As part of its policy on climate change, the Government has agreed to legally binding commitments to reduce carbon emissions caused by burning fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal.

Free Boilers for Single Parents – Reducing Household Energy Bills

At the same time, the Government has set targets to help low income households to reduce their fuel consumption and heating bills by installing more energy efficient central heating boilers and electric storage heaters.

Under the Affordable Warmth Scheme, if you satisfy certain criteria relating to your state benefits and the condition of your existing heating system, you may benefit from an ECO Grant to install a new Boiler or new Storage Heaters.

Free Boilers for Single Parents – Will it cost me anything?

Not every single parent who qualifies for an ECO Grant will get a free boiler or free storage heaters. Due to current funding restrictions for the Affordable Warmth Scheme some householders may be asked to contribute to the cost of installation.

The installer may not be able to advise whether you need to make a contribution until after your free survey has been carried out.

Which Heating Systems are ECO Grants Available for?

ECO Grants are available to replace:

• Gas, Oil, LPG and Solid Fuel Boilers
• Electric Storage Heaters

To apply for a Boiler Grant or a Storage Heater Grant you need to satisfy ALL 3 of the following criteria:

1. You live in your own home or you rent your home from a private landlord (Different rules apply to single parents in council houses and housing association properties).

2. You receive one of these State Benefits:

• Guaranteed Pension Credit (Savings Credit and ordinary State Pension do not qualify)
• Child Tax Credit*,
• Working Tax Credit*,
• Income Support,
• Universal Credit*,
• Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance or
• Income-Based Job Seeker’s Allowance.

3a. Boilers: Your existing boiler must be less than 86% efficient and faulty, OR, be more than 86% efficient, faulty and cost more to repair than to replace.

3b. Storage Heaters: You must have at least one faulty electric storage heater in your home.

Benefits marked with an * are subject to maximum household income thresholds.

Click HERE for more detailed information about Free Boilers for Single Parents, Free Storage Heaters for Single Parents and Affordable Warmth Scheme Qualifying Criteria.

A levy is placed on every householder’s electricity bill by the major energy companies to help pay for Free Boilers for Single Parents and Free Storage Heaters for Single Parents.

The money collected is diverted into an ECO Fund. It is then used to pay ECO Accredited Installation Companies to install boilers and electric storage heaters for single parents who qualify.

The amount of money awarded by way of a grant depends on the type of property you live in, how many bedrooms it has and several other factors.

Larger homes (which have the potential to produce the biggest cuts in carbon emissions due to the installation of efficient boilers and storage heaters) will attract the largest ECO Grants.

Free Boilers for Single Parents and Free Storage Heaters for Single Parents are only available if your ECO Grant covers the full installation cost.  

A contribution can be required in some cases.