GBIS Eligibility: Who Can Apply in 2025
Understand the Great British Insulation Scheme eligibility criteria for 2025, including council tax band requirements, EPC ratings, and how to check if your property qualifies.
What is the GBIS Grant?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government initiative that provides free or low-cost insulation upgrades for homes in lower council tax bands. Unlike ECO4, GBIS doesn't require you to be on benefits or have a low income — eligibility is based purely on your property's council tax band and energy performance certificate (EPC) rating.
The scheme runs until March 2026 and aims to help over 300,000 households reduce their energy bills through improved home insulation.
GBIS Eligibility Criteria 2025
Council Tax Band Requirements
England:
- Council tax bands A, B, C, or D
Scotland and Wales:
- Council tax bands A, B, C, D, or E
EPC Rating Requirements
- Your property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Properties with EPC A, B, or C are not eligible
- If you don't have an EPC, you'll need to get one before applying
Property Type
- Residential properties only (houses, flats, bungalows)
- Park homes are eligible
- Social housing properties may qualify
- Both owned and rented properties (tenants need landlord permission)
Do I Need to Be on Benefits for GBIS?
No. This is the key difference between GBIS and ECO4. GBIS has no income requirements and doesn't require you to be receiving benefits. Eligibility is based solely on:
- Your council tax band
- Your property's EPC rating
However, if you are on qualifying benefits, you may get fully funded insulation at no cost. Otherwise, you may need to make a small contribution (typically a few hundred pounds).
What If I'm a Tenant?
Tenants can apply for GBIS, but you'll need permission from your landlord before any work begins. The improvements will benefit both you (through lower energy bills) and your landlord (through increased property value and EPC rating).
Tip: Approach your landlord with the benefits in mind — free or low-cost insulation upgrades that improve the property's energy efficiency and potentially its rental value.
How to Check Your Council Tax Band
- Visit the GOV.UK council tax band checker
- Enter your postcode
- Find your property in the list
- Check if you're in band A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales)
How to Check Your EPC Rating
- Visit the EPC register
- Enter your postcode
- Find your property
- Check if your EPC is rated D, E, F, or G
If your property doesn't have an EPC or it's more than 10 years old, you'll need to arrange a new assessment before applying for GBIS.
GBIS vs ECO4: Which Should I Apply For?
| Criteria | GBIS | ECO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Income requirement | None | ≤£36,000/year or benefits |
| Council tax band | A-D (England), A-E (Scotland/Wales) | Any band |
| What it covers | Insulation only | Insulation + heating + renewables |
| Cost | Free or small contribution | 100% free if eligible |
Good news: You can check eligibility for both schemes at once using UGRANT's eligibility checker.
What Happens After I Check Eligibility?
- Instant results: UGRANT's checker tells you if you likely qualify for GBIS
- Installer contact: If you qualify, we connect you with a government-approved GBIS installer
- Free survey: The installer visits your property to assess which insulation measures are suitable
- Application handled: The installer submits your GBIS application on your behalf
- Installation: Once approved, the installer completes the work (typically 1-3 days)
Check Your GBIS Eligibility Now
Use our free eligibility checker to find out if you qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Check GBIS EligibilityUGRANT connects you with approved installers who manage the entire process