What is it?

First Time Central Heating grants are part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO); a government scheme to funded by utility companies. This part of ECO helps low income households access funding to install central heating.

As the funding is a grant, not a loan, it doesn’t need to be repaid and could cover a large part or all of the cost of installing central heating in your home. You may be offered enough to fund the entire installation but some people receive only some of the money and need to contribute to the costs.

Can I get it?

If you receive a qualifying benefit the Government could provide you with the money to install central heating in your home for the first time. You can not get a grant if you already have central hearing. 

The rules for eligibility to a First Time Central Heating Grant are the same as those for the ECO scheme: to qualify you need to be claiming a means-tested benefit or receive Child Benefit with an income under a limit. For more details see our ECO scheme eligibility guide.

To qualify you must be a homeowner or a private renter and the property must also meet rules about its Energy Performance Certificate rating.

Apply for a grant

Once you apply online for a grant you'll be contacted by a Registered Installer to check you meet all the necessary criteria. They'll check what benefits you receive and confirm your status (whether you're a private tenant or own your own home). You will also be asked about energy efficiency in your home and possibly details about your EPC.

👉 Our partner Energy Saving Genie can put you in touch with an installer and help you apply for an ECO grant.