As millions of Brits are caught in a cost of living crisis, there has never been a better time to insulate your home.
In October, the energy price cap is expected to rise by 78%, following a 54% increase back in April.
It means people will be faced with a daunting winter as they struggle to afford keeping the heating on.
By insulating your home, it can help retain the heat in your house, alleviating the need to have the heating constantly on and helping you save on energy.
The government does offer a grant as part of its ECO Scheme, which has been put in place to make insulating your home free for tens of thousands of people.
What is the ECO Scheme?
The ECO Scheme has been set up by the UK government to help people with the installation of loft or cavity insulation.
It legally requires the main energy suppliers to install this for you, and if they fall short of their obligations, they can receive a heavy fine.
Some energy providers are lowering the criteria for eligibility as they struggle to meet government targets.
However, you must either own the property or rent from a private landlord who has given you permission to have the installation done.
It has been estimated that loft of cavity installation can reduce your energy bills by £300 per year.
Who is eligible for the ECO Scheme?
Grants can vary depending on your current circumstances, but many may be eligible for 100% funding for insulation.
It depends on whether you or someone on your home are in receipt of one or more of the following:
- Armed forces independence payment
- Attendance allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Disability living allowance
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
- Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
- Industrial injuries disablement allowance
- Industrial injuries disablement benefit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit Element
- Personal independence allowance
- Personal independence payment
- Severe disablement allowance
- Universal Credit
- War pensions mobility supplement
- Working tax credit
- Child benefit dependant on income & dependants.
Even if you are not receiving any of the above support, you may still be entitled to benefit from the government funding, so there is no harm in checking regardless.
To see if you are eligible for a grant, you can check via the Government Grants website.
Simply follow the link and find the application form at the bottom of the page.
From there, punch in your personal details and the specific grant you are looking for.
It will then inform you of your eligibility and take your further in the application process.
