What is the difference between GBIS and ECO4?

ECO4 targets low-income households on benefits. GBIS is designed for the broader population — you qualify based on your property's Council Tax band and EPC rating, regardless of income. Many households who do not qualify for ECO4 are eligible for GBIS.

Do I need to be on benefits to qualify for GBIS?

No. GBIS eligibility is based on your property characteristics (Council Tax band A–D and EPC rating D or below), not your income or benefit status.

What insulation does GBIS cover?

GBIS primarily funds cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. In some cases, it also covers internal wall insulation and flat roof insulation.

Is there any cost to me under GBIS?

For most eligible properties, the full cost is covered. In rare cases where the funding cap does not cover the entire installation, we will clearly explain any contribution before proceeding.

How do I know which scheme I qualify for?

We check your eligibility for all available funding during your free survey. Many households qualify for either ECO4 or GBIS — we will always secure the best available funding for your situation.

GBIS · Grants & funding

Great British Insulation Scheme. For homes with EPC D or below.

GBIS is a UK-wide scheme aimed at lifting the least energy-efficient homes by one or two EPC bands. It covers loft and cavity wall insulation, regardless of whether the household is on benefits — the qualifier is the property's EPC rating and council tax band, not your income.

Up to £6,000 per household

Check if I qualify Call 0800 229 4094

We handle every grant application ourselves. You sign.

Eligibility

Who this covers

Eligibility rules shift as schemes evolve. Treat this as a starting guide — the on-site survey is the only way to confirm for certain.

Property in Council Tax bands A–D (England)
EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
No existing adequate insulation in the area to be treated
Homeowner or tenant with landlord permission
Available regardless of income or benefits

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) launched in 2023 to address the millions of UK homes that lack adequate insulation but whose occupants do not qualify for ECO4.

Unlike ECO4, GBIS does not require you to be on benefits. If your property is in Council Tax bands A–D with an EPC of D or below, you are likely eligible for fully funded insulation.

Who Benefits from GBIS?

GBIS targets the so-called 'able to pay' segment — homeowners and tenants who earn too much for ECO4 benefits-based eligibility but whose homes still desperately need insulation. This covers millions of properties across Essex, Suffolk, Kent, and Cambridgeshire.

Measures Available

The scheme primarily funds cavity wall insulation and loft insulation — the two measures that deliver the highest energy savings for the lowest disruption. Installation typically takes a single day with minimal mess.

OMEGA's GBIS Service

As accredited GBIS installers, we handle everything from eligibility confirmation to completed installation. Our surveyors check all available funding routes during your appointment, ensuring you receive the maximum support available for your property.

Common questions

GBIS — Great British Insulation Scheme — answered honestly.

What is the difference between GBIS and ECO4?
ECO4 targets low-income households on benefits. GBIS is designed for the broader population — you qualify based on your property's Council Tax band and EPC rating, regardless of income. Many households who do not qualify for ECO4 are eligible for GBIS.
Do I need to be on benefits to qualify for GBIS?
No. GBIS eligibility is based on your property characteristics (Council Tax band A–D and EPC rating D or below), not your income or benefit status.
What insulation does GBIS cover?
GBIS primarily funds cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. In some cases, it also covers internal wall insulation and flat roof insulation.
Is there any cost to me under GBIS?
For most eligible properties, the full cost is covered. In rare cases where the funding cap does not cover the entire installation, we will clearly explain any contribution before proceeding.
How do I know which scheme I qualify for?
We check your eligibility for all available funding during your free survey. Many households qualify for either ECO4 or GBIS — we will always secure the best available funding for your situation.

Check your eligibility in one survey.

Free 45-minute home energy survey. We confirm every funding route available to your property and handle the application paperwork.