ECO4 vs GBIS: Which Grant Fits Your Home?

Both ECO4 and GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) provide government-backed funding for home energy improvements, but they target different households and cover different types of work. Understanding these differences is crucial to applying for the right scheme.

This guide breaks down the key differences between ECO4 and GBIS, helping you determine which grant is best suited to your home and situation—or whether you might qualify for both.

1. The Key Difference: Who Each Scheme Targets

The fundamental difference between ECO4 and GBIS lies in who they're designed to help.

ECO4 Targets:

Low-income households
Benefit recipients
Homes in fuel poverty
Vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, families with young children)

GBIS Targets:

All households, regardless of income
Homes with poor insulation (EPC D-G)
Council Tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales
Focus on mass insulation rollout

In simple terms: ECO4 is means-tested and offers comprehensive improvements, while GBIS is more widely available but focuses specifically on insulation.

2. What's Covered: ECO4 vs GBIS

The scope of improvements differs significantly between the two schemes.

ECO4 Covers:

Loft insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Solid wall insulation (internal and external)
Underfloor insulation
Boiler replacement and upgrades
Air source heat pumps
Solar panels
Ventilation improvements
Smart heating controls

GBIS Covers:

Loft insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Solid wall insulation
Underfloor insulation
Room-in-roof insulation
Park home insulation

Notice that GBIS focuses exclusively on insulation measures, while ECO4 offers a much broader range of improvements including heating systems and renewable energy. If you need a new boiler or heat pump, ECO4 is your only option.

3. Eligibility Requirements Compared

Let's look at the specific eligibility criteria for each scheme side by side.

ECO4 Eligibility:

Household income under £31,000/year OR receiving qualifying benefits
EPC rating D-G
Homeowner or tenant (with landlord permission)
Property must be your main residence

GBIS Eligibility:

Council Tax band A-D (England), A-E (Scotland/Wales)
EPC rating D-G
Homeowner or tenant (with landlord permission)
No income requirements

GBIS is easier to qualify for because there's no means testing. However, the Council Tax band restriction excludes higher-value properties. ECO4 has stricter income requirements but isn't limited by property value.

4. Funding Levels and Costs

Both schemes offer funding, but the amount and whether you need to contribute differs.

ECO4 Funding:

Typical coverage: 100% funding for eligible households
Maximum value: Up to £30,000+ for comprehensive improvements
Contribution required: None for most low-income households

GBIS Funding:

Typical coverage: Free for certain benefits recipients; subsidized for others
Contribution: May require payment depending on income and property
Average savings: £1,000-£5,000 on insulation costs

If you're on qualifying benefits, ECO4 typically offers completely free improvements. GBIS may require a contribution unless you receive certain benefits. For comprehensive improvements, ECO4 provides significantly higher total funding.

5. Which Scheme Should You Choose?

Here's how to decide which grant is right for your situation:

Choose ECO4 if:

You receive qualifying benefits or have low household income
Your home needs heating system upgrades, not just insulation
You want renewable energy like solar panels or heat pumps
You need multiple types of improvements
You're in a higher Council Tax band but still low-income

Choose GBIS if:

Your income is too high for ECO4 but you're in Council Tax band A-D/E
You only need insulation work
Your property has no insulation or poor insulation
You want a straightforward, faster application process

Remember, you might qualify for both schemes. If you're eligible for ECO4, it's usually the better option because it offers more comprehensive support and higher funding levels.

6. Can You Apply for Both?

Yes, it's possible to benefit from both ECO4 and GBIS, but not for the same measures.

How It Works:

You can't receive funding from both schemes for the same improvement
You could use GBIS for insulation and ECO4 for heating upgrades
Some installers can combine funding from both schemes in one project
UGRANT can help determine the best funding combination for your needs

In practice, if you qualify for ECO4, it usually makes sense to apply for that first since it covers everything GBIS does—plus more. Your installer will advise on the optimal approach.

7. Application Process Differences

The application process is similar for both schemes, but there are some differences in timeline and complexity.

ECO4 Process:

Timeline: 8-12 weeks from application to installation
Documentation: More extensive (benefits proof, income verification)
Assessment: Comprehensive home survey required
Approval: More rigorous vetting process

GBIS Process:

Timeline: 6-10 weeks from application to installation
Documentation: Council Tax statement, EPC, basic ID
Assessment: Focused survey for insulation needs only
Approval: Generally faster with fewer requirements

GBIS applications tend to move faster because they're simpler and involve fewer measures. However, both schemes require professional installers to manage the application—DIY applications aren't accepted.

8. How UGRANT Helps You Choose

Navigating between ECO4 and GBIS can be confusing, which is why UGRANT simplifies the decision-making process.

What UGRANT Does:

Checks your eligibility for both schemes simultaneously
Recommends the best option based on your circumstances
Connects you with installers experienced in your chosen scheme
Identifies opportunities to combine funding if applicable
Ensures you access the maximum funding available

Rather than researching both schemes and contacting multiple providers, UGRANT's eligibility checker assesses your situation and points you toward the most beneficial path. This saves time and ensures you don't miss out on funding you're entitled to.