Heat Pump Grant Eligibility Checker: Am I Eligible?

There are currently at least seven different grant schemes that can help UK homeowners pay for a heat pump — but working out which ones you qualify for is needlessly complicated. Our eligibility checker cuts through the confusion. Answer a few simple questions below, and we will tell you exactly which grants you are likely to be eligible for, how much you could receive, and how to apply.

The UK government has committed billions of pounds to decarbonising home heating, yet a surprising number of eligible homeowners never apply. According to DESNZ statistics, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has consistently underspent its annual budget — not because homeowners do not want grants, but because many do not realise they qualify.

The problem is fragmentation. Different schemes have different eligibility criteria, different application processes, and different administering bodies. A homeowner in Wales faces different options to one in England. Someone on benefits has access to schemes that a higher earner does not. And the rules keep changing — the BUS grant increased from £5,000 to £7,500 in October 2023, and ECO4 criteria were updated in 2024.

This guide consolidates everything into one place. For a broader understanding of heat pump economics, our complete cost guide covers the full picture.

Quick Eligibility Checker

Answer these questions to find out which grants you may qualify for. This checker covers all major UK schemes as of March 2026.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): Your Most Likely Grant

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the flagship heat pump grant for England and Wales. It provides a flat £7,500 toward the cost of an air source or ground source heat pump installation. There is no means testing — any eligible homeowner can apply regardless of income.

BUS Grant Eligibility Criteria (2026)

• Property location: England or Wales
• Property type: Existing domestic property (not new-build)
• Current heating: Replacing a fossil fuel system (gas, oil, LPG, coal, electric storage heaters)
• EPC requirement: Valid EPC with no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations (or proof these have been addressed)
• Installer: Must use an MCS-certified installer
• Equipment: Must use MCS-certified heat pump equipment
• No prior grant: Property must not have previously received a BUS or RHI payment

The grant was extended to 2028 in the last government budget, giving homeowners plenty of time to plan. However, the annual budget is limited, and as uptake increases, applications may take longer to process. Our comprehensive heat pump grants guide covers every detail of the BUS scheme.

ECO4: Free Heat Pumps for Eligible Households

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is funded by energy suppliers and provides free or heavily subsidised energy efficiency measures — including heat pumps — to low-income and fuel-poor households. Unlike the BUS grant, ECO4 can cover the entire cost of installation.

ECO4 Eligibility

You may qualify for ECO4 if you:

• Receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, JSA, ESA, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit)
• Live in a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
• Are identified as fuel-poor through the LA Flex route (your local authority can refer you even without benefits)

ECO4 funding is allocated through a "whole-house" approach, meaning the energy company must bring your home up to at least EPC Band C. This often means insulation measures are installed alongside the heat pump, which is ideal — better insulation means the heat pump performs better. For more on how insulation improves heat pump performance, see our guide on insulation for heat pump homes.

Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2): Off-Gas-Grid Homes

The Home Upgrade Grant is specifically designed for off-gas-grid homes in England with low-income occupants. It provides up to £25,000 for energy efficiency improvements including heat pump installation.

HUG2 Eligibility

• Property must be off the mains gas grid
• Property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
• Household income must be below £31,000 (or receiving qualifying benefits)
• Owner-occupied or privately rented (with landlord consent)

HUG2 is administered by local authorities, so availability and application processes vary by region. Contact your local council's energy team to find out if they are participating. The funding can cover insulation, windows, and a heat pump as a combined package — potentially worth £15,000-£25,000 of improvements at no cost to the homeowner.

Scotland: Home Energy Scotland Grants and Loans

Scotland operates its own grant scheme through Home Energy Scotland, which is delivered by the Energy Saving Trust. The scheme offers:

• Grant of up to £7,500 toward a heat pump installation
• Interest-free loan of up to £9,000 to cover remaining costs
• Additional £1,500 grant for rural and island communities
• Additional support for households on benefits (potentially covering the full cost)

The combined grant and loan means many Scottish homeowners can install a heat pump with zero upfront cost and repay the loan over 10-12 years at 0% interest. This makes Scotland one of the most generous regions in the UK for heat pump support. For a detailed look at Scotland's programme, see our Scotland heat pump report.

Wales: Nest Scheme

Welsh homeowners can access the BUS grant (as part of England and Wales), but also the Nest scheme, which provides free energy efficiency improvements to eligible households:

• Must be a homeowner or private tenant in Wales
• Receiving means-tested benefits OR living in an energy-inefficient home with a health condition affected by cold
• Can include free heat pump installation as part of a whole-house package

Nest has been particularly effective in rural Wales where homes are off the gas grid and using expensive oil or LPG heating. The scheme has supported thousands of households in making the switch. For more detail, read our Wales heat pump report.

