The short answer
Yes — government-backed funding for loft insulation continues in 2026, though the schemes have changed. ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) both closed to new applications in early 2026, and the main route now is the Warm Homes: Local Grant, delivered through local authorities and aimed at lower-income and fuel-poor households. Help is most likely if you receive a means-tested benefit (such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit), or live in a lower-EPC home — and where you qualify, loft insulation is often fully or heavily funded. Eligibility depends on your income, benefits, property and area, so the honest step is to check your own eligibility on GOV.UK before paying for any work.
Grant schemes change often, and the rules depend on your income, your home and where you live. This page sets out the current landscape so you can check whether to apply before paying for loft insulation.
The 2026 landscape
- ECO4closed to new applications (early 2026)
- GBISclosed (31 March 2026)
- Main route nowWarm Homes: Local Grant
- Best chancemeans-tested benefit / lower EPC
- First stepcheck eligibility on GOV.UK
What's available in 2026
The two best-known schemes have wound down: the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) both closed to new applications in early 2026. The government's Warm Homes Plan is intended to succeed them, with the Warm Homes: Local Grant delivered through local councils and targeting fuel-poor households for insulation and heating upgrades. Funded help is typically aimed at homes that receive a means-tested benefit or have a lower EPC rating, and where you qualify the loft insulation is often fully or substantially covered.
| Scheme | Status (2026) | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| ECO4 | Closed to new applications | low-income / vulnerable households |
| GBIS | Closed 31 March 2026 | lower EPC, broader eligibility |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant | Main current route | fuel-poor / lower-income, via councils |
Scheme availability changes — always confirm the current position on GOV.UK and with your local authority. Sources: GOV.UK, Ofgem, Energy Saving Trust.
How to check before you pay
Because eligibility hinges on your benefits, income, EPC and local authority, the only reliable answer is to check your own case rather than rely on a quote. Start with the official GOV.UK pages and your local council's Warm Homes scheme, and the Energy Saving Trust for sourced UK guidance on what's available. If you do qualify, arrange the work through the funded scheme rather than paying up front — and be wary of unsolicited callers pushing grant-funded work, particularly spray foam.
Not sure if you qualify — or want to go ahead anyway?
We'll match you with a TrustMark-registered insulation installer who quotes the work clearly, whether you're funded or paying privately, so you can compare on a like-for-like basis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a free loft insulation grant in 2026?
Possibly. ECO4 and GBIS have closed to new applications, and the main route now is the Warm Homes: Local Grant via local councils, aimed at lower-income and fuel-poor households. Help is most likely if you receive a means-tested benefit or live in a lower-EPC home — check your eligibility on GOV.UK.
Which benefits help me qualify for a grant?
Means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, ESA and JSA are typically used to assess eligibility for funded insulation. Rules vary by scheme and area, so confirm your own case on GOV.UK and with your local authority.
Is loft insulation still worth it if I don't qualify for a grant?
Usually yes. Even at typical installed prices, loft insulation is one of the lowest-priced, fastest-payback energy improvements, often paying back in two to four years.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific loft. They are guidance, not a quotation.