I'm just wondering if there's any assistance available for elderly people who don't have any form of central heating?

Right now, there is a scheme called ECO which has been introduced by the UK Government to help those in very low-income homes to access things like free home insulation and free gas boilers. At the start of the scheme, funding was readily available for installers throughout the UK and they were, in some cases able to install new heating systems in to peoples home because the rates which they were receiving were enough to cover the full cost. Over time, the funding levels have dropped and been re-aligned which has meant that it is now extremely difficult to get extras such as new radiators, boiler relations etc fully funded.

Can I get a Free Gas Central Heating System? Because of the downturn in the amount of funding which is available, there would not be enough to install fresh central heating systems, or extra radiators in to peoples home for free. The amount of funding which can be allocated to you/your home is calculated by how efficient it already is. By installing a new boiler in to your property, you will save ‘x’ amount of Carbon Tonnes. The amount of boiler funding is calculated by the amount of tonnes replacing the boiler would save, by the current rates which the installers can claim.

In the early days of the grant scheme the rates were high, now, they are not which means less can be financially viable. In most cases, you will be able to contribute to the job if you would like extras such as further heating controls, or the relocation of radiators etc. Can you claim a Free Boiler? If you claim a certain combination of benefits and your current boiler is over 8 years old you could qualify for a free replacement boiler. Comments comments.

Central heating grants - which ones are available and who are they available to? It’s certainly true that availability of grants to install central heating or upgrade the energy efficiency of your property isn’t what it used to be. There are still numerous grants and loans available to finance your central heating – you just need to know where to look. Affordable Warmth Scheme for central heating (Central Heating Grants) This is the scheme which prior to 2013 was called Warm Front.

It is a government backed scheme which is operated by the UK’s largest energy companies and which is designed to fund installation of central heating and other energy saving measures for people who fall into certain vulnerable groups. Each case in considered individually. If you are in receipt of certain benefits such as ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit, you may be eligible if your home is privately owned or rented and has an old, inefficient boiler. Tenants can also apply for the scheme with their landlord’s consent, and it may also fund loft or cavity wall insulation. Check whether you are eligible by calling the Energy Saving Trust, who will be able to advise on how to apply for a grant. If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check out regional information as arrangements may differ.

Warm Home Discount If your boiler is not particularly old or inefficient, but you are still struggling to pay your energy bills, you might be eligible for a Warm Home Discount, which is equivalent to £140 per year off fuel bills. The largest group of people eligible for this are pensioners, but other vulnerable groups may apply too. The eligibility varies depending on energy supplier, so if you are on a very low income, a member of the family with a disability or living with a long-term illness, contact your supplier to see if you can apply for a reduction on bills. Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment Heating bills can rocket during cold snaps, and cold weather payments can be claimed by those on certain benefits if temperatures falls below 0c for a week. £25 is paid for each week that this happens. Older people can claim a winter fuel payment irrespective of their income which is worth £200 for those over 63 and £300 for those over 80 annually. Spreading the Cost Energy companies recognise not everyone qualifies for central heating grants and incentives, and finding the full cost of a new boiler or central heating system can be tough.

Many offer agreements to let you spread the cost, and these can be a great option. Just remember to look at the total price you pay over the course of the agreement before signing up. Local Authority Grants In addition to national grants, many have their own schemes, incentives and grants to improve energy efficiency locally.

The criteria and funds available differ depending on area. Download Shawn Desman Shiver French Version Software there. Some councils offer grants, others loans which have to be repaid, albeit at low interest rates. Contact the at your local Council to see what’s available and whether it includes central heating grants. Related Heating Cost Guides & Price Guides Other Locations.