27 November 2025

Complete Guide to Government Energy Grants [2026 Update]

Worried about soaring energy bills? You’re far from alone. UK households face rising costs, but support is available: government energy grants can make your home warmer, cheaper to run, and better for the planet. In this guide, we break down all the main schemes for 2026, tailored for everyone, from pensioners to families on benefits like Universal Credit. You’ll learn what you can get, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply, so you can access free heating grants UK and reliable insulation support.

If you’re unsure about your options, this guide helps you compare major schemes, GBIS, ECO4, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and more, to find the right fit for your situation.

What Are Government Energy Grants and Who Are They For?

Government energy grants provide critical funding to help UK homeowners and tenants improve energy efficiency. This includes insulation (like cavity wall, loft, and solid wall), upgrades to heating systems (such as boilers and heat pumps), and even renewable technologies like solar panels. These grants aren’t just for homeowners, private tenants and landlords can benefit too, often with the landlord’s permission.

Who typically qualifies?

  • People with low incomes or disabilities
  • Pensioners and vulnerable groups
  • Residents in older, less efficient homes (often EPC D–G)

The main aim? Make homes easier (and cheaper) to keep warm, cut carbon emissions, and lift families out of fuel poverty.

What Can You Get With These Grants in 2026?

The list keeps growing. Most government energy grants in 2026 target the following energy-saving improvements:

  • Loft insulation: One of the most cost-effective measures, locking heat where you need it most.
  • Room in roof insulation: Essential for top-floor rooms or loft conversions.
  • Solid wall insulation: Great for older homes without cavity walls, applied internally or externally.
  • Solar panels: Grants often offset the cost so you can generate clean, free electricity.
  • Heat pumps: Access funding for air source and ground source heat pumps through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
  • Heating systems: Upgrades for outdated and inefficient boilers; sometimes full replacements.

Want to see the full picture? Explore our comparison of available Green Energy Grant schemes for more details on each upgrade type.

Key Government Schemes to Know in 2026

There’s no one-size-fits-all scheme. Here’s what you need to know about the main government-backed options this year:

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offers free and subsidised insulation upgrades to millions of UK homes. If you have a low EPC rating or fall within certain council tax bands, you could be eligible for loft or cavity wall insulation—even if you don’t receive benefits.

  • General Group: For most homes in Council Tax Bands A–D (A–E in Scotland/Wales) with EPC D or below.
  • Low-Income Group: For those on means-tested benefits, regardless of council tax band.

Quick tip: Even if you don’t qualify for the “main” ECO4 scheme, GBIS could be a faster route to free insulation. Check the full details and see if your property is eligible.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme

The ECO4 Scheme remains the cornerstone of government energy grants. Energy suppliers must fund improvements in qualifying homes. ECO4 takes a “whole house” approach—meaning you could get multiple upgrades at once, lifting your EPC all the way from a low “G” up to “C”.

Eligibility:

  • Must own or privately rent your home
  • Someone in your household receives benefits (see section above)
  • Home’s EPC is D, E, F, or G

Typical measures: Cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation, plus heating system upgrades, solar panels, and heat pumps.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Ready to go greener? The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) helps you swap fossil fuel boilers for low-carbon heating:

  • £7,500 toward air source/ground source heat pumps
  • £5,000 for biomass boilers (rural, off-grid properties only)

You’ll need an MCS-certified installer to quote and apply on your behalf. Eligibility is broad if your EPC doesn’t recommend extra insulation.

Green Energy Grant Scheme

For broader upgrades—think insulation, solar panels, and renewable heating—the Green Energy Grant Scheme from Lifetime Savings helps UK homeowners and tenants access the latest government support. Use this as a “one-stop shop” to find and compare grant options for your property and circumstances.

Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), LA Flex, and Local Authority Support

Looking for something tailored? Local councils and LA Flex schemes let you access grants even if you don’t get benefits, especially if you have a low income or health issues intensified by a cold home.

