Who Is Eligible to Apply for the First Time Central Heating Grant?

The first time central heating grants are available for eligible households in the UK under the ECO4 scheme. ECO4 stands for Energy Company Obligation. As the name suggests, the government legally obliges energy companies to provide energy efficiency measures to qualifying households. 

First-time central heating grants cover all measures and installation costs. Even if you need extra measures like insulation, the ECO4 scheme covers that for free as well. This article explains the eligibility criteria for the scheme to get free first-time central heating grants. 

What Are The First Time Central Heating Grants?

First-time central heating grants are government-funded schemes that target homes with no existing central heating systems. Those homes which use alternative heating sources like electricity and LPG. These grants not only provide free central heating systems but also cover the whole home energy efficiency measures. 

FTCH grants cover the following heating and infrastructural measures: 

1. Heating System: If a gas meter is installed at your property before April 2022, a boiler will be installed as a heating system. However, If your property doesn’t have a meter installed, you might qualify for heat pump installation. 
2. Radiators: Radiators are responsible for heat distribution through the air. First-time central heating grants install radiators in case of air-to-air source heat pump installation. 
3. Ductwork: Ductwork is responsible for circulating hot air through the heating system to warm the home. 
4. Thermostats: Thermostats are advanced technological devices to control heating and hot water supply throughout the house. They control your heating system so it generates only required heating and hot water. This saves energy from being wasted. 

First-time central heating grants provide all these measures to eligible households without spending a single penny. Now, let’s discuss who is eligible to get all these heating measures. 

Who is Eligible For the First Time Central Heating System?

Who Qualifies for Central Heating Grants for New Installations?

Everyone who meets the LILEE indicator is eligible for these grants. Now, the question is, how do we determine who qualifies for the LILEE criteria? Well, for that, let’s have a look at the general criteria to determine eligibility. 

1. Qualifying Benefit Recipient: You must be receiving financial assistance from any government programs from the following:
   1. Income Based – Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
   2. Child tax credit (CTC)
   3. Universal Credit (UC)
   4. Income Related – Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
   5. Income Support Allowance (ISA)
   6. Working Tax Credit (WTC)
   7. Pension Guarantee Credit
   8. Pension Savings Credit
   9. Housing Benefits
2. Gas meter installed before April 2022 (if need boiler installation): A gas meter is required for boiler system installations only, if no gas meter is installed, you might qualify for heat pump installation. 
3. EPC rating of property must be D or lower to qualify: Energy Performance Certificate determines the energy efficiency of a house. D or lower rating indicates lower energy efficiency of the property. 
4. Landlord’s permission (if tenets apply): If you are a tenant applying for first-time central heating grants, you must meet the eligibility criteria. Plus you need written permission from your landlord. 

If you meet the above criteria, you can apply for the grants through qualified ECO4 installers. Even if you do not qualify for this criteria, you can contact local authorities. Local councils can simplify the criteria through ECO4 flex. 

Application Process For First-Time Central Heating Grants

The application process for first-time central heating grants under ECO4 is very straightforward. You need to visit ECO Energy Services website and follow the instructions described below: 

1. Use the Eligibility Calculator to confirm your qualification for the grants. You would be required to answer simple questions to check the eligibility of your property. 
2. Provide contact information through the contact form provided right after the eligibility confirmation for the scheme. This information will remain safe and can only be used to contact you for further processing. 
3. Get your property ready for a site visit by the Safe Gas registered heating engineers for the property energy efficiency assessment. 
4.   Prepare required documentation ahead of time. You might need income proof, tenancy agreement (if applicable), property ownership certificate, and other documents requested by the ECO Energy Services before the property visit. You should also have a valid EPC rating. 
5. Wait for Approval of the application. ECO Energy Services will apply on your behalf after you provide the required documentation. Once approved, your first-time central heating system will be installed at your property. 

Following this process, you can receive grants for your heating system installation. If you do not qualify, you should contact local authorities and see if you can get it without these criteria. Local authorities only check low-income and vulnerable criteria. 

Benefits of First-time Central Heating Grants

FTCH grants provide all the heating and energy efficiency measures free of cost. Plus, there are no application fees required or any hidden charges. 

Here are some other benefits of installing first-time central heating systems through government grants. 

1. Warm and Comfortable Homes: central heating systems make your home warmer and help maintain a comfortable temperature without spending a penny. 
2. Better Energy Efficiency: FTCH grants install energy-efficiency measures so heating is not wasted through the loft and walls. 
3. Reduced Energy Costs: Energy-efficient homes help you save up to £300/annum on energy costs. 
4. Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes experience increased resale value by up to 14%. 

Final Thoughts

To wrap up this discussion, low-income and low-energy-efficient homes with no existing heating systems are often the main focus of these schemes. To measure energy efficiency and household income, clear criteria are designed to make it possible for vulnerable households to receive support. Many people also ask questions like are oil-filled radiators cheap to run when comparing different heating options before applying.

This article explores the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of first-time central heating grants. Contact ECO Energy Services now to get hold of these grants.