The ECO4 scheme offers various energy efficiency measures to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. If you are a homeowner or a private tenant receiving qualifying benefits, you have a good chance of receiving support from energy suppliers under this scheme, which has been operational since April of last year.

Eligibility for the ECO4 scheme is determined through a check conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to confirm your benefits status. In some cases, you might be required to submit a Child Benefit Award Notice or provide a self-declaration of your household income. Ensuring your income is within the set thresholds is crucial for qualification.

If you are a landlord with tenants who receive benefits, encouraging them to apply for the grant can be beneficial. Doing so can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of your property by installing free electric storage heaters or taking advantage of available insulation grants, such as free cavity wall or loft insulation.

Even if you don't receive benefits but live in a property with poor energy efficiency, there is still a possibility of qualifying through the flexible eligibility (LAFlex) program. This initiative, supported by certain councils, enables energy-efficient upgrades to your home, making it a viable option for those who need improvements without the requirement of receiving benefits.

The ECO4 fund has revised its criteria, leading to changes in the minimum benefit requirements for eligibility. These updates are in line with the carbon savings obligations that all energy suppliers must meet.

The main goal of this revision is to guarantee that individuals with low incomes or in vulnerable situations can access funding and receive support and grants for home improvements through energy efficiency installers.

Qualifying benefits include:

- Child Tax Credits
- Child Benefits
- Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Warm Home Discount Rebate
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- FLEX - Under £31,000 combined household income

The following benefits, previously eligible under the ECO3 criteria, are no longer included in the ECO4 energy company obligation:

- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)*
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)*
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Severe Disablement Allowance*
- War Pensions Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

*Receiving a Disabled Facilities Grant or disability-related benefits in the past no longer guarantees qualification for ECO4. However, if you are currently on Universal Credit, you may be eligible for the scheme.