For veterans and serving members of the UK Armed Forces, life after injury can bring unique challenges—financial, practical, and personal. While the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) offers vital support, there are also opportunities to access additional schemes that ease the cost of living and improve comfort at home. From energy efficiency grants to home upgrades, these initiatives can make a lasting difference—here’s how they connect.
Insulation and heating upgrades under ECO
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme funds energy efficiency improvements for UK households. While AFIP itself is not a direct qualifier, recipients can apply through the Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) route. Local councils may approve based on factors such as disability, illness from service-related injuries, or low income. This allows veterans to access funded insulation and heating upgrades, helping keep homes warmer and bills lower.
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Similar to ECO, the Great British Insulation Scheme offers insulation and heating support, with local councils approving applications where vulnerability is shown. This scheme highlights the UK’s commitment to ensuring veterans live in safe, energy-efficient homes, particularly where health needs require extra support.
Renewable energy incentives
AFIP recipients can also access renewable energy grants. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides up to £7,500 towards renewable heating systems like heat pumps and biomass boilers. Solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps benefit from 0% VAT until 2027. Additionally, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays households for exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid. These initiatives cut costs, improve sustainability, and provide long-term financial gains.
AFIP recipients can benefit from a wide range of grants for insulation, heating, and renewable energy. Even if direct qualification under schemes like ECO isn’t automatic, local authority support creates accessible pathways. By using these opportunities, veterans can improve living standards, reduce energy bills, and lower environmental impact—reflecting the UK’s commitment to those who have served.
How to apply for home energy grants with AFIP
Accessing grants for insulation, heating, and renewable energy is a straightforward process. By following a few key steps, Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) recipients can secure essential support to improve their homes:
- Check your EPC rating: Make sure your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is rated D, E, F, or G, as most grant schemes require this.
- Prepare your documents: Have proof of AFIP, income details, and medical records (if relevant) ready to support your application.
- Complete the forms: Fill in all details accurately on this websites Grant Checker application form.
- Stay updated: Keep an eye on scheme updates, as eligibility rules and available grants can change.
Although the process may seem complex, following these steps makes it easier for AFIP recipients to access funding for home energy improvements. Trusted organisations like Energy Saving Grants can provide expert guidance, ensuring applications are legitimate and benefits maximised. By making informed choices, veterans can secure lasting improvements that create warmer, more affordable, and sustainable homes.
Discover your grant eligibility today and enhance your home’s energy efficiency!
At Energy Saving Grants, we help individuals and businesses access government funding for energy efficiency improvements. If you receive the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) or belong to another eligible group, our team can guide you through the process of securing grants for insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations. Our goal is to make your journey towards a warmer, more efficient, and sustainable home as straightforward as possible.
The easiest way to get started is with our online Grant Checker. Simply enter your details to see if you qualify for funding. In just a few minutes, you’ll know what support is available to reduce your energy bills, improve comfort, and invest in a greener future.
Stay informed and connected for more energy-saving insights!
Thank you for reading our blog. We hope it has helped you discover practical ways to improve energy efficiency in your home or business. For more guidance, explore our other blog posts covering energy-saving tips, government grants, and sustainable living opportunities.
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FAQs about grants for Armed Forces Independence Payment recipients
Can you get a heating grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. While AFIP is not a direct qualifier, recipients can apply for heating grants through the LA Flex scheme, where local councils approve based on vulnerability (such as disability or illness related to service). This means AFIP recipients may qualify for fully funded or heavily subsidised heating system upgrades.
Can you get a solar panel grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. AFIP recipients may be eligible for the LA Flex scheme to install solar panels and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays households for exporting surplus solar power. Although there isn’t a direct AFIP solar grant, these government-backed initiatives make solar more affordable for veterans.
Can you get a boiler grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, AFIP recipients can apply for a £7,500 boiler grant to replace old or inefficient boilers with renewable systems such as heat pumps or biomass boilers. ECO funding may also provide boiler upgrades where vulnerability criteria are met.
Can you get a loft insulation grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. AFIP recipients can apply for loft insulation grants under both the LA Flex pathway and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). Local councils play a key role in approving applications based on vulnerability or low household income.
Can you get a wall insulation grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. Wall insulation support is available through schemes like GBIS and LA Flex. AFIP recipients may qualify if their household meets the required EPC rating and vulnerability criteria, helping to improve warmth and reduce energy bills.
Can you get a cavity wall insulation grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. AFIP recipients can access cavity wall insulation grants under ECO or GBIS, depending on council approval. These upgrades are often fully funded, making them an excellent option for improving home efficiency.
Can you get a solid wall insulation grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. Solid wall insulation, both internal and external, can be costly, but grants are available through ECO and GBIS. AFIP recipients may qualify if their property is eligible and vulnerability criteria are met, reducing the upfront cost significantly.
Can you get an electric storage heater grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. Under the ECO scheme, AFIP recipients may qualify for grants to replace old, inefficient electric storage heaters with modern, energy-efficient models. Eligibility is assessed via the Flex pathway through local councils.
Can you get a heat pump grant on Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Yes. AFIP recipients can benefit from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides £7,500 towards air source or ground source heat pumps. In addition, 0% VAT applies to heat pump installations until 2027, further reducing costs.
