Who Is Entitled To A Free Boiler?
The UK government plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 78% in 2035. One of the ways they want to achieve that is by encouraging households to switch to energy-efficient central heating systems.
In their efforts to expedite the process, the government rolled out the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. Under this scheme, households are entitled to a free boiler replacement.
But who is eligible to enjoy the benefits of this service? What are the criteria?
As you read on, you will learn whether you’re eligible or not, plus we’ll show you how you can get your new boiler in a jiffy.
Who is Eligible For Free Boiler Replacement?
There are a few basic criteria that you need to meet to receive your free boiler. They are as follows:
- You must be a homeowner.
- Your home must be connected to the gas grid.
- Your boiler must be 7 years old or older.
- You must be receiving one of the qualifying government benefits (explained below)
As a private tenant, you cannot directly avail of this service. You would need to do it through your landlord. Your landlord must provide the Tenancy Agreement as proof of residence or the Ofgem Template (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets).
A social landlord must provide evidence that the rent is at or above the market rate. If a social landlord’s property is privately rented, S/he must produce the Tenancy Agreement or the Ofgem Template.
Government Benefits Recipients who are Entitled to Boiler Grants
You are eligible for a free boiler if you are an individual who receives one of the below-mentioned government benefits:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment.
- Attendance Allowance.
- Carer’s Allowance.
- Child Benefit.
- Child Tax Credit.
- Constant Attendance Allowance.
- Disability Living Allowance.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Income-related Employment Support Allowance.
- Income Support.
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
- Pension Guarantee Credit.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Severe Disablement Allowance.
- Universal Credit.
- War Pensions Mobility Supplement.
- Working Tax Credit.
If you receive child benefits, you may need to meet additional criteria based on your gross annual income.
Child Benefit
You can refer to the following table to see if you qualify under child benefit:
Claim Type | Annual Household Income |
Single claimant + 1 child | £18,500 |
Single claimant + 2 children | £23,000 |
Single claimant + 3 children | £27,500 |
Single claimant + 4 children or more | £32,000 |
Couple + 1 child | £25,500 |
Couple + 2 children | £30,000 |
Couple + 3 children | £34,500 |
Couple + 4 children or more | £39,000 |
Evidencing Child Benefit:
Child Benefit award notice | A Child Benefit award notice which states the name of the parent claiming Child Benefit for the child or qualifying young person(s). |
Child Benefit number | The Child Benefit number starts with ‘CHB’ and is made up of 8 numbers and 2 letters, eg CHB12345678 AB This can be found on the Child Benefit award notice and usually on paperwork from the Child Benefit Office. |
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is afforded to those individuals who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. Moreover, the person they care for must receive at least one of the following benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
The carer must be above the age of 16 and must not be studying for more than 21 hours a week to qualify. Additionally, a “proof of benefit” letter from the Department of Works and Pension (DWP) must be provided as evidence.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
People with chronic ill-health or disability between the ages of 16 and 64 are eligible for PIP. The benefit amount varies between £22.65 to £143.35 depending on the severity of the disability or illness.
People under Personal Independence Payment must provide award notices from the DWP as proof.
How Do I Get My Free Boiler?
Once you have determined that you are eligible for a free new boiler, whether you’re based in Bolton or anywhere in the North, enter your postcode on the homepage and fill out our contact form.
We make things simple, once we get your information, we’ll give you a ring to set up a meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to assess your eligibility and survey your premises for technical purposes.
Once it’s clear that you qualify, your free boiler replacement process will begin and you should normally get your new one within 7 days.
Fill out the form today and find out whether you’re eligible in minutes. Join millions of UK residents in contributing to the environment and making wise financial choices.