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Keeping a house warm during winter is not easy, especially when the boiler is old and inefficient. Old boilers use too much energy and take too much time to heat the home (still unevenly). This results in high energy bills and a chilly house that certainly doesn’t create a good life. If this sounds familiar, the ECO4 Boiler Grant is what you need right now!
And if you are one of those households on income-based Employment Support Allowance, you are already halfway to qualify for this ECO4 scheme. This government-funded scheme aims to help low-income families replace their outdated boilers with energy-efficient ones absolutely free.
If you’re on ESA and tired of paying through the nose for heating that doesn’t do the job, then this is your guide
What is the ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme?
The ECO4 Free Boiler Grant Scheme is a Government scheme in the UK that ensures homes are warmer, greener, and cheaper to heat. It helps low-income households upgrade their outdated, inefficient boilers to modern, energy-saving ones for free.
This scheme replaces old heating systems and helps in lowering energy bills, too. It makes it a win-win for your home and the planet by reducing carbon emissions.
However, this scheme is not limited to just boilers. You could receive free insulation if you qualify for free. And if you have no gas meter, you may also get an air source heat pump with the installation of solar panels absolutely free.
In other words, this ECO4 scheme covers all the aspects related to heating upgrades to make sure your house gets what it deserves.
Eligibility Criteria for the ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme UK
In order to qualify for the ECO4 free boiler grant, there are a few key criteria that you must meet. Low-income private households – homeowners or private tenants – are welcome in the scheme.
It primarily targets properties with low-efficiency heating systems or those with poor ratings in EPC. These can include but are not limited to EPC ratings below D, E, F, and G.
You’ll also need to receive specific government benefits and have a reported household income of less than £31,000 per year.
The following are the benefits that make you eligible:
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
Standard verification is typically done through a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) check but you may be asked for a self-declaration of household income in certain instances.
Apply for Free Boiler Replacement!
ECO4 Boiler Grant for Employment Support Allowance
If you get Employment Support Allowance and have an old inefficient boiler in your house, then the ECO4 free boiler grant can help you install a modern energy-efficient system for free.
It is designed under the ECO4 scheme, specifically aimed at low-income households like yours. It ensures that you are warm during those freezing UK winters without stressing about the costs. It’s a pretty simple process, and it covers all the costs for both a new boiler and its installation.
What is Employment Support Allowance?
ESA is a benefit for people who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to work. It provides financial support if you are unable to work and offers assistance to help you return to work if you are able to. You might be eligible to apply whether you’re employed, self-employed, or neither.
How Much is the Employment Support Allowance?
The amount you get from ESA also depends on your age, whether you’re capable of working, and the stage of your claim. If you are under 25, you can get up to £71.70 per week; if you are 25 or over, you can get £90.50 during the initial assessment period. And if the assessment period takes longer, this rate continues until a decision is made.
The result of the assessment will then place you into one of two groups:
- Work-related activity group: £90.50 or less per week if you are likely to be able to go back to work.
- Support group: £138.20 per week if the condition reduces your capability to work. You may also be entitled to additional Disability Premiums.
How to Claim Employment Support Allowance
It is easy to claim ESA. You will be asked for information such as your National Insurance number, your bank account details, and a note from your doctor if your illness/condition has prevented you from working for more than seven days.
If you’re already receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), you can apply for ESA as long as three months before your SSP ends. You apply by contacting the DWP or via the GOV.UK website.
Are Income-based Employment Support Allowance Recipients Eligible for ECO4 Boiler Grant?
Yes! If you get Employment Support Allowance, then you will most probably be eligible for the ECO4 free boiler grant. This scheme is designed to assist families who receive certain government benefits, including ESA. It helps them replace old and inefficient boilers with newer and energy-efficient ones, free of charge.
Eligibility doesn’t just stop at receiving ESA. Your home also has to meet the criteria in that it must have a low EPC rating and have an outdated or inefficient heating system.
How Does an ECO4 Free Boiler Grant Benefit You?
With a free boiler grant, you can enjoy many meaningful benefits for improving your household and the environment. Here’s how it can benefit:
1. Big Savings on Energy Bills
Modern boilers are made to use less energy while heating, thereby bringing the cost involved way down. Households upgrading to an energy-efficient boiler can expect general savings on a heating bill of up to £300 annually. Savings of this order often mean a lot, especially to families with tight budgets.
2. 100% Free Installation
The best thing about the ECO4 Free Boiler Grant is that it covers the full value of the boiler and its installation. This way, you will not have to deal with any type of initial and hidden fees. The grant completely removes the financial barrier, thus being accessible to literally all qualified people.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint
New boilers are not only energy-efficient but also friendly to the environment. This is because they reduce the quantity of fuel used by your house. Hence reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere by up to 1.5 tonnes annually and contributing to the UK’s fight against climate change.
4. Healthier Living Conditions
Cold and damp homes are linked with respiratory diseases, alongside a wide variety of other serious health problems. Age UK says that 29% of older people can’t keep warm, and the cold exaggerates or causes many health conditions. A warm home keeps you and your loved ones healthier.
5. Increase in EPC Rating
The EPC rating of your house refers to the energy efficiency of the house essentially. In particular, installing a modern boiler can increase your EPC score. This could add value to your property and give it more desirability if, sometime later, you may want to sell or let it out.
How to Apply for an ECO4 Boiler Grant with Employment Support Allowance?
Applying for an ECO4 Boiler Grant with Employment Support Allowance (ESA) is simple. Start by confirming your eligibility—ESA recipients typically qualify, especially if your heating system is inefficient and your home has a low EPC rating.
You then contact your approved ECO4 installer to arrange your application and a free-of-charge home survey. Provide evidence of ESA and, where necessary, details of your household income.
Once your application is approved, an engineer will visit your home to assess your heating needs. Then, a brand-new boiler will be installed for free, ensuring your home is warm and efficient.
The Bottom Line
The ECO4 Boiler Grant is a lifeline for households stuck with inefficient heating and rising energy costs. If you come from a family receiving Employment Support Allowance, the scheme gives a good avenue for upgrading your boiler with no upfront expense.
In addition, you are investing in a warmer and healthier home with reduced carbon exposure. It is truly a win-win situation – not just for your wallet but also for comfort and the environment.
Don’t let another cold winter slip away; take advantage of the ECO4 free boiler grant today and start enjoying superior efficiency with a more reliable heating system. Warmer days are just an application away!
