Two routes in: the benefits route and the council Flex route. Both close with the scheme on 31 December 2026. Here is precisely how each works.
You qualify if someone in your household receives any of: Universal Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Benefit (subject to income thresholds by family type), or Housing Benefit.
Property condition matters too: ECO4 focuses on EPC bands D–G for private tenants and E–G for most owner-occupier measures, because scoring rewards lifting the least efficient homes furthest.
Participating councils can publish a Statement of Intent declaring wider eligibility: low household income (commonly under £31,000, criteria vary), health conditions worsened by cold homes (respiratory, cardiovascular, immunosuppression, mobility limits), or proxy indicators like council tax reduction. Your council’s published criteria decide — see our ECO4 Flex guide for how declarations work.
Owner-occupiers: the main route. Private tenants: qualify with landlord permission; the landlord cannot charge for scheme measures. Social housing: ECO4 supports homes at EPC E–G with insulation and first-time heating measures. If you rent, start with a conversation with your landlord — most agree, since the improvements add property value at no cost to them.
1) Confirm your EPC band on the open register. 2) Check the benefits list or your council’s Flex criteria. 3) Book a survey early — suppliers stop taking new applications as their targets fill, and installer capacity tightens toward scheme close. 4) Get the recommended package in writing. Our Home Energy Checker gives you an instant read on which route fits your household.
Facts checked 21 August 2026. We link to official sources and show when facts were last verified. If a scheme changes, we update the page.
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