Free insulation in 2026: your complete guide to ECO4 and GBIS
Two major government schemes are paying for home insulation in 2026. Here's who qualifies, what you get, and how to apply.
The government is running two major insulation grant programmes simultaneously in 2026: the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). Together they're worth billions ā but many households don't know they qualify.
ECO4 ā for lower-income households
ECO4 is funded by the big energy suppliers and targets the least energy-efficient homes owned or rented by people on qualifying benefits.
*Who qualifies:* You must receive at least one qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income-related ESA, Housing Benefit or Income Support) AND live in a home with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.
*What you can get:* Cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, solid wall insulation, underfloor insulation, and in some cases a new boiler or heating controls.
*How to apply:* Contact your energy supplier directly or use the gov.uk checker.
GBIS ā broader eligibility
The Great British Insulation Scheme has wider eligibility, covering households with EPC ratings DāG regardless of benefit status, with lower-income households getting priority.
*What you can get:* Typically one insulation measure ā usually loft or cavity wall.
*How to apply:* Via gov.uk or through a participating installer.
Tips for applicants
- Get an up-to-date EPC before applying ā an old rating might understate how inefficient your home is
- Both schemes are first-come, first-served regionally ā don't delay
- If you're a private tenant, your landlord must give consent but has strong incentives to do so under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)