Last Updated on February 9, 2026

The government free boiler scheme can help you replace a broken or inefficient boiler or heating system with a free or heavily subsidised boiler if you qualify. That support can make the difference between struggling through winter and finally having a reliable, affordable heating system.

Many households in the UK continue to feel the pressure of the cost of living. In January 2026, 62% of households in Great Britain reported higher living costs, with heating and energy among the most difficult expenses to manage. When an old boiler becomes unreliable or expensive to run, the cost of replacement often feels out of reach when you need it most.

Government-backed boiler funding exists to step in at that point, offering practical help rather than short-term fixes. Replacing an inefficient boiler with a modern A-rated model can significantly reduce fuel use, improve home comfort, and lower monthly heating costs. Newer systems heat water more efficiently, waste less energy, and respond better to modern controls.

For eligible households, the free boiler scheme is designed to remove the upfront cost barrier entirely, covering both installation and the appliance. Support is targeted rather than automatic, so understanding how the scheme works and who qualifies is essential. Once the eligibility rules are clear, you’ll discover that help is far closer than you expected.

Key Takeaways on Government Free Boiler Schemes and Grants 2026:

• The government-backed ECO4 scheme offers free or fully subsidised A-rated gas boiler replacements, insulation, and heating controls for eligible low-income and vulnerable households.
• You may qualify automatically if you receive benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, or via ECO4 Flex if your income is low, you have cold-related health issues, or live in fuel poverty.
• Properties need an inefficient boiler (8+ years old) and an EPC rating of D–G
• The process starts with a free, no-obligation eligibility check.
• Other schemes provide extra support: Warmer Homes Scotland (£10,000+), Affordable Warmth NI (up to £7,500/£10,000), and Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 for heat pumps in England/Wales).
• You can check eligibility through quick online forms, your local council, or a regional provider.

What Are The Government Free Boiler Schemes and Grants?

Free boiler grants and schemes are funding options offered by the UK government to help low-income and vulnerable households at risk of fuel poverty improve their home’s energy efficiency.

A “free boiler” means full funding (including survey, installation, labour, and certification) for qualifying households, meaning no upfront cost. Partially funded upgrades occur when measures exceed supplier obligations or require customer contributions (rare under standard rules). Often, boilers come bundled with extras like new thermostats, radiator valves, pipe lagging, or insulation to meet “whole-home” retrofit standards and maximise efficiency gains.

The schemes are part of the government’s strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by helping households upgrade their homes and heating systems. Buildings account for around 20% of total emissions, mainly from fuel combustion and electricity use.

The government has set ambitious targets to reduce the carbon footprint of the UK’s housing stock, with schemes and grants helping make homes greener.

What Government Free Boiler Scheme is Available?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme

Also called the free boiler grant scheme, ECO4 is a government and energy company initiative with a few major goals. These include:

• To improve the energy efficiency of UK households.
• To help reduce fuel poverty.
• To make energy and, therefore, home heating more affordable.

Launched in April 2022, ECO4 obliges large energy suppliers (such as British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Octopus, Scottish Power, and SSE) to fund energy-saving upgrades for eligible low-income and vulnerable households. Suppliers meet legally binding targets by delivering measures that reduce carbon emissions and lower bills. Failure to comply results in fines.

This is why energy companies fund boiler replacements and other improvements. It’s not charity but a regulatory requirement to offset their environmental impact and support net-zero goals. In February 2026, the government extended ECO4 by nine months to 31 December 2026, giving suppliers more time to meet targets and allowing the supply chain to focus on remedying non-compliant installations.

ECO4 covers heating upgrades such as A-rated gas boilers (for inefficient models older than 8 years), smart heating controls, insulation (cavity wall, loft, solid wall), first-time central heating, and sometimes renewables. It does not cover premium or designer boilers, cosmetic changes, or unrelated repairs (e.g., full rewires or plumbing overhauls).

How Do You Qualify For A Government Free Boiler Grant Under ECO4?

Under the ECO4 scheme, eligibility targets vulnerable, low-income, or fuel-poor households to ensure upgrades reach those who need them most.

Qualification falls into two main routes: benefit-based (automatic for many) or ECO4 Flex (through the discretion of the local authority). Your property must generally have an EPC rating of D–G and be in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales).

