We all know that many UK pensioners are entitled to receive free Government help to keep their properties warm, especially in winter.
Pensioners who receive Pension Credit are already eligible for Government energy grants. But now, following recent reports that Keir Starmer will ‘look again’ at raising the £11,500 threshold currently in place on the benefit, it’s hoped that many more older people will be able to qualify for help this winter.
Are Government Energy Grants Just for Pensioners?
When it comes to knowing which households are eligible for government energy efficiency schemes like ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, it can be confusing. Especially when so much UK news focuses on how rising energy bills affect older people. This can often leave many other age groups wondering the same question:
“Are Government energy grants only available to pensioners?”
The short answer is no. Although pensioners are often eligible for support, energy grants are open to many other age groups too.
If you live in a cold, inefficient home (especially EPC-rated E, F or G), or receive certain income-based benefits, you could qualify for free energy-saving upgrades through the ECO4 scheme or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
What are ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme?
These two UK Government schemes help households make their homes warmer and more energy efficient—often at no extra cost to the householder:
- ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation Phase 4): This scheme is aimed at low-income and vulnerable households, particularly those in homes with EPC ratings of E, F or G. It offers whole-house upgrades, such as various types of insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy installations.
- The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): This scheme focuses on single insulation measures such as loft or wall insulation. It supports a broader range of households, including many that are not claiming benefits.
So, if Government Grants Aren’t Just for Pensioners – Who Else Can Qualify?
1. Properties With Low EPC Ratings (E, F or G)
If your home has an EPC rating of E, F or G, you’re already high on the priority list—especially for ECO4. As these properties are the ones that lose the most heat, the government targets them for upgrades.
If you don’t know your current home EPC rating, you may be able to find it on the official EPC Register.
2. Households That Receive Benefits (Not Just Pensions)
ECO4 includes a wide list of qualifying benefits. If you or someone in your household receives one of these listed below, you may be eligible:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit (within income thresholds)
- Income-related ESA or JSA
- Income Support
- Working/Child Tax Credit
3. Try the ECO4 Flex Route – Even Without Claiming Benefits
Even if you’re not on benefits, your local council might still support your application through the ECO4 Flex scheme.
You could qualify if:
- Your household income is under £31,000 a year
- Someone has a health condition made worse by living in a cold home
- You have children under 5, or residents over 65
- You’re considered vulnerable to fuel poverty
This flexible route opens up grants to working families and households in financial difficulty—even if you don’t receive benefits. For more information on how to check if your Local Authority is involved in the Eco Flex Scheme, see the following article.
4. Great British Insulation Scheme – Broader Access Based on Council Tax and EPC
You may qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme, which is divided into two groups:
- General Group – Homes in Council Tax Bands A–D (A–E in Scotland and Wales) and EPC D or below can apply, even without benefits.
- Low-Income Group – This includes those on benefits or who meet local flexibility criteria.
So, even middle-income households in inefficient homes can qualify under GBIS!
What Can You Get With Government Energy Grants?
Depending on your eligibility, you could receive:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity or solid wall insulation
- Room-in-roof insulation
- Smart heating controls
- High-efficiency boilers
- First-time central heating
- Solar panels
- Air source heat pumps
ECO4 tends to offer comprehensive upgrades, while GBIS often covers a single measure like loft insulation.
Why Should I Apply?…Even if I’m not a Pensioner?
You don’t have to be a pensioner to access help from the Government. If your home is cold, draughty, or expensive to heat, ECO4 and GBIS can help you:
- Cut your energy bills by hundreds of pounds a year
- Make your home warmer, safer, and more comfortable
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Access upgrades you might not afford otherwise
Check if You’re Eligible with Energy Advice Helpline
At Energy Advice Helpline, we want to make sure that everyone who is eligible for Government energy efficiency grants receives the support they’re entitled to. No matter if you’re a pensioner, single parent, working family or just struggling to heat your home, there could be free help waiting for you…and we’ll help you find it!
Our friendly team is here to guide you through every step—no pressure, no jargon. So, let’s make your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run—no matter your age and circumstances.
Click the link below and see if you qualify today!
