Universal Credit (UC) and Eligibility for the ECO4 Grant Scheme
Are you receiving Universal Credit (UC)? If so, you could qualify for the government-backed ECO4 energy efficiency grant. This scheme helps UK households access free home improvements like new boilers, insulation, and renewable energy systems.
In turn, this helps to improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce your energy bills, and enhance your overall living conditions. Universal Credit (UC) is one of the key qualifying benefits for the ECO4 energy grant scheme and the scheme is 100% government-backed. The scheme is funded by the main energy companies to help fight fuel poverty and help meet the government’s climate goals.
Check Your Eligibility
What Is the ECO4 Scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government initiative aimed at helping low-income and fuel-poor households reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
The current phase–ECO4–runs until March 2026 and targets homes that are energy inefficient, particularly those in Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) bands D–G.

What is Universal Credit (UC)?

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to support individuals and families with a low income, whether they are unemployed or in work. It replaces several previous benefits, including Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit. UC is intended to simplify the welfare system, making it easier for people to access financial support and encouraging work by providing consistent support as income changes.
What Home Improvements Can You Get with ECO4?
If you are eligible for ECO4 because you are in receipt of universal credit and meet the other eligibility requirements, this means that you could receive the following:
All of these measures are offered under a full home assessment via the ECO4 scheme.
Do You Qualify for ECO4 on Universal Credit?
The eligibility for the scheme is partially determined by the receipt of certain benefits, such as Universal Credit. This is because being in receipt of UC demonstrates a financial need, making you partially eligible for the scheme. This criteria helps meet the aim of the scheme, which is to alleviate fuel poverty and ensure that vulnerable groups have access to warm, energy-efficient homes.
Therefore, if you receive Universal Credit, you’re likely eligible for the ECO4 scheme–provided your home also meets certain energy efficiency criteria.
To qualify:
- You or someone in your household must receive Universal Credit.
- Your property should have a low EPC rating (typically D, E, F, or G).
- If your property is on-gas, your current boiler must have an efficiency rating less than 86.7%
- The property must be privately owned or privately rented with landlord consent.
Not sure about your EPC? Check your home’s EPC here.

I Receive Universal Credit but What Else Do I Need?
Although receiving Universal Credit is an important step for the ECO4 scheme, other considerations also influence eligibility:
These benefits might include:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Visit our full ECO4 benefits page to learn more.
How to Apply for ECO4 Support with Universal Credit
Applying is easy and free. At Fairway Energy, we handle everything–from eligibility checks to installation. Here’s how:
1. Apply Online
Simply complete the form to check your eligibility!
2. Home Survey
One of our team will be in touch to discuss your application and book a survey of your home.
3. Home Installation
Your new heating system and energy-saving measures will be installed in your home.
Receipt of Universal Credit (UC) and Eligibility for the ECO4 Grant Scheme
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, the ECO4 scheme presents a great opportunity for you to improve your home, reduce heating costs, and improve your living conditions. Therefore, by taking advantage of this government initiative, eligible individuals can achieve significant cost savings and health benefits, all while contributing to environmental sustainability. As a result, please get in touch today and we can tell you more about the ECO4 scheme to provide you with a more energy-efficient, economically manageable, and comfortable home.