The UK Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for low-income households to receive free or heavily subsidised home insulation, heating upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements. But here’s the catch — making even small mistakes during the application process could delay your approval or even lead to a complete rejection of your free grant.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common ECO4 application mistakes, why they matter, and how to avoid them so you can get your grant approved faster and stress-free.
1. Not Checking Your Eligibility Before Applying
Many applicants jump straight into the process without confirming if they meet the ECO4 eligibility criteria. The scheme is designed for:
- Low-income households
- People on certain government benefits (e.g., Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support)
- Homes with low EPC ratings (D, E, F, or G)
- Properties with outdated or inefficient heating systems
💡 Tip: Always use a trusted ECO4 eligibility checker before applying to avoid wasting time.
2. Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
The ECO4 process requires accurate details about your home, income, and heating system. If you give incomplete or false information, you risk:
- Application rejection
- Delays in processing
- Loss of trust with the scheme provider
📌 Example: Forgetting to mention that your boiler is less than 10 years old can disqualify you if your home already meets certain heating standards.
3. Not Supplying the Correct Proof of Benefits
If you’re applying under the benefit-based eligibility, you must provide recent proof of your qualifying benefits. Missing or outdated documents is one of the biggest causes of application delays.
✅ Best Practice: Provide recent award letters, bank statements showing benefit payments, or official DWP confirmation.
4. Ignoring Your EPC Rating
Your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is crucial for ECO4 approval. Many homeowners don’t realise their property’s current EPC score or submit outdated EPC records.
📌 What to do: Get a free or low-cost EPC assessment before applying. The ECO4 scheme often requires properties to improve their EPC rating by a certain number of bands.
5. Choosing the Wrong Installer
Under ECO4, you must work with an approved installer. Choosing an unregistered company can lead to your application being voided, even if your work is done.
💡 Tip: Check the TrustMark register or Ofgem’s approved list before signing any agreement.
6. Missing Deadlines
The ECO4 scheme has a limited funding window. Waiting too long to submit your documents or respond to requests can cost you the grant entirely.
⏳ Action Step: Respond to all installer and scheme provider requests within 24-48 hours.
7. Not Understanding the Grant Limitations
Some people assume ECO4 covers all home upgrades, but that’s not the case. The scheme usually focuses on:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solid wall insulation
- Boiler replacements (if eligible)
- Renewable heating upgrades
Applying for upgrades outside the scheme scope can waste time and cause confusion.
8. Applying Multiple Times with Different Installers
While it might seem like a good idea to “shop around,” making multiple applications can flag your file for review, delaying or cancelling your approval.
📌 Best Practice: Choose one reputable provider and stick with them throughout the process.
9. Not Being Available for Home Surveys
Your installer will likely need to carry out a free home energy survey before work can begin. Missing this appointment can push your application back by weeks.
10. Forgetting About Consent Requirements
If you’re renting, you’ll need your landlord’s permission for ECO4 upgrades. Missing this step means your application will stall indefinitely.
How to Avoid These ECO4 Application Mistakes
- ✅ Check your eligibility before applying
- ✅ Gather all required documents in advance
- ✅ Work with an approved installer
- ✅ Keep your EPC rating up to date
- ✅ Respond to requests quickly