If you’re on Universal Credit, you might not realise there’s extra help available to make your home warmer, cheaper to run, and more energy-friendly. The government offers grants that can cover things like insulation, heating upgrades, and even solar panels. You don’t always have to pay a penny — and if your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is D, E, F, or G, you could be near the top of the list.
These schemes exist to help households on lower incomes cut bills, stay warm in winter, and make better use of clean energy. Knowing what’s on offer and how to apply could save you hundreds of pounds every year.
Insulation grants
If your home isn’t well insulated, a lot of the heat you pay for escapes through the roof, walls, or floors. That means higher bills and a less comfortable home. Grants for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, internal wall insulation, and even floor insulation can be available to you if you’re on Universal Credit and your EPC rating is D, E, F, or G. These upgrades are often fully funded under schemes like ECO, and they can cut heat loss by up to a third while making your home easier to heat all year round.
Heating system grants
Old or inefficient heating systems cost more to run and can leave your home cold in winter. Grants can help you replace an outdated boiler with a modern condensing model, install an air-source heat pump, or add central heating for the first time if you currently rely on electric heaters. If you’re on Universal Credit and your property meets the eligibility criteria, you could have these upgrades installed for free or at a reduced cost, helping you save money while keeping your home warm.
Renewable energy support
Generating your own energy can protect you from rising prices and cut your bills. Grants may be available for solar panels to produce your own electricity or for solar water heating systems that use the sun’s energy to heat your water. While renewable energy funding is less widely available than insulation or boiler grants, schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certain local council programmes can still make these systems affordable for households receiving Universal Credit.
Taking advantage of available grants can make a real difference to your home and budget. From insulation to heating and renewable energy, these schemes can help you cut costs and improve comfort if you meet the eligibility rules.
Who runs these schemes and how to apply
Many of these grants are funded by UK national government programmes but delivered locally by councils or energy companies. The main options worth checking are:
- ECO – provided through energy suppliers; covers insulation, heating, and sometimes renewable energy.
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) – for off-gas homes with low incomes; funds insulation and low-carbon heating upgrades.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – gives a grant towards installing heat pumps or biomass boilers.
- Local Authority Flex schemes – council-run programmes targeting specific postcodes or property types.
- Regional pilot projects – time-limited schemes trialling energy-saving measures in certain areas.
To find out if you qualify, start by completing your details on the Grant Checker form. A grants advisor from Energy Saving Grants will support you in applying, making it easier to secure the help you’re entitled to.
How to get your Universal Credit energy grant
Many people on Universal Credit don’t realise they could qualify for fully funded energy-saving upgrades. Energy Saving Grants can connect you with government schemes for insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy, all tailored to your home’s needs. We handle the paperwork and work with trusted installers, making it easy to improve your property and lower your bills.
Speak to our team today by calling 0330 223 0333 or emailing info@energysavinggrants.org. We’ll check your eligibility, explain your options, and help you secure the grant funding you deserve.
Stay connected and keep learning
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. We hope it has helped you understand what energy grants are available if you receive Universal Credit. Be sure to explore our other blog posts for more tips and guidance on improving your home’s energy efficiency.
For more updates, advice, and news on government energy schemes, follow us on our social media channels. You’ll stay informed about the latest opportunities to save money and make your home more comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get a heating grant on Universal Credit?
Yes. If you receive Universal Credit and your home meets the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible for a government-funded heating grant. This can include replacing an old boiler, installing a heat pump, or adding a first-time central heating system.
Can you get a solar panel grant on Universal Credit?
Yes, in some cases. While solar panel funding is less common than insulation or boiler grants, certain schemes still offer support for households on Universal Credit, especially through regional renewable energy programmes.
Can you get a boiler grant on Universal Credit?
Yes. If you’re on Universal Credit, you may be eligible for a grant to replace an inefficient boiler with a modern, energy-efficient model. These grants aim to improve heating performance, lower energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions. ECO is one of the main schemes offering boiler funding, and in many cases, the installation can be fully funded if your household and property meet the criteria.
Can you get a loft insulation grant on Universal Credit?
Yes. Loft insulation grants are widely available to people receiving Universal Credit, as insulating your loft is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss. By adding or upgrading insulation, you can prevent up to a quarter of your home’s heat from escaping through the roof. This means warmer rooms in winter, lower heating bills, and less strain on your heating system.
Can you get a wall insulation grant on Universal Credit?
Yes. Wall insulation grants may be available for both internal and external wall insulation, depending on your property’s construction. These grants help improve your home’s thermal performance, making it easier and cheaper to heat. As with other measures, your EPC rating and benefit status play a key role in eligibility.
Can you get a cavity wall insulation grant on Universal Credit?
Yes. If your property has uninsulated cavity walls and you receive Universal Credit, you could qualify for a grant to have them filled. Cavity wall insulation is a relatively quick and non-invasive upgrade that can significantly reduce heat loss and lower annual heating costs.
Can you get a solid wall insulation grant on Universal Credit?
Yes. Homes with solid walls — common in older properties — can be more expensive to heat. If you’re on Universal Credit, you might be eligible for a grant to add either internal or external solid wall insulation. This upgrade can transform your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, especially in winter.
Can you get an electric storage heater grant on Universal Credit?
Yes. If you rely on outdated or inefficient storage heaters and you receive Universal Credit, you may be entitled to a grant for replacing them with modern High Heat Retention models. These newer heaters are far more energy efficient, offering better heat control and helping to reduce electricity bills.
Can you get a heat pump grant on Universal Credit?
Yes. Households on Universal Credit can apply for grants to install air-source or ground-source heat pumps. These systems use renewable energy from the air or ground to provide heating and hot water, and they’re far more efficient than traditional electric or fossil fuel systems. In many cases, grants can cover a significant portion, or even all, of the installation cost if your property meets the requirements.
