable Warmth Scheme, or Warmer Homes Scotland). Many organisations and energy suppliers offer free online eligibility checkers that can be completed in just a few minutes.

Step 2: Arrange an Energy Assessment or EPC

Most schemes require a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If your property doesn’t have one, you’ll need to arrange an assessment. This step determines your home’s current energy efficiency rating and helps identify where improvements can have the most significant impact.

Step 3: Contact an Approved Installer or Scheme Provider

Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, contact an approved installer who participates in the relevant scheme. For ECO4 and LA Flex, your installer will usually handle the application paperwork. For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homeowners must apply for a voucher through the Ofgem portal after selecting an accredited, MCS-certified installer.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

You’ll typically need to provide:

• Proof of home ownership or tenancy
• Proof of income or qualifying benefits
• EPC certificate
• Photo ID and recent utility bill

For Northern Ireland and Scotland programmes, local councils or Home Energy Scotland may request an additional technical survey before approving the grant.

Step 5: Home Survey and Technical Inspection

An approved assessor or engineer will visit your home to inspect the existing boiler, evaluate insulation levels, and confirm the best heating upgrade option. This step ensures that the proposed replacement is technically suitable and that you meet all grant conditions.

Step 6: Installation and Certification

Once approved, installation is arranged, usually at no cost to the applicant. The new system must be installed by a Gas Safe or MCS-certified engineer, depending on the type of technology used. After completion, the installer submits documentation to the scheme administrator (such as Ofgem or your local authority).

Step 7: Grant Confirmation and Follow-Up

After final approval, you’ll receive confirmation for the grant. Some programmes conduct post-installation checks or request feedback to ensure compliance and satisfaction.

How Much Can Anyone Who Qualifies for A Boiler Grant Save?

Replacing an inefficient boiler with an A-rated model not only improves comfort but can also significantly lower annual energy costs. With energy prices expected to remain high, the savings for eligible households are substantial, especially when a grant covers the entire installation.

1. Typical Cost of a New Boiler

The cost of installing a new boiler ranges from £3,700 to £5,500, depending on the type and complexity of the boiler. Homes that need additional pipework, flue upgrades, or heating controls may face higher costs. Without grant assistance, these prices can make replacement unaffordable for many households, particularly those on fixed or low incomes.

2. Average Savings After Installation

A modern A-rated condensing boiler operates at over 90% efficiency, compared to 60–70% for many older systems. That efficiency jump can save the average home between £250 and £400 per year on energy bills. In addition to lower running costs, a new boiler can also prevent expensive breakdowns and reduce carbon emissions by roughly 1.2 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

3. Grant Levels by Scheme

Each UK scheme provides a different level of financial support:

Scheme	Region	Type of Support	Typical Grant Value	Notes
ECO4	England, Wales, Scotland	Full or partial boiler replacement	Up to 100% of the cost is covered	Focuses on low-income and benefit-receiving households
LA Flex (ECO4 Flex)	Local authority areas	Full or partial funding	Varies by council	Targets low-income or medically vulnerable households not on benefits
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)	England & Wales	Biomass boiler and heat pump installation grants	Up to £7,500	For low-carbon upgrades and biomass boilers
Affordable Warmth Scheme	Northern Ireland	Heating system upgrades & insulation	Up to £7,500	Available to households earning under £23,000
Warmer Homes Scotland	Scotland	Heating and energy-efficiency measures	Average £10,000–£15,000	Includes boilers, insulation, and renewables

4. Hidden Savings Beyond Heating Bills

While lower fuel consumption is the most apparent benefit, upgraded systems also reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability. Many homeowners report fewer repair expenses, better heating control, and shorter warm-up times. Over the lifespan of the new boiler, typically 12 to 15 years, the total savings can exceed £4,000 to £5,000 in avoided costs and energy efficiency gains.

5. Carbon Reduction and Home Value

Installing an efficient boiler doesn’t just save money. It also increases a home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which can raise property value by several thousand pounds and make it more attractive to buyers. For landlords, it helps meet the UK’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which require rental properties to achieve an EPC rating of at least C in the coming years.

How much may a new boiler cost? Are you considering converting from a conventional to a combi boiler? Use our boiler installation cost calculator to get an estimation.

Final Thoughts on Who Qualifies for A Boiler Grant

Boiler grants play a crucial role in helping UK households stay warm, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint. For many families, the cost of a new boiler can be out of reach. Government-backed schemes help bridge that gap by replacing inefficient systems with A-rated models that deliver consistent comfort and long-term savings.

With initiatives such as ECO4, LA Flex, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the Affordable Warmth Scheme, and Warmer Homes Scotland, homeowners and tenants can access heating upgrades that would otherwise cost several thousand pounds. These programmes not only improve individual homes but also contribute to the UK’s broader environmental goals by cutting emissions and energy waste.

If your current boiler is old, unreliable, or costly to run, checking whether you qualify is one of the most valuable steps you can take. Applying is simple, and approved installers handle most of the paperwork. A single application could lead to a warmer home, lower energy bills, and lasting peace of mind without the financial burden of replacement costs.

It’s also worth mentioning that boilers on finance schemes are also available. For instance, some boiler installation companies allow you to spread the cost of a new boiler over several years, enabling you to pay for it in monthly increments.

FAQs on Who Qualifies for A Boiler Grant

Can I Apply for a Boiler Grant If My Boiler Is Still Working?

Yes, in many cases you can. Most schemes accept applications for boilers that are inefficient, old, or nearing failure, not just the completely broken ones. The key factor is the boiler’s efficiency rating and overall condition. If your system is over eight years old or has an EPC rating of C or below, you may qualify.

Do I Need to Be a Homeowner to Qualify for a Boiler Grant?

Not always. Both homeowners and private tenants are eligible to apply. However, tenants need their landlord’s written consent before any work begins. Social housing tenants may qualify under different schemes operated by housing associations or local councils.

I’m Not on Benefits. Can I Still Qualify?

Yes. Through Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex), councils can approve grants for households that are not on benefits but still face fuel poverty or have medical conditions affected by cold homes. Income thresholds (usually under £31,000) often apply.

What Happens If I Live in Scotland or Northern Ireland?

In Scotland, you may be eligible for Warmer Homes Scotland, which offers up to £15,000 for heating and insulation improvements. In Northern Ireland, the Affordable Warmth Scheme provides funding of up to £7,500 for similar upgrades, depending on income and property assessment.

How Long Does the Process Take?

From initial application to installation, the process typically takes between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on your region, the availability of the installer, and the required surveys. Complex installations or high-demand periods may take slightly longer.

Will I Have to Pay Anything?

Most grants under ECO4 and LA Flex are available at no cost to eligible households. In some cases, where partial funding applies, the installer will explain any contribution before work begins. There are no hidden fees if the grant is approved in full.

Sources and References

• Energy Saving Trust – Boiler types explained
• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Energy Company Obligation ECO4: 2022 – 2026
• Ofgem – Energy Company Obligation (ECO)