GBIS vs ECO4: Which Insulation Grant Is Right for You?
Compare the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 grant to find which UK energy scheme best fits your property, income, and home improvement needs.
Quick Comparison: GBIS vs ECO4
| GBIS | ECO4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Council tax band A-D/E + EPC D-G | Income ≤£36k/year OR benefits + EPC D-G |
| Income check? | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| What it covers | Insulation only | Insulation + heating + renewables |
| Cost to you | Free or small contribution | 100% free |
| Max value | ~£5,000 | £10,000+ |
| Runs until | March 2026 | March 2026 |
What is GBIS?
The Great British Insulation Scheme focuses exclusively on improving home insulation. It targets properties in lower council tax bands (A-D in England, A-E in Scotland/Wales) with poor energy efficiency.
Key advantage: No income checks required. Eligibility depends only on your council tax band and EPC rating.
What is ECO4?
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) is a broader scheme covering insulation, heating system upgrades, and renewable installations like heat pumps and solar thermal.
Key advantage: Covers more measures and is 100% funded for eligible households, but requires an income check or proof of benefits.
Which Grant Should You Choose?
Choose GBIS if:
- Your household income is above £36,000/year
- You don't receive any means-tested benefits
- You live in council tax band A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales)
- You only need insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall)
- You want a quick, no-fuss application process
Choose ECO4 if:
- Your household income is £36,000/year or less
- You receive benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc.)
- Your property needs heating upgrades or a boiler replacement
- You want to install renewable heating (heat pump, solar thermal)
- You need comprehensive energy improvements worth £10,000+
Can You Apply for Both GBIS and ECO4?
Sort of. You cannot receive funding from both schemes for the same measure. For example, you can't get cavity wall insulation through both GBIS and ECO4.
However, if you qualify for both schemes, you could potentially receive:
- GBIS for insulation measures
- ECO4 for heating system upgrades or renewables
In practice, most installers will recommend the scheme that provides the most benefit for your specific situation.
Cost Comparison
GBIS Costs
On benefits: Usually 100% free
Not on benefits: Small contribution (£100-£500 depending on measures)
ECO4 Costs
If eligible: 100% free — no contribution required for any measures
Bottom line: ECO4 provides more value if you qualify, but GBIS is more accessible if your income is too high for ECO4.
Application Process Comparison
GBIS Process
- Check council tax band and EPC rating
- Contact approved installer (via UGRANT)
- Free property survey
- Installer submits application
- Installation (1-3 days)
⏱ Typical timeline: 6-10 weeks
ECO4 Process
- Check income/benefits and EPC rating
- Contact approved installer (via UGRANT)
- Free property assessment
- Provide income/benefit documentation
- Installer submits application
- Installation (1-5 days depending on works)
⏱ Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Young Professional, Council Tax Band C
Income: £45,000/year | Property: Flat, EPC rating E
→ Best choice: GBIS
Income too high for ECO4. Qualifies for GBIS based on council tax band. Can get cavity wall and loft insulation with minimal contribution.
Scenario 2: Retired Couple on Pension Credit
Income: On benefits | Property: House, EPC rating F, broken boiler
→ Best choice: ECO4
Qualifies for ECO4 due to benefits. Can get full insulation package PLUS new boiler or heat pump — all 100% funded.
Scenario 3: Family with £32k Income, Band E Property
Income: £32,000/year | Property: House, EPC rating D
→ Best choice: ECO4
Qualifies for ECO4 based on income. Gets more comprehensive improvements for free. Council tax band doesn't matter for ECO4.
Key Takeaways
- GBIS is simpler — no income checks, just council tax band and EPC rating
- ECO4 covers more — insulation, heating, and renewables all in one scheme
- ECO4 is 100% free if you qualify, while GBIS may require a small contribution
- Can't double-dip — you can't claim both grants for the same measure
- Check both — UGRANT's eligibility checker shows which schemes you qualify for instantly
Check Your Eligibility for Both Schemes
Use UGRANT's free checker to see if you qualify for GBIS, ECO4, or both
Check Eligibility NowGet connected with approved installers who handle the entire application process