What energy grants can I get on Universal Credit?

Worried about rising energy bills while on Universal Credit? You’re not alone – but there’s good news. The government has backed several grants and discounts designed to help vulnerable households keep warm and manage energy costs all year round.

From insulation upgrades to free central heating and more, let’s take a closer look at what you’re eligible for under Universal Credit and how Grant Store can help make applying easier than ever.

Key Takeaways

Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Warm Home Discount Scheme
How to Check Eligibility and Apply

1. Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

The ECO4 grant scheme is a government-backed initiative where energy companies help lower-income households reduce their bills by providing funding for energy-saving measures.

It offers the least energy-efficient properties (EPC rating between E-G) with a range of provisions, including:

Do I qualify for ECO4 on Universal Credit?

Yes, Universal Credit is one of the qualifying benefits for an ECO4 grant. The full list of benefits for ECO4 is:

Child Benefit
Pension Guarantee Credit
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income Support
Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
Universal Credit
Housing benefit
Pension credit saving credit

To be eligible for ECO4 funding, you will also need to:

Be a homeowner, private renter or social housing tenant
Have a property EPC rating of D, E, F or G

Check my eligibility

2. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

The GBIS is another government-funded initiative that aims to improve energy efficiency in low EPC-rated homes via subsidised insulation installations.

It offers free or cheaper insulation for cavity walls, lofts, floors, and solid walls, depending on the property’s needs.

It is designed to complement the ECO4 grant scheme while also offering support to a broader range of homeowners and tenants.

Do I qualify for the GBIS on Universal Credit?

Yes, Universal Credit is one of the qualifying benefits for low-income households that can apply for cheaper insulation under the GBIS. The full list is below:

Universal Credit
Child Benefit
Pension Guarantee Credit
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income Support
Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit Saving Credit

3. Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHD)

The Warm Home Discount Scheme helps low-income households across England, Scotland, and Wales with energy bills during the winter.

If you’re eligible, you will receive a one-off discount of £150 applied directly to your electricity bill.

Applications begin in October every year and continue until March of the following year.

Do I qualify for WHD on Universal Credit?

Yes, Universal Credit is one of the qualifying benefits for the Warm Home Discount. The full list of low-income benefits eligible for WHD is below:

Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income Support

Apply now with the help of Grant Store

If you qualify for any of these grant schemes under Universal Credit but don’t know where to begin with your application, we can help.

Speak to a member of our team today, and we’ll guide you through the application process to help you see what you can receive. If your application is successful, we’ll even help install your energy-saving home upgrade.

With a dedicated team and over fifty years of experience helping households like yours stay warm throughout the year, you’re in safe hands with Grant Store.

Get in touch today to learn more.