Benefit-Based Eligibility

If you or anyone in your household receives one of these qualifying benefits, you’re often automatically eligible, with no extra income checks needed in most cases:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Housing Benefit
• Child Tax Credit (or Working Tax Credit, now often merged into Universal Credit)
• Child Benefit (subject to income thresholds)

Benefits matter because they indicate low income or vulnerability, aligning with ECO4’s fuel poverty goals. Common misconceptions: Universal Credit qualifies even if your take-home pay seems “okay” (it’s means-tested); Pension Credit or Savings Credit also counts, not just Guarantee Credit.

How old is your boiler? Should you consider repairing the boiler or looking at the latest boiler prices? It’s no secret that boiler efficiency deteriorates over time.

What Are The Income Thresholds?

Government guidance notes that to be entitled to the ECO grant funding for a new boiler under Child Benefits, you must also fall within any of the following income thresholds:

If you are claiming as a member of a couple:

Number of Children	Income Threshold
One	£27,500
Two	£32,300
Three	£37,200
Four or More	£42,000

If you are a single claimant:

Number of Children	Income Threshold
One	£19,900
Two	£24,800
Three	£29,600
Four or More	£34,500

What are the Property Requirements?

• Boiler: Typically 8–15+ years old, non-condensing, or inefficient (<86.7% efficiency).
• EPC: D–G required (some Flex exceptions for C-rated with medical need).
• Ownership: Homeowners or private tenants (landlord consent needed); social housing qualifies for limited measures (e.g., insulation) regardless of benefits.

Many qualify without realising, so start with a quick check to confirm.

Qualifying for the Government Free Boiler Grant Through ECO4 Flex

You can qualify for a new boiler grant through ECO4 Flex if you don’t receive any of the above benefits.

LA Flex stands for Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, an extension of the core ECO4 scheme. It allows participating local authorities to refer private low-income households living in fuel poverty and vulnerable to the effects of cold homes.

LA Flex aims to widen the net and reach households who may not be able to afford the costs of a new, efficient boiler.

With LA Flex, you can qualify for free funding to cover the costs of energy-saving measures, such as replacing inefficient or broken boilers.

According to Ofgem, suppliers can deliver up to 50% of their obligation under this mechanism.

How Do You Qualify Under LA Flex?

• Those in fuel poverty. This involves households spending at least 10% of their net income on home heating.
• Those who are vulnerable and at risk during the cold weather.

You can qualify for LA Flex funding to pay for a new boiler through the following routes:

• Route 1 (Low household income): An annual household income under £31,000.
• Route 2 (Health): People with health issues exacerbated by living in a cold home. These include cardiovascular, respiratory, and mobility issues, as well as immunocompromised conditions.
• Route 3 (Multi-proxy eligibility): A household in Energy bands E, F, or G and meeting any two of the following criteria:
• The home is in the LSOA 1-3 area.
• The householder receives a Council Tax rebate based solely on low income.
• The householder is vulnerable to living in a cold home, as identified in the NICE Guidance.
• The Local Authority scheme, which aims to support vulnerable and low-income households, has referred the householder.
• Household members get free meals in school.
• The household struggles with sustained debt on mortgage payments and utility bills. The mortgage lender, the energy supplier, or Citizens Advice has advised the household to seek support from the local authority.

If you’re eligible, you can get up to £10,000 as a homeowner and £5,000 as a private or social housing landlord.

How to Apply for the Government Free Boiler Scheme

Applying for the ECO4 scheme is straightforward, free, and has no obligation at the start. The process is handled through approved installers or energy suppliers obligated under Ofgem rules since ECO4 is not a direct government grant but a supplier-funded scheme.

Find and contact your local council or an Ofgem-listed supplier/installer directly. Many offer quick online forms. The steps usually include:

1. Initial eligibility check — Start with a quick online form, phone call, or eligibility checker (often 1–2 minutes). Provide basic details: postcode, benefits received, household income (if Flex), boiler age, and property type. This confirms likely qualification, and no commitment is needed.

2. Property assessment/survey — Book a free home visit from a TrustMark- or Gas Safe-registered surveyor (usually within 1–4 weeks). They assess your EPC rating (D–G required), boiler condition, insulation needs, and overall home efficiency.

