Pensioners: How to Get a Grant for a New Boiler

Grants for new boilers for pensioners are available in many instances, and as we head into the depths of winter it’s essential to give this some thought. You, or an elderly relative, may be eligible for a grant towards a new boiler in the UK under the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) which requires the big energy providers to help ensure everyone in need gets the energy-related help they need. In the instance of grants for new boilers for pensioners, you may be eligible if you:

• Are a pensioner.
• Are over the age of 60 and receiving Working Tax Credits.
• Your boiler needs replacing because it isn’t a condensing boiler, is over 10 years old, or isn’t working properly or efficiently while receiving State Pension credits or Working Tax Credits.

The Affordable Warmth Obligation

The Affordable Warmth Obligation is behind grants for new boilers for pensioners. The aim is to make it possible for you to receive a grant regardless of whether you live in your own home, rent from a private landlord, or live in social housing. The Affordable Warmth Obligation covers a range of different energy improvements and works such as insulation, but also help with replacing or repairing your boiler.

The deciding factor as to whether you can access a grant depends on the benefits you receive. For pensioners who own their own home, this means you need to be in receipt of Pension Guarantee Credit (rather than Pensions Savings Credit). If you rent from a private landlord, the same rules apply, but you will need permission from your landlord to do the work.

If you live in social housing, then the eligibility criteria are slightly different. In these instances, if your home has an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G then you may be entitled to a boiler grant and/or other heating improvements.

To find out if you are eligible for a boiler grant, get in touch with the Energy Saving Advice Service.

Grants for New Boilers for Pensioners – Why They Are Needed

Over the course of the last four winters, approximately 120,000 additional deaths have occurred in the UK due to the cold weather, or issues associated with cold weather. Caroline Abrahams, the charity director at Age UK has stated: “The UK has an appalling record on cold-related deaths, with one older person dying every seven minutes from the winter cold. Colder counties like Sweden are better at protecting older people from the cold.”

Heating and hot water account for over 50% of the average British energy bill.

It’s thought that the combination of the cold weather plus the cost of energy bills is why the UK falls behind other colder countries on keeping fatalities from cold weather down. This is the reasoning behind boiler grants for pensioners – no pensioner should go cold because they can’t afford a new boiler or boiler repairs.

Why a New Boiler for Pensioners?

Modern boilers are notably more efficient than older ones. This means that it often makes more sense to replace an old boiler than just repair it. This is because modern boilers are condensing boilers. They are highly efficient. Under the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) the big six energy providers (British Gas, Npower, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON and SSE) are funding Grade A condensing boilers for those eligible.

Through the scheme, pensioners stand to be able to install a new efficient boiler while saving thousands of pounds. Furthermore, with a new boiler you should see your heating bills come down significantly.

How to Find an Installer for a New Boiler for Pensioners

To find out if you are eligible for one of the new boiler grants for pensioners you need to contact the Energy Saving Advice Service. You can then choose your local installer as long as they are a registered installer, like ourselves Ecosafe. Dedicated boiler experts can ensure you get the best boiler installation service for your needs.

Energy Saving Trust has some information on boiler replacement should look for in a boiler installer when accessing grants for new boilers for pensioners. Alternatively, contact us on 0333 939 0161 – we’d be happy to help.

Featured Image Source: Pixabay