Insulating your home is one of the quickest ways to make it warmer, cut heat loss, and reduce energy bills — but the upfront cost can put people off. The good news is there are several government-backed schemes that can help cover the cost of insulation for eligible households. This guide covers the main insulation grants available right now, what they offer, who can apply, and how the process usually works. If you’re looking for support with loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or other upgrades, these schemes are a good place to start.

Government insulation grants at a glance

Grant / scheme	What it can cover	Who it’s aimed at
ECO4	Insulation improvements (often up to 100% of costs), plus other energy upgrades	Low-income / vulnerable households, and homes with poor energy efficiency
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)	Free or cheaper insulation (usually a single measure)	Homes with lower EPC ratings and qualifying council tax bands
Warm Homes: Local Grant	Energy efficiency upgrades for eligible homes in England	Low-income households living in EPC D–G properties
Warmer Homes Scotland	Funded improvements to make homes warmer and cheaper to run	Scottish households struggling with energy bills (criteria apply)
Nest (Wales)	Advice + funded home improvements	Welsh households meeting benefit/health/home criteria

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

ECO4 is one of the biggest routes to free insulation in the UK. It works by placing an obligation on large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency measures for homes that need them most. If you qualify, ECO4 can cover up to 100% of insulation costs. In some cases, it may also support other upgrades like low‑carbon heating and renewables (depending on the property and delivery route).

What ECO4 can help pay for

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Other energy efficiency measures (depending on assessment)
• Potentially additional upgrades alongside insulation (scheme dependent)

How to apply for ECO4

1. Contact an energy supplier (or an approved provider) that delivers ECO4.
2. Complete an initial eligibility check (income/benefits + property details).
3. Take a phone assessment where you answer questions about your home and circumstances.
4. An installer visits your home to confirm what measures are suitable.
5. If approved, installation is arranged and the grant reduces (or covers) the cost.

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

The Great British Insulation Scheme is designed to help more households access free or lower-cost insulation to reduce energy bills and improve home efficiency. In most cases, GBIS focuses on delivering one insulation improvement (for example, loft insulation or cavity wall insulation), based on what the home needs most.

Who is eligible for GBIS?

Eligibility can vary slightly, but typical requirements include:

• Your home has an EPC rating of D or below
• Your home is in council tax bands A–D in England, or A–E in Scotland/Wales
• You are a homeowner, landlord, or tenant (tenants need landlord permission)
• GBIS generally applies in England, Scotland and Wales (not Northern Ireland)

How to apply for GBIS

1. Contact your energy supplier to ask whether they’re accepting GBIS applications.
2. If eligible, they’ll match you with an installer for a free assessment.
3. The installer confirms the most suitable insulation measure.
4. A date is agreed for installation.

Warm Homes: Local Grant

Warm Homes: Local Grant is an England-only scheme aimed at supporting low-income households living in inefficient homes. It provides funding for energy efficiency upgrades and is delivered via local authority programmes. This grant replaced the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), which was retired in March 2025.

Who is it for?

• Households on lower incomes
• Homes with poor efficiency (commonly EPC D–G)
• Properties in England (delivered via councils/local authorities)

How to apply

• Homeowners: apply online through official routes or via your local authority
• Private tenants: apply via your local authority (landlord support required)

Warmer Homes Scotland

Warmer Homes Scotland is designed to help eligible households who are struggling with energy costs. If you qualify, improvements may be funded to make your home warmer and more energy efficient.

How to apply

You can usually start by contacting Home Energy Scotland to check eligibility. If you qualify, you may be referred to an assessment provider who will survey your home and recommend suitable measures.

Nest (Wales)

Nest is a Welsh Government scheme that offers advice and may provide funded home improvements for eligible households living in Wales.

Typical measures include

• Loft and wall insulation
• Draught-proofing and heating controls
• Heating improvements (where suitable)

How to apply

If you think you meet the criteria, you can request a callback or complete an assessment via the scheme’s official contact routes. If approved, an assessor may visit to confirm which improvements your home can receive.

What are the best grants for loft insulation?

If you specifically want loft insulation, it may be available through several schemes, including:

• Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
• ECO4
• Warm Homes: Local Grant (England)
• Warmer Homes Scotland
• Nest (Wales)

In many cases, these schemes can cover up to 100% of loft insulation costs, but it’s not guaranteed — suppliers and assessors decide what’s best based on your property survey.

How to avoid insulation grant scams

Unfortunately, “free insulation” scams and high-pressure sales tactics do exist. To protect yourself:

• Be cautious with cold calls and unsolicited offers
• Check claims using official government or regulator sources
• Never sign contracts under pressure
• Ask for paperwork and verify installer credentials before paying a deposit