If you have a long-term health condition, a cold home can make daily life harder. You don’t have to put up with it. The ECO scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme can help you cover the cost of heating and insulation upgrades. These grants are here to make your home warmer and safer. See how you could qualify today.
Health conditions can make you eligible
A wide range of health problems can unlock funding. Breathing conditions like asthma and COPD can get worse in damp, cold air. Heart disease, arthritis, and cancer treatments also put you at risk when your home isn’t warm. Your GP must confirm that your health makes it harder to cope in a cold house. Their referral shows your need is real and urgent.
Income or benefits can open the door
You can qualify if your household income falls under the set limits or if you claim certain benefits. This includes Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, or Tax Credits. You will need to share paperwork like recent bank statements or award letters. Organisations use this evidence to check that you meet the criteria without needing a GP referral.
Vulnerability matters too
You may get help if someone in your home is considered vulnerable. This could be an older person, a baby or a toddler, or anyone needing extra care because of age or disability. Living with vulnerable people means cold conditions can have a bigger impact. Even if you earn above the income limit, this factor can still make you eligible.
Even if none of these factors apply to you, the Great British Insulation Scheme has a general group for households with properties that are energy inefficient. This means you can still qualify for help based on how much heat your home loses. Many households fall into this category, so you don’t have to meet health, income, or vulnerability rules to get support. It’s worth checking if your property is eligible so you don’t miss out on funding that could make your home warmer and more affordable to run.
When you think about applying for an ECO or Great British Insulation grant, you may wonder if your health issue counts. Many conditions can help you qualify. A GP referral makes it easier to prove your need. Here are five common health conditions that often qualify:
- Asthma and COPD: These lung conditions make it harder to breathe in a cold, damp home.
- Heart disease and high blood pressure: Cold temperatures can strain your circulation and worsen symptoms.
- Arthritis and mobility issues: Limited movement increases the impact of a cold house on pain and stiffness.
- Cancer treatment recovery: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy weaken your immune system, so warmth is vital.
If you have one of these or another long-term health condition, you may be eligible. A trusted adviser like Energy Saving Grants can help you confirm your status and guide your application from start to finish.
Real stories of people who turned cold homes into safe spaces
Many households have already improved their homes through the ECO scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme. For example, Alex, who lives with COPD and arthritis, received cavity wall insulation and a new boiler after her GP confirmed her health needs. These changes made her home warmer and reduced her heating bills, giving her peace of mind during the colder months.
Steve, a stroke survivor, qualified for loft insulation that helped keep his home at a safe temperature all year.
Lucy, who was recovering from cancer treatment, secured funding for room-in-roof insulation to protect her weakened immune system.
These stories show that when you get the right support, you can stay warm, protect your health, and reduce your costs.
Take control of your home’s energy costs today
At Energy Saving Grants, we help you access a wide range of energy grants that can cover insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable installations. You can lower your bills, keep your property warm, and improve comfort without the usual stress or confusion.
Speak to our team now on 0330 223 0333 or email us at info@energysavinggrants.org. We’re ready to guide you through the process, check your eligibility, and help you secure the funding you deserve.
Your most common questions answered – FAQs
What happens if my health condition isn’t listed?
You may still be eligible even if your condition doesn’t appear on common lists. The schemes use broad categories, and many conditions fit under them. Your GP can decide if your health makes it harder to live safely in a cold home. Always ask for a referral to strengthen your claim.
Can children’s health conditions help the household qualify?
Yes, a child’s health issue can make your household eligible for support. Conditions that affect breathing, mobility, or immunity often meet the criteria. You will need a GP referral confirming how the child’s health is impacted by cold housing. This evidence can help unlock grants for insulation and heating improvements.
