Great British Insulation Scheme: Your Quick Start Guide
Feeling the pinch of higher energy bills? The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is the UK government's answer to help you keep your home warm without breaking the bank. It offers free or low‑cost insulation upgrades for qualifying households, meaning you can slash heating costs and boost comfort at the same time.
In this guide we’ll walk you through who can sign up, what the scheme covers, and the easiest way to claim your grant. No jargon, just straight‑forward steps you can follow today.
Who can use the scheme?
The GBIS is aimed at homes that need the biggest energy help. You’ll qualify if you meet any of these conditions:
- You’re a homeowner, private renter, or live in social housing.
- Your property was built before 2005 and still has solid‑wall or cavity‑wall construction.
- Your annual household income is below £31,000, or you receive certain benefits (like Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Pension Credit).
- You’re a new homeowner who bought a property before March 2025 and the home has not yet been upgraded under any other government insulation program.
If you tick any of these boxes, you’re likely eligible. The scheme covers loft insulation, cavity‑wall insulation, external wall insulation, and sometimes even heating system upgrades if they’re part of a broader energy‑saving plan.
How to apply and claim your grant
The application process is built to be as simple as possible. Here’s what to do:
- Check eligibility online. Use the official GBIS checker on the government website. It only takes a few minutes and will tell you instantly if you qualify.
- Gather required documents. You’ll need proof of income (pay slips or benefit statements), proof of ownership or tenancy, and a recent Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if you have one.
- Find a certified installer. The scheme works with a list of approved contractors. Choose one near you, ask for a free quote, and confirm they’re on the official register.
- Submit your application. Fill out the online form, attach your documents, and select your installer. The system will forward the request to the installer and the local authority.
- Schedule the work. Once approved, the installer will arrange a visit, complete the insulation, and submit a final report. You’ll receive the grant payment directly, usually within a few weeks of completion.
Tip: Keep copies of every receipt and email. If anything goes sideways, having paperwork ready speeds up any follow‑up.
Now that you know the basics, take the first step today. A warmer home, lower bills, and a smaller carbon footprint are just a quick online check away.
Kieran Lockhart, Sep, 6 2025
Ministers have admitted that more than 30,000 UK homes received substandard insulation through ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme after a TrustMark audit found half of 60,000 installations failed. Damp, mould, and health risks are widespread, hitting areas like Luton and County Durham hard. The failures centre on solid wall insulation, raising urgent questions over oversight, contractor quality, and redress.
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