In the UK, some free loft insulation and heating grants are available to help improve energy efficiency and reduce high heating costs. Two major schemes that offer such grants include:

The GBIS Scheme

GBIS (Great British Insulation) is a scheme run by Ofgem. The scheme funds one insulation measure per household, which could be loft insulation. A house survey will help identify the best insulation upgrade to improve energy efficiency.

The ECO4 Scheme

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, launched in 2013, is a government-backed initiative aimed at reducing energy bills and ensuring homes are properly heated. It focuses more on whole-house energy efficiency. The ECO4 grant offers various insulation types, including loft insulation, internal wall insulation, and room-in-roof insulation. Under ECO4, energy providers take the lead for eligible households.

Local councils have the power to extend ECO4 eligibility through LA Flex. Even if you’re not on benefits, your council may approve you for loft insulation if your income is low (even if not receiving benefits)

You may come as a surprise, but you can get all types of insulation through these schemes, even if you’re not receiving benefits:

Loft Insulation Grants: Often fully funded because loft insulation is highly effective at keeping the warmth in and less pricey to install, which means more homes can get help.

Room-in-Roof Insulation Grants 

Cavity Wall Insulation Grants 

External Wall Insulation Grants 

Internal Solid Wall Insulation Grants

Solid wall insulation Grants

The ECO4 Scheme aims to help low-income households receiving government benefits, including Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Universal Credit, Income Support, and Child Tax Credits. The Great British Insulation Scheme, previously known as the ECO+ Scheme, is designed for those without government benefits. It’s different from ECO4 because its eligibility criteria are broader and open to more people. It focuses on homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower and situated in areas with lower Council Tax bands.

Loft insulation grants can save you up to £400 per year on your high energy bills by cutting heat loss through your roof. A properly insulated loft improves:

• Energy-Efficiency (EPC rating)
  
• Indoor comfort during winter and summer
  
• Reduced Carbon footprint
• Savings on heating system costs

Eligibility criteria for ECO4 loft insulation grant depend on your specific situation and the condition of your home. You may be eligible if you:

1. Receive means-tested government benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
2. In your house isn’t energy efficient (low EPC rating), you’re more likely to get help.
3. Fall within council tax bands A–D in England, A–E in Scotland, and Wales.
4. If you are a tenant, you will be required to get permission from the landlord to apply.
5. In your house, you should have a gas connection—or you must be open to having one installed.

Approved government benefits include:

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit, and more.

It varies a little depending on the region, so if you’re in the United Kingdom, it’s worth checking the specifics for government-free loft insulation.

Even if you’re not receiving government benefits, you may still qualify for free loft insulation through alternative eligibility criteria. Here’s how can:

Low Income household:

 If your household earns a low income (commonly around £31,000 per year), you may get under income-based criteria.

Property Energy (EPC) Rating:

If your Home with a low (EPC) rating typically D, E, F, or G are often targeted for free insulation grant to improve energy efficiency.

Health Conditions or Vulnerability:

If anyone in your home has a medical condition made worsened by the cold, or if there are young children or elderly residents in the home, you may be qualify under health and vulnerability criteria.    

LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility):

Through this option, local councils can approve loft insulation grant applications UK from the household not on benefits but still at risk of fuel poverty. Councils assess local needs and can refer you for support under the ECO4 scheme.

Council Tax Band (A-D)

In some areas, properties in lower council tax bands (typically A to D in England, Scotland,) may be eligible for loft insulation grants, especially if they have poor EPC rating.

If any of this sounds like it might apply to you, it’s a good idea to get in touch with our heat1 approved energy provider. They can quickly check if you’re eligible and help you arrange a free home assessment.

Yes, pensioners not in government benefits may still be eligible for free loft insulation under particular schemes, such as the Great British Insulation Scheme and LA Flex. These schemes are based on loft insulation for low income household, property energy efficiency, and health needs rather than benefit status.

Even outside official government schemes, there are other options worth exploring:

1. Energy Supplier Schemes

Some major suppliers like British Gas, EDF, or E.ON offer insulation deals—sometimes for free—even to those not on benefits. These are often funded through their own quotas under ECO obligations.

1. Local Council Grants

Your local authority may have separate funding pots for energy improvements. Some councils partner with insulation companies to deliver free or low-cost loft insulation for residents—regardless of benefit status.

1. Housing Associations

If you live in housing association accommodation, upgrades such as loft insulation might be included in property improvement scheme at no cost to you.

1. Green Finance or Loans

Though not free, there are interest-free loans or deferred payment plans available for home energy improvements. These can make the upfront cost of loft insulation much more manageable.

Free Home Survey

Once your eligibility is confirmed, a certified energy surveyor from Heat1 will visit your home to carry out a comprehensive assessment—completely free of charge.

Free Insulation Installation

After the survey, we’ll take care of the entire grant application process for you. Loft Installation is typically scheduled within 5 to 6 days, so you can start enjoying a warmer, more energy-efficient home right away.

Check eligibility in just 60 sec

Think you could qualify for a 100% government-funded ECO4 grant? Simply fill out our quick online form—it only takes 60 seconds to get started process.

You can get government-free loft insulation even if you’re not receiving benefits — but it depends on factors like income, property type, EPC rating, and local council rules. With energy prices still high, it’s worth checking what you’re entitled to. Need help checking your eligibility? Contact Heat1 to speak with an advisor and find out about grants you can claim today. With flexible options like LA Flex and trusted partners like Heat1, applying for free loft insulation has never been easier. Many homeowners assume that free insulation is only for those on benefits, but that’s not the case. If you want more information about free cavity wall and loft insulation, you can visit the Heat1 website at heat1.co.uk.