3. Installer allocation and approval — The installer submits your case to an obligated energy supplier for funding approval (including benefit/income verification and a Flex referral, if needed).

4. Survey and approval — Full technical survey confirms measures (boiler replacement, controls, insulation). You receive a quote outlining what’s fully funded, so there are no surprises.

5. Installation timeline — Work is scheduled (often 2–8 weeks from approval). Installation typically takes 1–2 days for a boiler, longer for bundled insulation.

6. Aftercare and warranty — Post-install, get manufacturer warranties (5–10 years), energy performance updates, and supplier support.

What Documents are Required?

• Proof of benefits (award letters/statements)
• Income evidence (payslips/bank statements for Flex)
• ID
• Proof of ownership/tenancy (deed or agreement + landlord consent if renting)
• Recent energy bills
• EPC details

Gather these early to speed things up. The full process often takes 4–12 weeks, depending on demand.

Wondering how much a new boiler costs? Check out our guide on options available if you need a new boiler but can’t afford it, as well as boilers on finance and government boiler grants here.

Which Other Free Boiler Schemes Are Available?

While ECO4 excels at delivering free or subsidised gas boiler replacements and insulation for vulnerable households in Great Britain, several complementary or alternative schemes support different heating needs, especially the shift to low-carbon technologies.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme focuses on low-carbon heating rather than gas boilers. It provides upfront capital grants to replace fossil-fuel systems (gas, oil, electric, LPG) with cleaner alternatives in England and Wales. Current grants include:

• £7,500 for air-source or ground-source heat pumps (ASHP/GSHP).
• £5,000 for biomass boilers.
• Recent expansions include £2,500 for air-to-air heat pumps (which also provide cooling in summer).

BUS is ideal for homeowners or landlords ready to switch to efficient, net-zero-compatible heating. It often suits off-grid or rural properties, or those prioritising long-term savings on bills and lower emissions.

Unlike ECO4’s focus on fuel poverty, BUS is more universal (with no strict income/benefit requirements), though a valid EPC and an MCS-certified installer are required. The scheme runs until 31 December 2027.

Use our guide to learn about the different types of boilers, including condensing boilers, LPG boilers, oil boilers, and OpenTherm boilers, and calculate boiler size.

Affordable Warmth Scheme, Northern Ireland

The Affordable Warmth Scheme (delivered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive) targets low-income households facing fuel poverty and energy inefficiency. It provides grants of up to £7,500 (or £10,000 for solid wall insulation measures) for energy efficiency improvements, including insulation, central heating, boiler replacements, and new windows.

Eligibility focuses on private-sector homeowners/occupiers or private renters with a total gross annual household income of under £23,000, living in Northern Ireland as their main home.

Warmer Homes Scotland

The Warmer Homes Scotland programme is funded by the Scottish government and delivered via Home Energy Scotland. It supports households in fuel poverty or at risk of it with energy-saving improvements worth £10,000 or more. This includes central heating such as a new gas boiler, an electric storage heater, or an air-source heat pump.

The home improvements offered to you will depend on your home’s assessment and your eligibility. Warmworks’ installers carry out the work, and in most cases, the Scottish Government will cover all costs. You cannot get funding for work that’s already completed.

VAT Relief on Energy-Saving Measures

A 0% VAT rate applies to most energy-saving installations (including heat pumps, insulation, solar panels, and batteries) until 31 March 2027. This can save 5–20% on costs and often stacks with ECO4 or BUS for extra affordability. Installers handle the reduced rate automatically.

These schemes complement ECO4: use ECO4 for free boiler/insulation if eligible, then explore BUS for future-proof heat pumps or regional options such as Affordable Warmth (NI) or Warmer Homes Scotland for targeted support.

Common Reasons Why Government Free Boiler Applications Are Rejected

Suppliers and installers follow strict Ofgem rules, so issues arise from eligibility mismatches, documentation errors, or property factors. Factors that typically cause declines include:

• EPC rating too high — Properties with EPC bands A, B, or C rarely qualify, as ECO4 prioritises inefficient homes (D–G required). If your rating is C or better, the application is usually rejected early.
• Boiler still classed as efficient — If your existing boiler is modern (e.g., recent condensing model under 8–10 years old or >86.7% efficiency), it doesn’t meet replacement criteria. Funding focuses on outdated, wasteful systems.
• Property ownership issues — Social housing tenants may face restrictions (limited to certain measures); private tenants need written landlord consent; new builds or commercial properties are ineligible.
• Incorrect or incomplete benefit/income evidence — Missing, outdated, or mismatched documents (e.g., expired award letters, utility bills with only partial pages, or income proofs not aligning) lead to fast rejections, especially under Flex routes.

