What is it?

Boiler grants are part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO); a government scheme funded by utility companies including the 'Big Six'.

This grant helps low income households in England, Scotland and Wales to become more energy efficient and lower heating bills. Eligible households with an old boiler, that's 10 years old or more, can apply to install a new A-rated boiler for free using a Gas Safe Registered Boiler Grant Installer.

If you don't qualify for a 100% boiler grant the Green Deal Finance Scheme can provide a loan, as an alternative, enabling you to carry out energy efficient home improvements at no upfront cost. Find out if you are eligible for a free replacement boiler by completing the Boiler Grant online form today.

Can I get it?

As long as you own your own home or you are a tenant living in privately rented accommodation (and you have your landlord's permission) you might be eligible for a 100% boiler grant to replace your old boiler.

When you apply for a free boiler grant you'll be contacted to check you meet all the necessary criteria. They'll check what benefits you receive (in the case of Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit they'll need to make a note of your annual household income too) and confirm your status (whether you're a private tenant or own your own home). You will also be asked for the make and model of your current boiler, how old it is and whereabouts it's located.

Boiler grant eligibility

You must own your own home or be a tenant living in privately rented accommodation (and have your landlord's permission)

You must also be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (with an income of £15,860 or less)
• Working Tax Credit (with an income of £15,860 or less)
• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
• Income-Related Employment Support Allowance

If you receive Income Support, Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance or Income-Related Employment Support Allowance one extra condition must also apply from the following.

• You have a child under 16
• You have a child under 20 in full-time education (not university)
• You get Child Tax Credit including a disability element
• You get a Disabled Child Premium
• You get a Disability Premium
• You have a Pensioner Premium
• You have a Work Related Activity or Support Component (With Income-Related Employment Support Allowance)

If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit one of the following must also apply:

• You are 60 years of age or over
• You have a child under 16
• You have a child under 20 in full-time education (not university)
• You have a Severe Disability Element
• You have a Disabled Worker Element

If you aren't eligible?

If you aren't eligible for a 100% boiler grant there is an alternative solution and it's called the Green Deal Finance scheme. Think of it as a loan against your home which you use to carry out approved and recommended home improvements. If you take out Green Deal Finance you will still be able to install a new energy saving boiler - as well as a whole host of other home improvements - at no upfront cost, paying off the loan through savings on your energy bills.??

The Government scheme has been launched to provide homeowners with an opportunity to become more energy efficient which will translate into cheaper energy bills for the home. Benefits of taking out Green Deal Finance include:

• There's no upfront cost
• It's open to everyone
• You'll save money on your energy bills by becoming more energy efficient
• The loan will be paid back through bill savings
• You won't pay back any more than you make in energy bill savings - it's the scheme's

'Golden Rule'

You will need to request a visit from an approved Green Deal assessor to get your property assessed. The assessor will be able to advise you about which home improvement measures are eligible for Green Deal Finance. There will be a small survey fee but this will be reimbursed if you sign up to the scheme.

If you don't qualify for a 100% boiler grant then Green Deal Finance is your best bet.

How do I claim?

You can apply online for a boiler grant and after you apply you'll be contacted to check you meet all the necessary criteria. They'll check what benefits you receive (in the case of Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit they'll need to make a note of your annual household income too) and confirm your status (whether you're a private tenant or own your own home). You will also be asked for the make and model of your current boiler, how old it is and whereabouts it's located.