Getting a new central heating system for the first time can feel impossible if you don’t have the money saved. But under the ECO4 scheme, many households in the UK can get help through the First Time Central Heating Grants. In fact, there are also central heating grants for over 60s, making it easier for older homeowners and tenants to enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home without the heavy upfront costs..
This grant is designed for homes that have never had a central heating system before. That means no boiler, no radiators, and no pipework installed. Instead of using open fires, electric heaters, or old storage heaters, you can finally have a proper central heating system fitted — often for free.
In this guide, we explain the rules and eligibility criteria for the First Time Central Heating Grant.
What Is the First Time Central Heating Grant?
The First Time Central Heating (FTCH) Grant is part of the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)scheme. The goal of ECO4 is to make homes warmer, reduce fuel poverty, and cut carbon emissions.
The FTCH Grant pays for the installation of a full central heating system in homes that never had one. This includes:
- A new boiler or renewable heating system (such as an air source heat pump)
- Radiators
- Pipework and controls
The grant covers both the equipment and installation, so in most cases, there is no upfront cost to the homeowner or tenant.
Who Can Apply?
Not every household in the UK can apply. The scheme has strict rules to make sure help goes to those who need it most.
Council or housing association tenants usually have other funding routes, not this grant. The ECO4 scheme is aimed at low-income and vulnerable households.
To qualify, you must meet these main conditions:
- The property has no existing central heating
- You cannot already have a gas, oil, or LPG boiler with radiators.
- Homes heated only by electric heaters, storage heaters, gas fires, or open fires are eligible.
- The property must have a low EPC rating like D, E, F, or G.
- The property must be owned or privately rented
- Someone in the household must receive qualifying benefits
We’ll list the qualifying benefits below.
Qualifying Benefits
At least one person in the home must be receiving a means-tested benefit to qualify. The current list includes:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
In some cases, households that don’t receive benefits can still qualify through the local authority flexible eligibility (LA Flex) route. This allows councils to include households that are on a low income or vulnerable to cold, even if they don’t get benefits.
Tenants and Landlords
If you live in a privately rented home, you can still qualify – but there are a few extra steps.
- Your landlord must give permission.
- The landlord may be asked to contribute if major upgrades are needed.
- The property must meet the minimum energy efficiency standards for rentals (EPC rating of E or above).
What Heating Systems Can You Get?
The type of system you receive depends on your home and energy source.
- Gas central heating: If your home is near a gas supply, you may get an A-rated condensing gas boiler with radiators.
- Air source heat pump: If your home is off-gas, you may qualify for an air source heat pump instead. This is where Air Source Heat Pump Grants come in. They are part of ECO4 and help households switch to renewable heating.
- Electric storage heaters or hybrid systems: In some cases, alternative solutions may be offered, depending on what suits the property best.
Income Rules
The grants are aimed at low-income households. Even if you don’t get benefits, you may still qualify if your income is below a certain threshold and your local authority supports your application.
For example, under LA Flex, councils often set an income limit of around £31,000 a year. This varies by area, but the idea is to help households that struggle with heating costs, even if they don’t receive benefits.
How the Application Works
Applying for the grant is straightforward, but you need to provide the right details.
- Check eligibility
- Confirm that your home has never had central heating.
- Check if you or someone in your household gets a qualifying benefit.
- Contact an approved installer
- Only registered ECO4 installers can process the application.
- They will guide you through the paperwork.
- Provide documents
- Proof of benefits (such as a recent award letter).
- Proof of property ownership or tenancy agreement.
- Survey and approval
- An installer will survey your home to check if it is suitable.
- They will also look at insulation levels.
- Installation
- Once approved, the central heating system is installed.
- The process usually takes a few days, depending on the property size.
Why the Rules Are Strict
You may wonder why the rules are so specific. The reason is simple: the government wants to target funding where it’s needed most. Heating a home without central heating is much more expensive. Many of these households rely on costly electric heaters or open fires.
By giving grants to the most vulnerable households, the scheme helps reduce fuel poverty, cut carbon emissions, and improve living standards.
The Bottom Line
The First Time Central Heating Grant is a lifeline for households that have never had central heating. But the eligibility rules are strict. You must live in a private home without central heating, receive certain benefits (or qualify under LA Flex), and meet property requirements.
If you meet these rules, you could get a full central heating system installed at little or no cost. And if your home is off-gas, you might even benefit from Air Source Heat Pump Grants, making your heating cleaner and cheaper to run.
If you think you qualify, the best step is to contact an approved installer and check your eligibility today. A warmer, more efficient home could be just around the corner.