If rejected, ask the installer/supplier for the exact reason (they must explain). Many issues are correctable. You can update your EPC, gather fresh documents, or reapply via LA Flex if circumstances change. Alternatives include:

• Low-cost boiler finance (0% interest plans from suppliers).
• Scrappage schemes or manufacturer discounts.
• Regional grants (e.g., Warmer Homes Scotland or Affordable Warmth NI).
• Self-fund partial upgrades with 0% VAT relief.

Final Thoughts on Government Free Boiler Schemes

The Government Free Boiler Scheme is primarily delivered through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), which has now been extended to 31 December 2026. It remains one of the most valuable opportunities for UK households to access a brand-new, efficient boiler, smart heating controls, insulation, and other upgrades at little or no cost.

If you receive qualifying benefits, live in a fuel-poor home, have an inefficient boiler (8+ years old), or qualify via ECO4 Flex (low income under £31,000, health conditions worsened by cold, or vulnerable household members), you stand an excellent chance of full funding.

The process is free and straightforward. A quick eligibility check can confirm your options within minutes, followed by a professional home survey if promising. Many households qualify unexpectedly, so don’t assume you’re ineligible. A simple check today could deliver a warmer, cheaper, and more energy-efficient home for years to come.

FAQs on Government Free Boiler Schemes

Are Local Councils Still Doing Grants to Help with a New Boiler?

Yes. Through ECO4 Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility), councils can refer eligible households, even those without qualifying benefits, for free or subsidised boiler replacements and other upgrades. This targets low-income, fuel-poor, or vulnerable homes (e.g., income under £31,000 or health conditions worsened by cold).

What Happens If I Can’t Afford a New Boiler?

If you can’t afford a replacement, check eligibility for government-backed schemes like ECO4 (free for qualifying low-income/vulnerable households with inefficient boilers) or regional options (e.g., Warmer Homes Scotland or Affordable Warmth NI). These often cover full installation costs with no upfront payment. If ineligible, explore the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 for heat pumps in England/Wales) or 0% VAT relief on energy-saving installs. Finance options include 0% interest plans from suppliers or scrappage deals.

Is the Free Boiler Scheme Genuine?

Yes, the “free boiler scheme” is genuine and refers to the government-mandated Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), regulated by Ofgem and backed by the UK government. Energy suppliers fund upgrades for vulnerable households to meet legal targets on fuel poverty and emissions, no scams involved.

What Type of Boilers Are Offered in the Scheme?

Under ECO4, funded boilers are modern, high-efficiency A-rated condensing gas boilers (90%+ efficiency) from reputable brands. Types typically include combi boilers, system boilers, and conventional (regular) boilers (suitable for larger properties with multiple bathrooms).
 Replacements target inefficient/old models (8+ years, non-condensing).

Can I Qualify for a New Boiler?

You may qualify under ECO4 if you receive qualifying benefits, have low income, health issues worsened by cold, or live in fuel poverty. Your boiler must be 8+ years old/inefficient; your home EPC should be D–G; and you should live in Great Britain, with mains gas connected. Homeowners and private tenants (with landlord consent) are eligible; social housing has limits.

What Is the Free Gas Boiler Scheme?

There is no official “free gas boiler scheme” providing completely free gas boilers to everyone. The term often refers to the ECO4 scheme (government-backed, supplier-funded), which offers free or subsidised gas boiler replacements to eligible low-income/vulnerable households.

Sources and References

• Statista – Percentage of adults reporting their cost of living has increased in the previous month in Great Britain from November 2021 to January 2026
• UK Parliament – Housing and net zero
• Ofgem – ECO4 Guidance: Delivery
• GOV.UK – Find your local council
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive – Affordable Warmth Scheme
• Home Energy Scotland – Warmer Homes Scotland