2026 Eligibility Guide — Updated September 2026
Government Grant Eligibility Checker
See which home energy support schemes may fit your circumstances. BUS offers £7,500 for most air-to-water and ground source heat pumps, or £9,000 for eligible off-gas oil/LPG homes; ECO4 and the Warm Homes: Local Grant have separate rules.
BUS £2,500–£9,0000% VAT on Installed SolarECO4 Until Dec 2026Warm Homes: Local Grant
Quick Eligibility Check
Use these questions as a starting point; the installer, supplier or local council makes the final eligibility and funding decision.
Is the property in England or Wales, and do you own it (or are you the landlord)?
✓ YES
You may be able to use BUS for a qualifying heat pump. ECO4 is also available across Great Britain.
✗ NO
BUS is not available in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Tenants can ask their landlord about BUS and may access ECO4; private renters in England can check the Warm Homes: Local Grant.
Do you have a valid EPC?
✓ YES
Check the rating: D–G is required for the Warm Homes: Local Grant in England. BUS no longer requires a valid EPC.
✗ NO
A valid EPC is not required for BUS applications from 28 April 2026. The council can help check the EPC for the Warm Homes: Local Grant.
Is your household income £36,000 or less?
✓ YES
In England you may meet the Warm Homes: Local Grant income route. ECO4 Flex has a separate under-£31,000 income route.
✗ NO
You may still qualify for the Warm Homes: Local Grant through benefits or postcode, or ECO4 through benefits or other Flex routes. BUS has no income limit.
Is your EPC rating D, E, F or G?
✓ YES
Your home may meet the Warm Homes: Local Grant EPC rule in England; ECO4 also targets homes needing upgrades, subject to its own criteria.
✗ NO
The Warm Homes: Local Grant requires D–G. An EPC rating does not itself prevent a BUS application; 0% VAT can apply to qualifying installed solar.
£2,500–£9,000
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
✓ You May Qualify If:
- Property owner or landlord in England or Wales; your MCS-certified installer applies
- Replacing a fossil fuel or electric heating system, not an existing heat pump
- £7,500 for most air-to-water or ground source heat pumps; £2,500 for air-to-air
- £9,000 for air-to-water or ground source heat pumps replacing oil or LPG in eligible off-gas grid homes (until 31 March 2027)
- A valid EPC is no longer required for applications from 28 April 2026
Check These Restrictions:
- Properties in Scotland or Northern Ireland (different support is available)
- Social housing or most new-build homes (qualifying self-builds excepted)
- Systems replacing an existing low-carbon heating system, or already funded for the same installation
Supplier-funded upgrades
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)
✓ You May Qualify If:
- Home in England, Scotland or Wales needing energy efficiency improvements
- Qualifying benefits, or a local authority/supplier Flex referral (for example, household income under £31,000)
- Your landlord’s permission if you rent, including social housing
- An obligated energy supplier agrees to fund suitable measures following an assessment
Check These Restrictions:
- Homes that do not meet the scheme’s property and household criteria
- The same measures cannot be funded by ECO4 and another government scheme
- Eligibility does not guarantee an installation or full funding; ECO4 ends 31 December 2026
Council-funded improvements
Warm Homes: Local Grant
✓ You May Qualify If:
- Privately owned home in England, including privately rented homes
- EPC rating D, E, F or G (the council can help check your EPC)
- Household income usually £36,000 or less, or qualifying benefits or postcode
- Your council has funding and approves upgrades after a home survey
Check These Restrictions:
- Homes outside England or with EPC rating A, B or C
- Social housing (other schemes may be available)
- Private landlords may have to contribute towards some improvements
0% VAT on qualifying installed solar panels is a tax relief, not a cash grant, and runs until 31 March 2027. HMRC VAT guidance ↗
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Compare quotes from local installers. For BUS, your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf; ECO4 and the Warm Homes: Local Grant are arranged through suppliers or councils.
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