How can pensioners get part funded or free home insulation?

The cost of keeping our homes warm is a big talking point recently, especially with energy bills remaining a significant worry for many UK homeowners. If you’re a pensioner living on a fixed income with a large chunk of it going towards electricity and gas bills, this is possibly an issue that feels even more close to home.

However, there’s good news! We’ve got a solution that could make your home cosier while keeping your bills down. We’re talking about home insulation. Did you know that part funded or free home insulation for pensioners is available thanks to the government backed Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)?1 You don't even have to be an E.ON Next customer to qualify for this scheme. As a non-customer, you can still receive home insulation from us (if you’re eligible).

This brilliant insulation grant is helping people all over the country boost energy efficiency around their homes. If you’re living on a pension, you could benefit, too. But don’t leave it too late!

The GBIS is ending soon. We’ll only be accepting applications until 31 January 2026.

How could insulation improve your home?

Boosting your home’s insulation is like wrapping it in a blanket – sounds cosy! In winter, this blanket traps the warmth created by your heating system, so your boiler doesn’t need to work as hard. In summer, that same blanket keeps heat outside for a consistent, comfy temperature.

The average household spends more than half their energy bill on heating and hot water. A large amount of that heat can leak out through windows, walls, roofs, you name it. On average, a huge 33% of heat is lost through uninsulated walls alone2.

Targeting insufficient home insulation now could save you up to £470 annually thanks to our dual measure offer, which combines loft and cavity wall insulation3.

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme is a government initiative rolled out across England, Scotland, and Wales. It’s designed to help households improve their home’s energy efficiency with access to free or discounted insulation1, which could lead to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

The scheme was set up in April 2023 and is scheduled to finish on 31 March 2026. To allow time for the insulation installation, we’ll only be accepting applications until 31 January 2026.

Unlike the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), GBIS aims to support a broader range of households, particularly those that may have missed out on funding previously. The scheme also focuses solely on home insulation measures that target heat loss.

The GBIS covers three key insulation types:

• Loft insulation

• Room in roof insulation

• Cavity wall insulation

Don’t worry, we’ll recommend the best upgrade for your needs after doing a full assessment of your home.

How can pensioners check their eligibility?

It’s safe to say that eligibility criteria for government schemes can sometimes feel like a puzzle, but we like to make things simple.

Being on Pension Credit is one way of qualifying for the Great British Insulation Scheme, but it isn’t the only factor.

You could qualify without being on benefits.

Often with grants and schemes, you’ll need to be on a means tested benefit to qualify, but GBIS also helps those who aren’t considered low income. So, free loft insulation for pensioners not on benefits is a possibility. You could qualify if your home meets certain criteria relating to age and construction.

Low income vs general: Which group are you?

There are generally two main groups when qualifying for the GBIS – a low income and a general group.

However, no matter which group you fall into, you’ll need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating that sits within a certain range. If you own your home, you’ll need to have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. However, if you rent privately, it’s a rating of D to E.

Let’s take a look at the two groups in more detail.

The low income group.

This group is for homeowners or private renters receiving a means tested benefit, including:

• Pension Credit.

• Child Tax Credit.

• Universal Credit.

• Housing Benefit.

• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance.

If you fall into this group, you'll likely have a higher chance of qualifying for fully funded installation.

The general group.

If you’re not receiving benefits, this category could be for you. Eligibility for homeowners in this group depends on your property's location and council tax band.

Whether you own your home or rent privately, you must be within Council Tax bands A to D in England, and A to E in Scotland or Wales. Check your Council Tax band.

Please be aware that the Great British Insulation Scheme is not currently available in Northern Ireland.

Find out more about the GBIS and check your eligibility.

Six steps for applying to the GBIS.

Applying for home insulation support through the Great British Insulation Scheme is designed to be as simple as possible. Remember, you don't need to be an E.ON Next customer to apply.

Check out our simple step by step guide to give you an idea of the process:

1. Getting started.

To begin your application, you can check your eligibility online. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

2. Your phone consultation.

When you've booked your phone consultation, one of our friendly advisors will call within your selected 1-hour time slot. They’ll discuss which measures you could be eligible for.

3. Your eligibility checks.

We'll check to see if you qualify for funding, and if not, we can offer free energy saving advice.

4. If you rent your home.

We’ll need to get your landlord's permission, along with discussing their contribution towards the measure, if required. This will be done before your home visit.

5. Your home survey.

If you're eligible, our assessors will be in touch to arrange a visit to discuss which energy efficiency measures are best for your home.

6. The installation process.

We'll book your installation at a time that suits you. Then we'll send one of our TrustMark-registered installers to come out and do the rest.

• 1. All improvements are subject to a home survey and terms and conditions. Any extra work, such as scaffolding, may come with an additional cost. Please note: While loft insulation is free as part of our combined package, it may require a customer contribution when installed on its own.
• 2. Heat loss reduction figure is based on Energy Saving Trust calculations updated in July 2025.
• 3. Estimated savings are based on Energy Saving Trust average calculations published in July 2025, based on insulating a semi-detached gas-heated home (loft and cavity wall insulation) with gas prices set at 6.3 p/kW in England, Scotland and Wales. Source: Energy Saving Trust. Find out how these calculations are created here.