The government has announced the next phase of its ECO energy efficiency scheme, called ECO4. This new phase will offer grants for insulation, heating and other measures to help households reduce their energy bills.
However, in order to be eligible for these grants, if you only claim Child Benefit, you must meet Child Benefit income requirements. In this blog post, we will tell you what those requirements are and how you can apply for a grant!
Outline
1. What are ECO4 grants?
2. Who is eligible for grants?
3. Which benefits entitle you to grants?
4. What are the Child Benefit income requirements?
5. What happens if I don’t meet the income requirements for a child benefit ECO4 grant
6. How to apply for a grant, including what documentation you need to provide
7. The benefits of receiving a grant, including how it can help with your energy bills
8. When will the grants be distributed and how long will they be available
1. What are ECO4 grants?
ECO4 is the final phase of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grant scheme.
This Government backed programme obligates energy suppliers to offer grants to help the least efficient households become more energy efficient and reduce their carbon emissions.
The fourth phase of the scheme, called ECO4, started in July 2022 and it will run until March 2026 (or before if the energy companies meet their obligation).
There are three types of improvement that can be made under the scheme: insulation, heating and renewables.
2. Who is eligible for grants?
In order to be eligible for a grant, your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band D, E F or G.
Your property must be located in England, Wales or Scotland.
Additionally, you must either:
– Claim an eligible benefit (no income requirements)
or
– Claim Child Benefit only (you’ll also need to meet income requirements if this is the only benefit you claim)
or
– Meet your local authority Flexible Energy rules (these are published on the council website in a Statement of Intent)
3. Which benefits entitle you to grants?
If you claim one of the following eligible benefits you’ll be able to apply for grants and there aren’t any income requirements to meet. You don’t need to be currently claiming either providing you have received the benefit within 12 months prior to the installation.
Child Tax Credits
Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) Income Based
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) Income Based
Pension Credit Guarantee
Pension Credit Savings Credit
Universal Credit (UC)
Working Tax Credits
If you claim one of these benefits there aren’t any income requirements. You don’t need to be currently claiming providing you have claimed in the 12 months prior to the grant submission date.
4. What are the Child Benefit income requirements?
If Child Benefit is the only benefit you receive, your household will need to have earned less than the amounts below.
Single parents
1 Child – £19,900
2 Children – £24,800
3 Children – £29,600
4+ Children – £34,500
Parents in a couple
1 Child – £27,500
2 Children – £32,300
3 Children – £37,200
4+ Children – £42,000
(figures updated to Ofgem’s Administration Consultation released on 13 June 2022)
You’ll need to provide evidence such as payslips and bank account records to support your application.
5. What happens if I don’t meet the income requirements for a child benefit ECO4 grant
There is a final way to qualify and that’s through your local Council’s flexible energy rules. Every council has to set their rules for eligibility in a Statement of Intent that they must publish on their website. Generally speaking the rules target low-income or vulnerable households but in some areas certain postcodes are ‘fast-tracked’ so it is worth checking if you meet the criteria.
6. How to apply for a grant, including what documentation you need to provide
To apply for a grant you must live at the property and be responsible for paying the energy bills. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility e.g. a claim letter. If you only claim Child Benefit you will need to provide proof of income (such as payslips, P60s or benefits letters).
7. The benefits of receiving a grant, including how it can help with your energy bills
Receiving a grant can help reduce your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. It can also help to improve the comfort of your home and make it easier to heat. With energy prices rising , any help with your energy bills is welcome.
If you think you might be eligible for a grant, or would like more information, you can use our free eligibility checker.
8. When will the grants be distributed and how long will they be available
The grants will be available from July 2022 until March 2026 (or before if the energy company meets their obligation).
You can check eligibility and apply for all the different types of grants at https://energysavinggenie.co.uk/apply-for-energy-grants/
We suggest getting your application in as soon as you can, to secure your grant before the rules change!