  • Home Upgrade Grant (HUG): Off-gas homes, household income under £36,000, EPC D–G.
  • LA Flex: Rules vary locally—ask your council if you qualify.

Energy Efficiency Measures That Make a Difference

Why does the government invest in all these upgrades? Because energy efficiency is the single most effective way to cut bills, tackle fuel poverty, and help the UK hit its climate targets.

Here’s how retrofitting helps:

  • Reduces heat loss, so you use less energy
  • Makes homes more comfortable (no more cold spots!)
  • Lowers your carbon footprint
  • Protects the vulnerable—especially pensioners or people with health challenges

Each improvement—whether it’s a thicker layer of loft insulation or a brand-new heat pump—contributes to a warmer, healthier, and more affordable home.

How to Apply for Free Heating and Insulation Grants

The process can seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1.        Check your eligibility. See if you qualify via official government tools, or use services like Lifetime Savings’ Green Energy Grant checker.

2.        Gather the right documents. These may include proof of address/identity, household income, EPC, tenancy agreement, and details of benefits received.

3.        Property survey. A registered installer (look for TrustMark or MCS certifications) will assess your home’s needs and confirm what improvements are suitable.

4.        Review and sign off. You’ll be told what’s covered by the grant, any small contributions required, and timelines for installation.

5.        Installation. Approved professionals carry out the work; you enjoy a warmer, more efficient home.

Tip: If you’re not sure where to start or which scheme to try, contact your local council or book a survey to see if you qualify. Never pay large upfront fees—official installers claim the grant for you, not the other way around.

Final Thoughts: Which Grant Is Right for You?

Every home—and every household—is different. The best way to find out what you’re eligible for is to review the main Grant Schemes, explore the Green Energy Grant comparison tool, or consult the detailed GBIS guide.

To recap:

  • Most are designed for vulnerable groups—those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and low incomes—but options exist for those outside these criteria.
  • Checking eligibility is fast and free. Explore your options to start saving on bills now.

Check If You Qualify for a Free Heating Grant Today – it only takes a minute, and you could save hundreds every year.

FAQs

Do I qualify for a government energy grant?

Most grants are means-tested—so if someone in your household claims Universal Credit, Pension Credit, tax credits, or other income support, you’re likely eligible. Low income, age, or health conditions can also qualify you through LA Flex or local schemes.

How do I apply for a government energy grant?

Check eligibility online (start with Grant Schemes), gather your documents, get a certified installer to survey your property, and let them handle the grant application.

Can I get a free heating grant?

Yes! Free heating grants UK are available for eligible households to cover new boilers, heat pumps, and insulation—check the section above and use our internal guides to get started.

What is GBIS, and can I use it?

The Great British Insulation Scheme provides fast-track access to key upgrades even if you aren’t on benefits. Check the specifics online.

What upgrades can I get with ECO4?

Multiple upgrades at once: cavity wall, loft, solid wall insulation, heating systems, solar panels. Learn more in our ECO4 guide.

Can private tenants and landlords use these schemes?

Yes—many grants are open to tenants (with landlord agreement) and landlords upgrading properties. Consult your local authority and scheme pages.

How do I prove my home’s EPC?

Your EPC is a legal document that shows your property’s energy performance (A–G). Find yours on your government’s online EPC register.

What’s the difference between ECO4 and GBIS?

ECO4 is for “whole house” retrofits and low-income groups; GBIS is broader and targets single insulation measures, suitable for many not on benefits.

Is the Green Energy Grant Scheme official?

The Green Energy Grant Scheme by Lifetime Savings is a platform for accessing multiple types of government-backed energy funding, it helps compare and streamline your application.

Where can I find official support?

Start with our Grant Schemes, or get in touch with us for more information..

Don’t wait for another winter of high bills—see which grants you qualify for now, and begin your journey to a warmer, more efficient home today!

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