Ecosave Boiler Grants
Scheme status, reviewed 18 September 2026

Is the ECO4 scheme still open in 2026?

Yes. ECO4 is open until 31 December 2026. The government extended the scheme by nine months from its original March 2026 end date, and Ofgem confirms the new closing date. If you receive a qualifying benefit and your home has a low energy rating, you can still apply for a free boiler replacement, insulation, or first-time central heating.

You may have read elsewhere that free boiler grants have "ended" or "closed". Some of that information is out of date, and some of it refers to other schemes. This page sets out the position as it stands, with the official sources at the bottom.

When does ECO4 end?

  • ECO4 started: 1 April 2022

  • Original end date: 31 March 2026

  • Extended end date: 31 December 2026, confirmed by the government and Ofgem

  • Every application needs a survey, an approval and an installation slot before the closing date, so apply early

ECO4 eligibility: who qualifies in 2026

Nothing about eligibility changed with the extension. You need both of these:

  1. A qualifying benefit in the household: Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit), Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, or Child Benefit within the income limits.
  2. A low energy rating: EPC band D to G if you own your home, E to G if you rent privately (with your landlord's consent).

Not on benefits? Your council may still be able to refer you through ECO4 Flex if your household income is under £31,000 or someone at home has a health condition made worse by a cold home. Ask us and we will check.

Why funding can feel harder to get

Energy suppliers have targets to meet by the end of 2026 and decide which projects to fund. As the deadline approaches, some suppliers slow down or tighten what they will pay for. That is why sites and adverts say "limited funding". It does not mean the scheme is closed; it means the earlier you apply, the better your chances.

What happens after 31 December 2026

The government has not announced a direct replacement obligation on energy suppliers. Its plan for home energy is the Warm Homes Plan, £15 billion to 2029/30, delivered largely through councils and housing associations, including the Warm Homes: Local Grant for low-income households in England with homes below EPC C. We will update this page as details are confirmed. If you qualify for ECO4 now, it remains the most direct route to a funded boiler or insulation this year.

Is it a scam?

ECO4 is a government scheme regulated by Ofgem. The funding comes from energy suppliers, not from you. Ecosave Boiler Grants is a private company (company number 15667856) that helps households apply and arranges the survey and installation through certified installers. Warning signs of a scam are requests for upfront payment, pressure to sign on the doorstep, or an installer with no certification you can check. None of those apply to a genuine ECO4 application.

What to do now

  1. Check your eligibility, two minutes, postcode first.
  2. We call you, confirm the details and book a free survey.
  3. Survey, approval, installation. Most installations take one to two days.

Common questions

Has ECO4 been scrapped?
No. It was extended, not scrapped. The scheme closes on 31 December 2026.
Are free boiler grants still available in 2026?
Yes, under ECO4, for households that meet the benefit and EPC conditions, until 31 December 2026.
Is there a cut-off for applying?
The scheme closes on 31 December 2026, but the survey, approval and installation all have to fit before then. Apply as early as you can.
What replaces ECO4?
No like-for-like replacement has been announced. The Warm Homes Plan and the Warm Homes: Local Grant, run through councils, are the routes the government has set out.

Peace of mind guaranteed

All our installations are carried out by PAS 2030 certified and Gas Safe registered engineers. We handle the entire grant process from application to installation.

Sources: GOV.UK, Extending the ECO4 end date: government response (January 2026); Ofgem, ECO4 FAQs for domestic consumers and landlords; GOV.UK, Warm Homes Plan (updated 18 March 2026); GOV.UK, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation. Last reviewed 18 September 2026.