Use this free GBIS eligibility checker to find out if you could qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme. Answer a few simple questions about your home and household, and we'll show you which insulation measures might be available and how much you could save on your energy bills.
Recommended Insulation Measures
Good to know: Based on what you've told us, you might also qualify for ECO4 or other energy efficiency grants. Speak to an approved installer or advice service for a full assessment of all available schemes.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)?
The Great British Insulation Scheme, commonly known as GBIS, is a UK government initiative designed to help households improve their home's energy efficiency through funded insulation measures. Launched as part of wider efforts to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, GBIS provides free or heavily subsidised insulation to eligible properties across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The scheme specifically targets homes with poor energy efficiency ratings and those in lower Council Tax bands. By improving insulation, households can significantly reduce heat loss, lower their energy consumption, and save hundreds of pounds on annual heating bills.
Key benefits of GBIS
- Free or low-cost insulation for qualifying households
- Reduced energy bills through improved heat retention
- Lower carbon footprint and environmental impact
- Improved home comfort with fewer draughts and cold spots
- Potential increase in property value with better EPC rating
How This GBIS Calculator Works
Our GBIS eligibility checker uses the information you provide about your home and household to determine whether you're likely to qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme. The calculator applies current eligibility criteria, including:
- Location: GBIS is available in England, Scotland, and Wales, with slightly different Council Tax band criteria in each nation.
- Council Tax band: In England, properties in bands A–D typically qualify for the General Group. In Scotland and Wales, bands A–E are usually eligible.
- EPC rating: Homes rated D–G on the Energy Performance Certificate scale are prioritised, as they have the greatest potential for improvement.
- Income and benefits: Households receiving qualifying benefits or with low incomes may be eligible for the Low-Income Group, which can provide additional support.
Based on your answers, the calculator identifies which insulation measures would be most beneficial for your property type and estimates the potential annual savings you could achieve.
Who Can Use This GBIS Eligibility Checker?
This free insulation grant calculator is designed for anyone in the UK who wants to understand their potential eligibility for government-funded insulation. This includes:
- Homeowners: Those who own their property and want to improve its energy efficiency.
- Private tenants: Renters who wish to suggest improvements to their landlord (landlord permission may be required).
- Social housing tenants: Those living in council or housing association properties may be directed through their housing provider.
- Landlords: Property owners looking to upgrade their rental properties and improve EPC ratings.
Whether you're looking to reduce your energy bills, make your home more comfortable, or simply understand what grants might be available, this GBIS calculator provides a quick and easy starting point.
Common Insulation Measures Funded by GBIS
The Great British Insulation Scheme can fund several types of insulation, depending on your property's construction and current energy efficiency. The most common measures include:
Loft Insulation
Adding or topping up insulation in your loft space is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heat loss. A well-insulated loft can save £150–£350 per year on heating bills. Most homes should have at least 270mm of loft insulation.
Cavity Wall Insulation
If your home was built after 1930, it likely has cavity walls that can be filled with insulating material. This measure can save £180–£400 annually and is relatively quick to install with minimal disruption.
Solid Wall Insulation
Older properties often have solid walls without cavities. These can be insulated either internally or externally. While more disruptive, solid wall insulation offers the highest potential savings of £200–£550 per year.
Underfloor Insulation
Properties with suspended timber floors can benefit from underfloor insulation, which reduces draughts and cold rising from below. Typical savings range from £80–£200 annually.
Room-in-Roof Insulation
If you have a converted loft or habitable room in your roof space, specialist insulation ensures this area is properly protected from heat loss, potentially saving £200–£450 per year.
GBIS vs ECO4: What is the Difference?
Both GBIS and ECO4 are government-backed schemes that provide funded energy efficiency improvements, but they have different focuses and eligibility criteria:
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
- Primarily focuses on insulation measures
- Targets homes in lower Council Tax bands (A–D in England, A–E in Scotland/Wales)
- Prioritises properties with EPC ratings D–G
- Available through the General Group (based on property criteria) or Low-Income Group (based on benefits/income)
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4)
- Covers a wider range of measures including heating systems, not just insulation
- Primarily targets low-income and vulnerable households receiving qualifying benefits
- Aims to raise EPC ratings by at least two bands where possible
- May offer additional support for those in fuel poverty
Many households may qualify for both schemes, and an approved installer can assess which programme—or combination of programmes—would provide the best support for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About GBIS
What is the GBIS calculator and how accurate is it?
