What Are the Conditions to Get Boiler Grants?
The free boiler scheme was launched with the sole aim to reduce energy consumption in the United Kingdom. In this scheme, free boiler grants are provided to low-income households to help them improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This scheme is part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) which was passed in the parliament in 2012 and is scheduled to run till 2012. It is funded by the largest UK utility companies.
How a Person Can Qualify?
Households in the UK (not including Northern Ireland) who claim any qualifying benefit (such as Armed Forces Independence Payment, Child Benefit and others listed below) are entitled to a free first-time boiler grant under the government’s scheme. They can avail of the government boiler grant only if they are staying in accommodation which does not have and has not previously had a central heating system. If you are confused about whether you are eligible for this facility, you can contact a firm who will appoint a heating advisor who will help you through the process. They will evaluate whether you are eligible, complete the paperwork and install the equipment with no delay. Some firms also arrange to pick up your old boiler, so you are not inconvenienced in any way.
Qualifying Benefits
Some of the qualifying benefits are Armed Forces Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Guaranteed Pension Credit, Child Benefit, Carer’s Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance, Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Personal Independence Payment, Severe Disablement Allowance, Universal Credit, War Pensions, Mobility Allowance and Working Tax Credit. If you or members of your household receive one or more of the qualifying benefits provided by the UK government, it is likely that you will be considered to receive a new boiler grant.
Additional Requirements
The property must have adequate loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (if available) in order to qualify for a free boiler grant. This is a pre-requisite in order to ensure that any benefits of central heating are not lost due to the lack of proper insulation. This needs to be discussed and implemented with the approval of the homeowner.
How Will Applying for a Boiler Grant Help You?
Being a homeowner of a property that has never had central heating, it is likely that you are attempting to heat your home rather inefficiently using electric heating, which is also costly. By installing an A-rated boiler and new central heating, it will be cost-effective to improve the heating in your home. This can also reduce your annual heating costs considerably.
It could be possible that you may not receive any of the qualifying benefits as listed above. You may still be eligible for a first-time free boiler grant under the ECO flex rules. The local authorities set these within their boundaries. Some people may be able to avail these grants on the basis that they are living in low-income homes and are struggling to heat their homes efficiently.