With the cost of energy still running high and the UK going for low-carbon heating solutions, many homeowners have been re-evaluating the possible government support for heat pumps. Several of these houseowners would already have benefited from previous energy-saving initiatives, or they may well have previously applied for the scheme but been advised they did not qualify.
This frequently causes a big question: can homeowners reapply for air source heat pump grants?
The simple response is: yes, you can, but only under specific conditions. Whether or not you can claim again depends on the basis for your previous entitlement, your current circumstances, and what aid is available now. The conditions of eligibility for the ECO4 scheme also differ from previous initiatives, and some homeowners who did not qualify before may now be eligible.
This article explains when re-application is possible, what the differences between ECO4 and previous ECO schemes are, and what householders should consider before making another application.
Why homeowners ask about reapplying
Among the reasons that lead homeowners to reconsider and reapply for heat pump grants on multiple occasions are the following:
- They applied a long time ago, and their application was rejected
- They were given insulation or a boiler upgrade, but not a heat pump installation
- Their income or benefit status has changed
- New schemes, which boast their own rules, continue to emerge.
- Their heating system has since become inefficient or no longer works
Because energy efficiency programs are constantly changing, it can be difficult to determine whether an individual or business is eligible based on previous determinations.
Understanding how ECO4 differs from the old schemes
The ECO4 system supplanted all other ECO schemes with a greater emphasis on:
- Low-income households
- Energy inefficient homes
- Long-term energy savings
- Whole house upgrades
Schemes that predate ECO4 were more likely to consider one particular type of energy saving, like just insulation. ECO4 considers whether installing a heat pump at the current time will have genuine and sustainable advantages.
However, this means that homeowners who received “no” as their response in the past may get “yes” today.
Is a rejected application eligible for reapplication?
Yes – if you previously applied and had an application refusal, you can apply again for ECO4 if you have had a change of circumstances or if different rules apply.
Common changes that can qualify you include:
- You now have a qualifying benefit
- Your family income has decreased
- Your EPC rating is lower than before
- Your heating system has been rendered inefficient and/or inoperable
- Your home is now considered to be an off-gas house
Rejection of an existing framework does not prohibit an individual from being considered for the new framework, ECO4.
How about the situation when you already received help before?
This is where the eligibility criteria start to be more specific.
If you received previous benefits for non-heating purposes, for example:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
You can still qualify for a heat pump, provided that your house meets ECO4 criteria.
However, if the applicant has received a fully funded heat pump from ECO4 or similar projects, there CANNOT be a second grant received for the same service at the same property.
Is reapplying possible even if you have boiler replacement done?
Yes – in some cases.
What you got before:
A boiler replacement under an older ECO scheme
However, you might also be eligible for a heat pump through ECO4 in the following circumstances:
- You no longer have a gas connection to your property.
- The property is still energy inefficient
- The household satisfies the income or benefits test
- Efficiency will be greatly boosted by the heat pump
ECO4 focuses on energy efficiency improvement in general, not merely on what was put in place before.
What if your personal life changes?
Changes in Personal/Circumstances: These are one of the most frequent reasons why homeowners can successfully reapply.
For example,
- Retirement and currently receiving Pension Credit
- Loss of job or low income
- Transitioning from full-time employment to part-time or self-employment
- Health conditions that can be associated with a cold home
If you are now eligible through benefits or through LA Flex, then reapplying would be a good idea.
LA Flex: an essential route for re-application
Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, or LA Flex, enables local authorities to refer households that are not receiving benefits but are struggling with their heating costs.
You can qualify for LA Flex through:
- Household income is below local thresholds
- Your home EPC rating is low (E, F, or G rated)
- Cold weather aggravates health problems
- You are considered vulnerable by your council
Many homeowners who were not eligible earlier get qualified through this option.
Changes in property status may impact eligibility as well
Your own home may also qualify under ECO4 requirements when previously it did not.
These include:
- Loss of gas supply
- Rising usage of electric heaters
- Decline of EPC rating
If your current property status changes to off-grid or inefficient, you would qualify for a new assessment.
When Reapplication is Not Possible
There will be cases when reapplying will not result in being accepted:
- You have already received a heat pump through ECO4
- The property is already highly energy efficient.
- Household income is still sufficient without LA Flex support
- This is not convenient for heat pump installation
A professional evaluation will determine the advisability of re-applying.
How Heat Pump Grants are assessed under ECO4
The assessments in the ECO4 include
- Income or benefits that you receive
- EPC rating
- Present heating installation
- Applicability of low-carbon heat
- Total potential savings in energy per year
This is a holistic perspective that makes former judgments irrelevant to contemporary situations.
What documents may you need when reapplying
Reapplying involves requesting homeowners to give details of the following:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
- Evidence of benefits (if applicable)
- EPC certificate (if available)
- Landlord consent (in case of renting)
The presence of up-to-date documents is one aspect that can help you get your application approved faster.
Is there any cost to reapply?
No. You do not pay anything for assessing your eligibility and re-applying under ECO4, but you are not required to continue if your home is not suitable or if you change your mind. This serves as encouragement to apply again, since it has a low risk attached to it, especially for those who are still unsure of it.
Why It’s Worth Verifying Again
Schemes for energy efficiency are always developing. Whatever was not possible three or four years ago may now be completely funded. Heat Pump Grants offer the following opportunities to many households:
- Cut long-term energy bills
- Diversify away from costly heating fuels
- Enhance comfort and reliability
- Future-proof their home
Reapplying allows you to be considered on the latest set of criteria.
The Bottom Line
Yes – homeowners can apply for a grant for a heat pump again, especially if their circumstances or those of their home have changed. Eligibility criteria for ECO4 have changed and are more focused on longer-term outcomes.
Although you may have been rejected in the past or received other energy improvements, this doesn’t mean you’re not eligible now. While it is important to research potential Heat Pump Disadvantages before making the switch, the financial support available can significantly offset the initial costs. The best option for determining whether you can qualify for Heat Pump Grants now is a new check for eligibility.