Local Authority Schemes

Many local councils operate their own energy efficiency schemes, often funded through a combination of government grants, council budgets, and energy company obligations. These vary enormously by area — some councils offer nothing beyond signposting to national schemes, while others run ambitious programmes worth thousands of pounds per household.

To find schemes in your area:

• Contact your local council's housing or energy team
• Search for "[your council name] energy efficiency grants" online
• Call the Energy Saving Trust helpline on 0800 444 202
• Check Simple Energy Advice for localised recommendations

Can You Combine Multiple Grants?

This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

The smartest approach is often to use ECO4 or HUG2 for insulation improvements first (if eligible), then apply for the BUS grant for the heat pump itself. This way you get the maximum total support and end up with a better-insulated home that needs a smaller, cheaper heat pump. Combined with solar panels to reduce your electricity costs, the overall energy savings can be substantial.

How to Apply: Step by Step

BUS Grant Application Process

1. Get an EPC — if you do not have a valid Energy Performance Certificate, arrange one (costs £60-£120). Address any loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations first.
2. Find MCS-certified installers — use the MCS installer search or our free quote comparison service to find certified installers in your area.
3. Get quotes and surveys — reputable installers will conduct a heat loss survey and provide a detailed quotation. Get at least 2-3 quotes.
4. Your installer applies — once you choose an installer, they submit the BUS application to Ofgem on your behalf. You will need to provide your EPC and confirm eligibility details.
5. Wait for approval — Ofgem typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks. Your installer will be notified.
6. Installation proceeds — once approved, the installer schedules the installation. The £7,500 grant is deducted from your bill.
7. Grant paid to installer — after installation, the installer submits completion paperwork and receives the grant payment directly from Ofgem.

ECO4 and HUG2 Application Process

1. Check eligibility — contact the Energy Saving Trust helpline or your local council
2. Referral — if eligible, you will be referred to a scheme provider (either an energy company or a local authority delivery partner)
3. Home assessment — a surveyor visits your home to assess what measures are needed
4. Installation — approved measures are installed, typically at no cost to the homeowner

The ECO4 and HUG2 process can take longer than the BUS grant — sometimes 3-6 months from referral to installation — because demand often exceeds available installer capacity in some areas.

Common Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Getting an EPC First

Many homeowners contact installers before getting an EPC, only to discover their application is delayed because the EPC reveals outstanding insulation recommendations. Get the EPC early and address any issues before starting the grant process.

Mistake 2: Assuming You Cannot Afford It

With the £7,500 BUS grant, a typical air source heat pump installation costs £4,000-£6,000 out of pocket. Many homeowners can finance this through the installer's payment plan or a green home improvement loan. For those on lower incomes, ECO4 or HUG2 may cover the entire cost. Our value analysis breaks down the long-term economics.

Mistake 3: Using a Non-MCS Installer

The BUS grant requires an MCS-certified installer. Some homeowners get quotes from uncertified installers who offer lower prices, only to discover they cannot access the grant. Always check MCS certification before proceeding.

Mistake 4: Not Checking Regional Schemes

Many homeowners only know about the BUS grant and miss out on regional schemes that could provide additional support. Scottish homeowners in particular often qualify for generous combined grant-and-loan packages worth more than BUS alone. Check our regional adoption data to see what is happening in your area.

Mistake 5: Waiting for Bigger Grants

Some homeowners delay their application hoping grants will increase further. While no one can predict future policy, the current £7,500 BUS grant is historically generous, energy prices continue to make heat pumps financially attractive, and the government has consistently indicated that grant levels will not keep rising indefinitely. If you are eligible now, there is limited upside to waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a heat pump grant if I have a gas boiler?

Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme specifically covers homeowners replacing existing fossil fuel heating systems, including gas boilers, oil boilers, and LPG systems. You can receive £7,500 toward an air source heat pump or £7,500 toward a ground source heat pump.

Can landlords get heat pump grants?

Yes, but with conditions. Private landlords can apply for the BUS grant for properties they own and rent out. The property must have a valid EPC, and the installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer. Some landlord-specific schemes also exist through ECO4 and local authorities.

Can I get a heat pump grant for a new-build home?

No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is only available for existing properties. New-build homes are expected to include low-carbon heating as standard under updated Building Regulations.

Can I combine multiple heat pump grants?

Generally no — you cannot combine the BUS grant with ECO4 or HUG2 funding for the same heat pump installation. However, you can use different grants for different measures. For example, you might use ECO4 for insulation and the BUS grant for a heat pump separately.

Do I need an EPC to get a heat pump grant?

For the BUS grant, your property needs a valid EPC with no outstanding cavity wall or loft insulation recommendations — or evidence that these have been addressed. Having one is essential for a smooth application.

How long does the BUS grant application take?

Your MCS installer applies for the BUS grant on your behalf. Approval usually takes 2-4 weeks. The grant is paid directly to the installer, who deducts it from your bill. For more on the costs of switching from gas, see our comparison guide.