Who qualifies for a boiler grant?

The cosy jumpers, waterproof wellies and raincoats are out and what your thermostat says is true - it's officially time to welcome boiler season. Let's admit it, if you haven't turned the heating on yet, you either love cold feet and hands, or you live in the North.

Some of us however, will inevitably experience the horror of cranking up the thermostat, only to discover the radiators are staying as cold as ice. If the inevitable thing happens and your boiler needs to retire there might be a light in the tunnel - the boiler grant.

What is a boiler grant?

The boiler grant, also known as the boiler grant scheme was created to aid UK homes in achieving better energy efficiency and help reduce energy consumption. The scheme is part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and will run until 2022.

The boiler scheme provides free boiler and insulation grants to homeowners who receive certain benefits. It is aimed at reducing fuel poverty amongst low-income household by ensuring heat is distributed evenly and does not escape the house.

Who is eligible for a boiler grant?

Even if you are part of a low income household you might not be automatically eligible for a boiler grant. The boiler grant scheme has certain criteria that applicants should meet and, to be honest, it's quite specific.

First of all, the boiler scheme is only available to homeowners. If you're a tenant, living privately or in a council flat you won't qualify. Your property will also need to be on the mains gas supply and at least 5 years old.

To qualify for a boiler grant your household must be in receipt of one of these benefits:

• Child tax credit
• Working tax credit
• Pension credit
• Job seekers allowance
• Universal credit
• Employment and support allowance

Those in receipt of Pension Credit and Child Tax Credit (if the household income is under £16,010) will automatically qualify for the scheme.

If you receive Income Support, Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit will have to also receive at leas one additional component, such as disability allowances, pension credit or child credits.

Finally, additional criteria must also be met, which includes a household income of under £16,010, and an existent low-efficiency boiler within the property. Finally the property must be large enough to generate an efficient saving, which unfortunately will exclude flats from the qualifying criteria.

How to Apply for a Boiler Grant?

To apply for a boiler grant you must first find out if you cover all the eligibility criteria. Doing this is easy, simply contact the Energy Saving Advice Service (0300 123 1234). Alternatively you can also contact the energy companies listed under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.

Don't Qualify for the Boiler Scheme But Need a New Boiler?

Unfortunately, not everyone can qualify for the government's boiler scheme, but you might still need to replace the boiler. At Rightio we have the best prices on boiler installations. Our quote includes everything - initial examination, new boiler and the installation.

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