I Don't Receive Benefits, Can I Get an Insulation or Heating Grant?

I Don't Receive Benefits, Can I Get Help with Insulation and Heating?

So you work all year round and you keep hearing of people on benefits getting UK Government grants for insulation, heating upgrades and even renewable energy installed... and you then wonder, is there any help for me?

Well, yes there is and in this short article we details the UK Government schemes available to you.

GBIS

Understanding GBIS ECO Funding and Its Benefits for Working Households in the UK

The Great Britain Insulation Scheme (GBIS), formerly known as ECO+, is a government-backed initiative designed to expand access to energy-efficiency funding. This programme complements the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) by focusing on households that may not qualify under traditional criteria for ECO support.

Specifically, GBIS offers working individuals and families an opportunity to access eco funding for essential energy-saving measures, bridging the gap for those not considered vulnerable or on low incomes but still grappling with rising energy bills.

GBIS aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower household energy costs, and improve domestic energy efficiency by funding measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or measures to upgrade heating systems. The scheme is particularly beneficial to middle-income earners, who may be disproportionately affected by fuel inefficiency without qualifying for existing support under ECO.

Qualifying Criteria

The eligibility criteria under GBIS have been broadened to include working households, recognising that not all financial pressures are captured by means-tested state benefits. Local authorities oversee the framework, and these are the core qualifying markers:

Middle-Income Households: GBIS targets households earning above traditional ECO thresholds yet still within the middle-income category. This ensures support for individuals who face substantial energy costs but would typically fall outside programmes tailored for low-income earners.

Homes with Low Energy Ratings: Properties with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D, E, F, or G automatically attract prioritisation. These homes often consume more energy due to inefficient structural design, making insulation or upgrades critical to reducing energy wastage.

Energy Inefficiency Indicators: GBIS funding focuses on households where energy bills disproportionately impact disposable income, resulting in an elevated risk of fuel poverty despite wage earnings.

Non-Benefit Recipients: Importantly, GBIS does not restrict applicants to those receiving state benefits, which is a defining feature compared to traditional ECO schemes. Instead, baseline income and energy expenditure are assessed holistically, incorporating local authority discretion for edge cases

LA Flex

Understanding LA Flex Eco Funding and Its Impact on Working Households in the UK

The Local Authority Flexible Energy Programme (LA Flex) is an important tool in the UK's strategy to improve energy efficiency among households, specifically addressing the needs of low- and middle-income working families.

While traditional eco funding schemes—such as those under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO)—primarily target vulnerable or low-income groups, LA Flex extends eligibility criteria via local authority-led discretion. This provides an avenue for working individuals who are otherwise excluded from standard eco funding to secure financial assistance for much-needed home energy improvements.

LA Flex facilitates funding for energy-saving measures including, but not limited to, wall and loft insulation, boiler upgrades, and smart heating controls. By improving the energy efficiency of homes, these measures reduce energy bills, combat fuel poverty, and contribute to the UK's net-zero carbon objectives.

For working households that often fall just outside conventional benefit-related thresholds, LA Flex offers vital support by recognising broader financial pressures, including the "cost of living squeeze."

Qualifying Criteria

Eligibility for LA Flex funding is determined by local authorities under a framework referred to as "flexible eligibility." While criteria may vary slightly between regions, the fundamental parameters include:

Low-to-Middle Income Households: Working households with a combined disposable income below a threshold defined by the local authority are typically eligible. This threshold is intended to capture families who are not in receipt of state benefits but struggle to meet living costs, including heating expenses.

Vulnerability to Cold: Applicants may qualify if household members, such as young children or elderly individuals, are considered more susceptible to the adverse health impacts of living in poorly insulated homes.

Fuel Poverty Indicators: Households spending a disproportionate amount of their income on energy bills, or whose property exhibits substandard energy efficiency ratings (e.g., EPC ratings of D, E, F, or G), are prioritised.

Special Circumstances: Local flexibility allows inclusion of households experiencing financial hardship due to job changes, health conditions, or other factors.