Housing Benefit and Eligibility for the ECO4 Grant Scheme

While receiving Housing Benefit is a primary qualification for the ECO4 scheme, other factors and considerations can influence eligibility:

Property Type and Condition: The type and current condition of your property will affect the specific energy efficiency measures applicable. ECO4 aims to address a variety of property types, including detached houses, semi-detached houses, terraced houses, bungalows, and flats.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating: Your home’s current energy efficiency, reflected in its EPC rating, may be assessed. Homes with lower EPC ratings are more likely to qualify for comprehensive improvements under ECO4.

Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex): Some households may qualify through a referral from their local authority under the LA Flex provision. This can include households that do not directly receive qualifying benefits but are identified as being in need of energy efficiency improvements due to low income and vulnerability.

Household Composition: The makeup of your household, such as the presence of young children, elderly members, or individuals with health conditions, can influence eligibility. ECO4 prioritises support for households with vulnerable members.

Additional Qualifying Benefits: If you receive other qualifying benefits in addition to Housing Benefit, it can strengthen your application. These benefits might include Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support (IS), Pension Credit (both Guarantee and Savings Credit), Universal Credit (UC), Working Tax Credit (WTC), and Child Tax Credit (CTC).