Insulation Grants UK 2026

What insulation grants are available in the UK in 2026?

Following the closure of the Great British Insulation Scheme in March 2026, the main routes for insulation funding are:

• ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) — requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency measures, including insulation, for eligible low-income and vulnerable households.
• Local authority schemes — some councils operate their own insulation programmes, often funded through the Warm Homes: Local Grant or similar initiatives.
• Energy supplier programmes — individual suppliers may offer insulation support beyond their ECO4 obligations in some areas.

Availability varies by location, supplier, and household circumstances. The checker above can help identify which routes may apply to you.

Loft insulation grants

Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures. If your loft has no insulation or less than 100mm, it may be eligible for ECO4 funding. A well-insulated loft can reduce heat loss through the roof by up to 25%.

To be considered for funded loft insulation, your property typically needs a poor EPC rating and your household must meet ECO4 or local scheme eligibility criteria. An installer survey confirms the current insulation depth and whether the measure is appropriate.

Cavity wall insulation grants

Properties built between the 1920s and 1990s often have unfilled cavity walls that lose significant heat. Cavity wall insulation involves injecting insulating material into the gap between the inner and outer walls.

ECO4 may fund cavity wall insulation for eligible households. A pre-installation survey is required to confirm the property has suitable cavities and that the measure is technically appropriate. Not all cavities are suitable — factors such as wall condition, exposure to driving rain, and existing damp issues are assessed.

Solid wall insulation support

Older properties (typically pre-1930s) often have solid walls with no cavity. These lose up to 45% more heat than insulated cavity walls. Solid wall insulation — applied internally or externally — can make a significant difference to comfort and energy bills.

Due to higher installation costs, solid wall insulation is less commonly funded but may be available through ECO4 for eligible households with very poor EPC ratings. The measure often delivers the largest EPC improvement, making it valuable for meeting the scheme’s two-band uplift target.

Insulation help for pensioners

Pensioners are among the groups most commonly eligible for insulation support. If you receive Pension Credit, you meet the benefits criteria for ECO4. Even without Pension Credit, some local authority programmes specifically target older residents who may be at greater risk from cold-related health conditions.

If you are over state pension age and living in a poorly insulated home, it is worth checking eligibility regardless of your exact benefit situation — local authority flexible eligibility criteria may still apply.

Support for low-income and vulnerable households

ECO4 prioritises households that are most at risk of fuel poverty or health impacts from cold homes. You may be considered if:

• You receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit)
• You meet local authority flexible eligibility (LA Flex) criteria based on income, health, or fuel poverty indicators
• Your household includes someone with a long-term health condition worsened by cold
• You are in fuel poverty (spending a disproportionate amount of income on heating)

Meeting one or more of these criteria does not guarantee funding. Final eligibility is confirmed through property assessment and scheme provider approval.

Can homeowners, tenants and landlords qualify?

Why your EPC rating matters

Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is a key factor in determining eligibility for insulation funding. ECO4 generally targets properties rated D, E, F, or G — these are the homes where improvements can make the most meaningful difference.

However, an EPC rating alone does not determine eligibility. The scheme considers your rating alongside household circumstances, benefits, and whether the proposed measures will achieve a sufficient EPC uplift. If you do not know your current rating, the checker can still help — or you can look it up using our EPC rating checker.

Types of insulation that may be supported

The following insulation measures may be funded through ECO4 or local programmes, depending on your property and eligibility. Not every measure is available under every scheme.

What happens after you submit an enquiry?

After completing the eligibility checker and submitting your details, you may be contacted by an approved installer or scheme partner who can:

• Verify your household eligibility against the relevant scheme criteria
• Arrange a technical survey of your property to assess insulation needs
• Confirm which measures are suitable and fundable for your home
• Manage the application process with the energy supplier or scheme provider
• Schedule installation at a convenient time if approved

You are under no obligation at any stage. The initial check and enquiry are free.