Are You Eligible for Funding Under the Free Boiler Replacement for Pensioners Scheme?

Having an efficient boiler is essential! It’s a great way to reduce your energy waste and cut down on hot water and heating expenses. Most modern boilers are around 90%+ efficient, whereas most old boilers have an efficiency sometimes as low as 60%. Quite the difference!

To put things into perspective, using an old boiler can mean that for every £1 worth of energy you use, 40% of that energy can be wasted. In other words, you only benefit 60% for every £1 you pay on your energy bills. This might not seem like a huge amount of money, however, in one year users can waste up to £340 on just their heating bills. 

Boilers can be quite expensive, ranging from around £1,000 to £4,000. Thankfully, with the aid of the government’s ECO scheme, some pensioners may be able to replace and upgrade their boilers for free.

Many pensioners may not be aware of whether they’re eligible for such a scheme. Therefore, this article will discuss who is eligible for funding under the free boiler replacement for pensioners scheme. 

Am I Eligible For the Pensioners Boiler Replacement Scheme?

Unfortunately, not all pensioners retire with savings to fall back on. With somewhat limited resources, some pensioners may struggle with the cost of heating (especially when operating old boilers). However, they may also be in a financial position where they are unable to purchase a more efficient replacement.

Thankfully, it has been approximated that 2.5 million homes might be eligible for the ECO boiler replacement scheme. The requirements for the pensioner’s scheme are quite straightforward. Pensioners need to either be on Pension Credit or recipients of Working Tax Credit who are at least 60 years old. 

Pensioners who receive Pension Credit and have an annual household income of less than £16,010 automatically qualify for this scheme.

It’s important to note that pensioners who receive a standard state pension don’t qualify for the pensioner’s boiler replacement scheme. Furthermore, applicants for this scheme need to either own their home or have the permission of their landlord if they’re a private tenant.

Is My Boiler Eligible for the Scheme?

Being eligible for the scheme is one thing; having a boiler that’s eligible for replacement is another. Before receiving a replacement, you should check if your boiler is eligible as well.

To be eligible for the ECO boiler replacement scheme, your current one needs to be broken, old, or inefficient. Bear in mind that a boiler must be at least 7 years old to be eligible.

If you’re not eligible, you should still consider applying as you can get a subsidised boiler for a fraction of the cost you’d normally pay to get a brand new boiler. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the government ECO scheme is a great way to cut down on spending by replacing an inefficient boiler that wastes energy. However, you must check not only your eligibility but also that of your boiler. 

Pensioners are eligible for the scheme if they own their house, or if they have their landlord’s approval and receive pension or working tax credit. Once again, the boiler has to be at least 7 years old to be eligible for a replacement.  

So what are you waiting for? Check your eligibility and see if you can get your old boiler replaced.