If you are receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), you may be entitled to government-backed grants that can help make your home warmer, more energy-efficient, and cheaper to run. Many households in the UK struggle with high energy bills, but schemes are available that provide funding for insulation, heating upgrades, and even renewable technologies such as solar panels. These grants are designed to support people on benefits, especially if their home has a poor Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.
Below, we explore the main types of grants available to ESA claimants.
Insulation grants
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heat loss and lower energy bills. Through government schemes, households receiving ESA may qualify for free or heavily subsidised insulation measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or solid wall insulation. By improving your home’s insulation, you can reduce heat waste, keep rooms warmer in winter, and cut down on your reliance on costly heating. These grants are particularly targeted at homes with poor EPC ratings.
Heating grants
If your heating system is old or inefficient, you could also be eligible for a heating grant. This might cover the cost of replacing an outdated boiler, installing modern heating controls, or even upgrading to a more energy-efficient central heating system. For many ESA recipients, this type of grant can make a real difference, not just by improving comfort but also by significantly reducing monthly energy bills. Grants are often awarded to those in the greatest need, where the existing system is broken or very inefficient.
Solar panel grants
In addition to insulation and heating, there are now opportunities for ESA claimants to receive funding towards solar panel installation. Solar panels can help lower electricity costs by generating renewable energy directly from your roof. While not every property will qualify, those with the right roof space and poor EPC ratings may find themselves eligible for this kind of grant. Solar power offers long-term savings and supports the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy system.
For people receiving Employment and Support Allowance, there is valuable financial help available to improve the comfort and efficiency of their homes. Whether through insulation grants, heating upgrades, or even solar panel installations, these government schemes aim to support low-income households and reduce energy costs. If you receive ESA and your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, it’s well worth checking whether you qualify. Taking advantage of these grants could mean a warmer home, lower bills, and a reduced environmental footprint.
How to apply for ESA energy grants
Applying for government-backed energy efficiency grants may sound complicated, but the process is usually straightforward once you know the steps. If you are receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and your home has a poor EPC rating (D, E, F or G), you could be eligible for free or heavily subsidised upgrades. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check your eligibility – Make sure you are receiving ESA and confirm your home’s EPC rating to see if it falls into the qualifying categories.
- Gather your documents – You’ll need proof of your ESA benefit and sometimes details of your property, such as past energy bills or tenancy agreements.
- Submit your application – This is normally done online. You can enter your details on our Grant Checker form to check your eligibility.
- Arrange your home survey – An assessor will visit to check if your home qualifies and to recommend the right improvements, such as insulation, heating upgrades, or solar panels.
Taking the time to apply for these grants could save you hundreds of pounds a year while making your home more comfortable and environmentally friendly. At Energy Saving Grants, we specialise in helping people on benefits like ESA navigate the process and access the funding they deserve. With the right support, applying is quick, simple, and could be life-changing.
Why choose Energy Saving Grants?
At Energy Saving Grants, we’ve helped thousands of UK households access government funding for insulation, heating, and renewable energy upgrades. Our mission is to make homes warmer, more efficient, and more affordable to run — all while reducing carbon footprints. From the moment you get in touch, our experienced team will guide you through the entire process, from checking your eligibility to arranging professional installation with Trustmark-accredited installers. With long-term guarantees and no hidden costs, you can feel confident you’re in safe hands.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, our service is designed to take the stress out of applying for energy grants. We offer free consultations, tailored advice, and full support to ensure you don’t miss out on funding you’re entitled to. To find out if you qualify, simply enter your details into our Grant Checker today.
Follow us for the latest updates
At Energy Saving Grants, we share regular blogs full of practical tips and updates on the latest government funding schemes. From insulation to heating upgrades and solar panels, our articles are designed to help you save money and make your home more energy efficient. Take a look at our other blog posts to learn more ways you could benefit.
Stay up to date with the newest grants, advice, and success stories by following us on social media. It’s the easiest way to keep informed and get useful tips straight to your feed. Join our community today and take the next step towards a warmer, greener home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you get a heating grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes. If you receive ESA and your home has a low EPC rating (D, E, F, or G), you may qualify for a heating grant. This could help replace an old or broken system with a more energy-efficient solution, reducing both your bills and carbon footprint.
Can you get a solar panel grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes, in some cases. Households on ESA may be eligible for funding for solar PV panels, provided the property meets the scheme’s criteria. Solar panels can cut your electricity costs and generate renewable energy for years to come.
Can you get a boiler grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes. Through government funding, ESA claimants can often access grants to replace older, inefficient boilers with modern condensing boilers that are far more efficient and reliable.
Can you get a loft insulation grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes. Loft insulation is one of the most common improvements funded under these schemes. If you’re on ESA, you may be able to have your loft insulated free of charge or at a reduced cost, helping to prevent heat loss and lower heating bills.
Can you get a wall insulation grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes. Depending on the construction of your home, you may qualify for either internal or external wall insulation grants if you receive ESA. Both options can greatly improve warmth and comfort in your property.
Can you get a cavity wall insulation grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes. If your home has cavity walls and you’re on ESA, you could receive a grant to insulate them. This stops heat escaping through the walls and makes your home much more energy efficient.
Can you get a solid wall insulation grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes. ESA claimants living in older properties with solid walls can apply for grants for either internal or external solid wall insulation. This can significantly improve energy performance, though it depends on property suitability.
Can you get an electric storage heater grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes. If you currently use old or inefficient electric heaters, you may qualify for a grant to install modern high-heat retention storage heaters. These provide better control and efficiency, lowering running costs.
Can you get a heat pump grant on Employment and Support Allowance?
Yes. In some cases, ESA recipients can access funding for air source heat pumps. These systems are highly efficient, producing more heat than the electricity they consume, and are ideal for replacing older, costly heating systems.
