Free Home Insulation for Pensioners – See if you Qualify!

Did you know there are government schemes that offer free home insulation for pensioners?

A well-insulated property is important for everyone. But, if you’re over 60 – making sure your home keeps the heat in and the cold out is essential!

In the following article, we’ll discuss why it’s important to have a warm home, especially as you get older. We’ll also explore how good home insulation can help pensioners stay healthy and lower their household energy bills – for free!

Why is Home Insulation Important for Pensioners? 

There are a variety of reasons why having a well-insulated home is important for pensioners.

As we age, we become more susceptible to the cold and may also begin to suffer from chronic health conditions. Many of these can become worse when we’re exposed to cold temperatures.

Many over-60s are no longer able to work and living on fixed incomes. This means pensions need to stretch even further to cover inflated food costs and ever-rising energy bills.  

High numbers of pensioners find themselves living alone in later life. They often still live in long-treasured family homes that now need expensive maintenance and repairs. These properties are also likely to be energy inefficient and have low Energy Performance Certificate scores.  

Finding ways to keep heat in and rising costs down is crucial; this is where free home insulation for over 60’s can help. And there’s even more good news; Government funding is available for properties with an EPC of E, F, or G. This means many eligible pensioners can install much-needed home insulation for free! 

What is Home Insulation? 

Home insulation is an energy-efficient method that reduces the heat that escapes from your property. Although it does most of its notable work during the winter, insulation also helps keep out heat during the summer. Lofts, floors, cavity walls, and solid walls are all suitable spaces for insulation. Your property will no longer lose or gain heat, meaning it will be a comfortable temperature all year round. It also means you use less gas and electricity and will lower energy bills.

How do Pensioners Qualify for Free Home Insulation? 

To qualify for free insulation, pensioners usually have to meet certain eligibility requirements. These are: 

• The property must have a low EPC rating, this is typically E,F or G. 

• The householder must own the property themselves or have the landlord’s permission to carry out energy efficiency work. 

• One of the occupants must be claiming Guaranteed Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits. 

What is Guaranteed Pension Credit? 

Guaranteed Pension Credit is a top-up benefit that helps low-income pensioners meet their living costs. If you are eligible to claim it, it often means you can claim other benefits. This can include The Warm Home Discount, housing benefits, council tax discounts, and cost of living payments.  

You are also likely to qualify for free home energy efficiency upgrade grants. These provide a number of renewable energy options including free solar panels, heat pumps, and home insulation. 

Do All Pensioners Need to Claim Benefits to Qualify for Free Insulation? 

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to claim benefits to qualify for ECO4 or Great British Insulation Scheme. If you’re a pensioner with a chronic health condition made worse by living in a cold home, you could receive free energy efficiency upgrades, including free home insulation.  

Qualifying health conditions include: 

• Cardiovascular conditions – heart disease, hypertension and strokes. 

• Respiratory diseases – asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchitis. 

• Limited Mobility – any health condition that limits your physical movement and makes you vulnerable to living in a cold home. 

• Immunosuppression – Any condition or treatment that suppresses the immune system and makes a person more susceptible to illness. 

It’s important to note, these are just a few of the examples of conditions that qualify. You may have a condition not listed here, but you may still be eligible. Click the button below to check.

How Do Pensioners Apply for Free Insulation with Energy Advice Helpline?

At Energy Advice Helpline, our step-by-step process makes applying for Government grants simple.

• We’ll check your eligibility then call you – Once we’ve confirmed you’re eligible to receive free home insulation, one of our customer service team will give you a call to confirm your details.
• We’ll match you with an MCS-registered installer – An experienced assessor will come to your home to evaluate its current energy efficiency. They’ll recommend the best insulation upgrades to benefit your property.
• We’ll install your insulation– If you’re happy with your assessor’s recommendations, we’ll arrange a date and time that’s convenient for you to install your insulation.
• We’ll ensure you’re happy – Once your insulation is in place, you’ll receive our excellent follow-up aftercare. We’ll ensure you’re fully satisfied with the whole installation process and that your new home insulation meets your requirements.

At Energy Advice Helpline, we’re dedicated to helping the most vulnerable people keep warm and lower their energy bills with renewable energy. Please see our website for further ways we can offer energy support and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grants can I get as a pensioner?

Some pensioners, particularly those on lower incomes may be entitled to benefits such as:

• One-off Cold Weather Payments
• Government help with energy bills
• Help with urgent or one-off expenses
• Housing Benefit
• Concessions on public transport
• TV licence concessions
• Winter Fuel Payments

What is the ECO4 grant for pensioners?

The ECO4 Scheme offers pensioners ways to improve the energy efficiency of their properties at no extra cost to them. The home improvement methods include; home insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, and boiler replacements.

Can pensioners get help with home improvements?

If you are receiving income-related benefits or guaranteed pension credit, one of the household is over 60; or has a disability or long-term illness, you may be entitled to help with these costs.