Can I get a boiler grant? Am I eligible to get a boiler for free? You may be able to get your boiler replaced if it is old and not working well. Indeed, this home improvement may even be done for free. This Your Benefits article will tell you all you need to know about the boiler grant.
Who qualifies for a boiler grant?
You could be able to get a boiler installed at a lower price, or even for free. This is the case if both of the following apply to your situation:
- The property in which you live is your own: you may still be eligible if you are a private tenant;
- You or someone living with you receives one or more qualifying benefit(s).
Indeed, those with a working boiler that is A- or B- will likely not be eligible. However, if this is not the case for your boiler, do not despair. Indeed, your case’s eligibility will be looked at individually.
You may get a free boiler grant through one of the participating energy suppliers. Indeed, there are a lot of them participating in the ECO scheme. They include E.on, EDF Energy, Scottish Power, Octopus energy, British Gas and more. The Ofgem website has a list of all participating suppliers.
This scheme covers fitting costs. However, there may be additional costs. Indeed, this may be the case if things like pipework needs to be done. Do not worry, you will be told if this is the case.
What is considered a qualifying benefit?
In order to be eligible for a boiler grant, you must get certain benefits. This is so you may benefit from the Energy Company Obligations (ECO) scheme. The qualifying benefits are the following:
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA);
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA);
- Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit;
- Severe Disablement Allowance;
- Housing Benefit;
- Carer’s Allowance;
- Attendance Allowance (AA);
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP);
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA);
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit;
- Working Tax Credit;
- Pension Guarantee Credit;
- Income Support.
What is the free boiler grant scheme?
You may be able to do home improvements on your home through the Energy Company Obligations (ECO). This is a scheme by the UK government to allow people to have more energy-efficient homes. Then, you may receive a new boiler.
You may receive a grant for a new boiler in order to make your home more energy efficient. You may even be able to have a new boiler installed for free. Furthermore, a new boiler can cost upwards of £2,500. However, with this help, you could get one for a couple of hundred pounds, or even for free.
How to apply for a boiler grant in 2022
Unfortunately, unlike a lot of benefits, pensions and allowances, in most cases, you cannot claim a boiler grant online. Instead, you must do so by contacting suppliers. Only E.on lets customers claim this help online. You may do so on their website.
You will then need to contact a supplier in order to have a survey done. Indeed, you may contact any energy provider that participates in the ECO scheme. Furthermore, calling them is the safest way to contact them, as you may not do so online (except for E.on).
Typically, the whole process is said to take up to 12 weeks, from the time that you claim to the time when it is done. Furthermore, the installation itself typically only takes a couple of days.
Can a Green Home Grant voucher cover a boiler installation?
Note that the installation of a new boiler is also covered by Green Homes Grant vouchers. Indeed, it is considered to be a primary measure. Furthermore, if you get a qualifying benefit, you may get the following amount:
| Green Homes Grant amounts in 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Does the applicant qualify for certain benefits? | How much of the improvement costs that can be covered | Maximum amount that can be awarded through the scheme |
| No | up to two-thirds | £5,000 |
| Yes | up to one hundred percent | £10,000 |
