Free insulation grant: who gets insulation free
Insulation is free only for households who qualify for a public scheme, usually on income or benefits. Here is the rule in each part of the UK.
- £36,000
- the income limit in England
- £23,000
- the income limit in Northern Ireland
- £0
- owners who qualify pay this
Where a free insulation grant is open
With a free insulation grant, the scheme covers the whole bill. Households that meet the rules get that on these schemes:
| Where you live | Scheme | Free for |
|---|---|---|
| England | Warm Homes: Local Grant | Owners and private tenants, if their income is under £36,000, if they claim a means-tested benefit, or if their postcode appears on the list |
| Scotland | Warmer Homes Scotland | Private tenants and owners aged 75+ with no heating that works, or who get a qualifying benefit |
| Wales | Warm Homes Nest | Owners and private tenants who get a means-tested benefit or have a low income |
| Northern Ireland | Affordable Warmth Scheme | Owners with household income under £23,000 |
Qualifying owners and tenants in England are not asked to pay anything, says the Warm Homes: Local Grant guidance. A private landlord has one home funded in full, then pays half for each further home.
Is insulation free if you are on benefits?
In most cases yes, as long as the home needs the work too. Every nation keeps its own list. If you're in England the Warm Homes: Local Grant counts these means-tested benefits:
- Getting Universal Credit
- Pension Credit, either guarantee or savings credit
- Getting Housing Benefit
- Jobseeker's Allowance, if it is income-based
- Employment and Support Allowance (the income-related one)
- Getting Income Support
In England, Child Benefit alone doesn't count. You'll find the list in the scheme guidance. Use the grant checker: it asks the question that applies in your nation.
If you do not qualify for free insulation
You can still get some help, but it won't cover everything:
- Scotland: insulation help of up to £7,500 comes as a Home Energy Scotland grant, open to any homeowner with no income test.
- England and Wales: any owner gets £7,500 off a heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- Across the UK: the Warm Homes Loan Scheme will offer cheaper loans to cover heat pumps and solar panels.
- Paying yourself: according to the Energy Saving Trust, a semi's loft insulation costs about £750 but saves about £190 a year.
Be careful with callers who claim a scheme is "free for everyone". Every scheme that's open has rules, and the scheme tracker shows which ones are open now.
Common questions about free insulation
Is insulation free for pensioners?
Not just for being a pensioner. Pension Credit counts as a qualifying benefit in England, Scotland and Wales, and in Scotland someone aged 75 or over with no working heating can qualify for Warmer Homes Scotland.
Is free insulation a scam?
The schemes are real, but some callers and adverts use them to sell. Real free insulation is arranged through your council, Home Energy Scotland, Nest or the Housing Executive. Check before you sign anything.
Can tenants get free insulation?
Private tenants can, with the landlord's agreement, on all four nations' main schemes. Council and housing association tenants should ask their landlord.
Is there an underfloor insulation grant?
Yes. Underfloor insulation is one of the measures covered by the Warm Homes: Local Grant, at no cost to households that qualify. In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland gives up to £1,500 towards it.
Is ECO4 free insulation still available?
No new homes are being taken on. ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026 and only finishes work already agreed.
Get an installer survey quote
Not eligible for free insulation, or want a second price? Accredited installers near you can survey and quote.