The ECO4 scheme — the government programme that funds free insulation and heating upgrades for millions of UK households — is closing on 31 December 2026. If you qualify, this is your last chance to claim up to £15,000 of free home energy improvements.
With energy bills still averaging £1,756 per year, the value of proper insulation has never been higher. Here is everything you need to know about ECO4, whether you are eligible, and how to apply before the deadline.
What Is the ECO4 Scheme?
ECO stands for Energy Company Obligation. It is a government scheme that requires the largest energy suppliers — including British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO, Scottish Power, and Octopus Energy — to fund energy efficiency improvements in UK homes.
ECO4 is the fourth iteration of the scheme, which has been running in various forms since 2013. It launched in April 2022 and specifically targets the least energy-efficient homes occupied by low-income and vulnerable households.
The key principle is simple: energy companies pay for the improvements, and the homeowner pays nothing. There is no loan, no catch, and no repayment required.
What Does ECO4 Cover?
ECO4 can fund a wide range of energy efficiency measures, including:
- Loft insulation — topping up or replacing existing insulation to the recommended 270mm depth
- Cavity wall insulation — filling empty wall cavities to reduce heat loss through walls
- External wall insulation — cladding solid walls with insulating material, which can be worth £8,000–£15,000 alone
- Floor insulation — insulating suspended timber floors to prevent heat loss downward
- Heating system upgrades — replacing broken or inefficient boilers, or upgrading to a heat pump
- Renewable energy installations — in some cases, solar panels may be funded as part of a whole-house approach
Under ECO4, properties must be improved by at least two EPC bands (for example, from E to C). This means the scheme typically funds multiple measures per home, not just one.
Who Is Eligible for ECO4?
To qualify for ECO4, you generally need to meet two criteria:
1. You receive a qualifying means-tested benefit
The main qualifying benefits are:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Child Tax Credit (income below £18,500)
- Working Tax Credit (income below £18,500)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit
2. Your home has a low EPC rating
Your property needs an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. Most UK homes fall into this range — around 60% of English homes are rated D or below.
You can check your EPC for free at the government’s EPC register by entering your postcode.
The LA Flex Route
Even if you do not receive qualifying benefits, you may still be eligible through the LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility) pathway. Under this route, your local council can refer households that are on low incomes or are considered vulnerable to cold — for example, those with health conditions affected by cold living conditions, or households with a combined income below a certain threshold.
The criteria vary by council, so it is worth checking even if you are not on benefits.
How Much Is ECO4 Worth?
The value of ECO4 improvements varies depending on your property type and what measures are needed. Typical values include:
- Loft insulation: £500–£1,500
- Cavity wall insulation: £1,000–£2,500
- External wall insulation: £8,000–£15,000
- Floor insulation: £800–£2,000
- Boiler replacement: £2,500–£4,000
Many households receive multiple measures, with a total value of £5,000 to £15,000. It is one of the most generous energy efficiency programmes ever offered in the UK.
How to Apply for ECO4
Applying for ECO4 is straightforward. Here is the process:
- Step 1: Check your eligibility using our free online checker or contact us directly
- Step 2: We verify your benefits status and arrange an EPC assessment if needed
- Step 3: A surveyor visits your home to assess what measures are needed
- Step 4: We submit the application to the funding energy supplier on your behalf
- Step 5: Once approved, installation is carried out by qualified, vetted installers
The whole process typically takes 4–8 weeks from initial application to completed installation. However, with the December 2026 deadline approaching, demand is increasing — we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.
Why You Should Not Wait
There are several reasons to act now rather than later:
- Funding is finite: Energy suppliers have fixed budgets under ECO4. Once their obligation is met, they stop accepting applications.
- Demand is surging: As awareness of the deadline grows, more households are applying, creating longer wait times.
- Winter is coming: Insulation installed in summer or autumn means you benefit from the savings throughout winter 2026/27.
- The replacement scheme is uncertain: While the government has signalled a successor to ECO4, there is no guarantee it will offer the same level of funding or cover the same measures.
What Happens After ECO4 Ends?
The government has indicated that a new obligation scheme will follow ECO4, potentially as part of the broader Warm Homes Plan. However, no details have been confirmed regarding eligibility criteria, funding levels, or which measures will be covered.
Past transitions between ECO schemes have resulted in gaps in provision, tighter eligibility, or reduced funding. If you qualify for ECO4 now, it is far better to take advantage of the current scheme than to gamble on what comes next.
Homeowners and Tenants Can Both Apply
Both homeowners and private tenants can benefit from ECO4. If you are a tenant, your landlord will need to give permission for the work, but they do not need to contribute financially — the scheme covers everything.
Social housing tenants may also qualify, particularly if their home has a low EPC rating. Your housing association or local council can advise on this.
Get Started Today
If you think you might qualify for ECO4, do not leave it to the last minute. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation eligibility check. We handle the paperwork, coordinate the survey, and manage the entire installation process — all at no cost to you.
With up to £15,000 of free home improvements on the table and a firm December 2026 deadline, there is no reason to wait.