This GBIS calculator is a free online tool that helps you understand whether you might be eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme. It uses the information you provide about your property and household to give an indicative result based on current eligibility criteria. While the calculator is designed to be as accurate as possible, the final decision on eligibility is made by approved installers following a property survey and verification of your circumstances.
Is this GBIS eligibility checker an official government tool?
No, this is not an official government tool. It is an independent eligibility checker designed to help you understand whether you might qualify for GBIS based on publicly available criteria. For official information, please visit the Ofgem website or GOV.UK. The results from this calculator are indicative only and do not guarantee funding.
Who can apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
GBIS is available to homeowners, private tenants (with landlord permission), social housing tenants, and landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales. Eligibility depends on factors including your Council Tax band, EPC rating, and whether anyone in your household receives qualifying benefits. Generally, properties in lower Council Tax bands with poorer energy efficiency ratings are more likely to qualify.
What EPC band do I need for GBIS?
GBIS primarily targets properties with EPC ratings of D, E, F, or G, as these homes have the greatest potential for energy efficiency improvements. Properties rated A, B, or C are generally considered already efficient and may not qualify. If you don't know your EPC rating, you can check it for free on the government's EPC Register at epcregister.com.
How does my Council Tax band affect GBIS eligibility?
Council Tax band is a key factor in determining GBIS eligibility for the General Group. In England, properties in bands A–D typically qualify. In Scotland and Wales, bands A–E are usually eligible. If you're in a higher band but receive qualifying benefits, you may still be eligible through the Low-Income Group. You can find your Council Tax band on your Council Tax bill or your local council's website.
What is the difference between GBIS and ECO4?
GBIS focuses specifically on insulation measures and targets homes in lower Council Tax bands with poor energy efficiency. ECO4 covers a wider range of energy efficiency measures, including heating systems, and primarily targets low-income households receiving qualifying benefits. Many households may qualify for both schemes, and an approved installer can advise on the best options for your situation.
Can landlords and tenants use GBIS?
Yes, both landlords and tenants can benefit from GBIS. Landlords can apply to have their rental properties insulated, which helps improve EPC ratings and reduce tenant energy bills. Private tenants can check eligibility and request improvements, though landlord permission is usually required before work can proceed. Social housing tenants should contact their housing provider about available schemes.
How much money can I save on my energy bills?
Savings vary depending on your property size, current insulation levels, and heating system. As a guide, loft insulation can save £150–£350 per year, cavity wall insulation £180–£400, and solid wall insulation £200–£550. Combining multiple measures can significantly increase total savings. Our calculator provides personalised estimates based on your property details.
Can I still qualify if I'm not on benefits?
Yes, you can still qualify for GBIS through the General Group even if you don't receive benefits. The General Group is based primarily on your property's Council Tax band and EPC rating, not your income or benefit status. However, households receiving qualifying benefits may be eligible for additional support through the Low-Income Group.
What happens after I use the calculator?
After using this GBIS calculator, you'll receive an indicative result showing whether you're likely to be eligible and which insulation measures might suit your home. If you appear eligible, the next step is to contact an approved GBIS installer who can conduct a property survey and verify your eligibility. They will then arrange for the appropriate insulation work to be carried out, often at no cost to you.
How long does the GBIS application process take?
The timeline can vary depending on demand and your location. After initial eligibility screening, a surveyor will typically visit within a few weeks to assess your property. If approved, installation work is usually completed within a few weeks to a couple of months. The entire process from initial enquiry to completed installation might take 4–12 weeks, though this can vary.
Is the insulation really free under GBIS?
For many eligible households, yes—insulation through GBIS is provided at no cost. The scheme is funded by energy suppliers as part of their obligations under the Energy Company Obligation. In some cases, particularly for certain measures or property types, there may be a small contribution required, but this will be made clear before any work begins. The Low-Income Group typically receives fully funded measures.