With energy bills still rising across Wales, thousands of households are struggling to keep their homes warm. While many people believe you must be on specific benefits to qualify for a boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme, that isn’t always the case. Thanks to the Local Authority ECO Flex (LA Flex) pathway, families in Wales can access free or heavily subsidised boiler upgrades even if they are not receiving benefits.
Backed by the Welsh Government, the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), and local councils, this scheme is helping households across Wales upgrade to energy-efficient heating systems. Providers like Reliant Energy Solutions make the process simple, guiding you from eligibility checks to installation.
This guide explains exactly how you can qualify for a boiler grant in Wales without being on benefits.
What Is the ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme?
The ECO4 scheme, regulated by Ofgem and supported in Wales by the Welsh Government, funds energy efficiency improvements for households most in need. Boilers are one of the most common upgrades, especially where old, inefficient systems drive up energy bills.
Measures available include:
- Free boiler replacements
- Loft and wall insulation
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar panels
- Smart heating controls
While most people associate ECO4 with households receiving benefits, the Welsh LA Flex pathway widens eligibility.
What Is LA Flex in Wales?
Local Authority ECO Flex (LA Flex) allows Welsh councils to approve households that don’t meet the standard benefit-based rules but are still in need of support.
This is vital in areas like Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport, where many working families are above the benefits threshold but still struggle with high energy costs.
Common LA Flex Criteria
- Household income under £31,000 per year
- A health condition made worse by a cold home (such as asthma, arthritis, or heart disease)
- Children or elderly people in the household
- Homes with poor EPC ratings (D, E, F, or G)
Each council has its own specific rules, so it’s important to apply through an approved provider like Reliant Energy Solutions, who work with councils across Wales.
Local Authorities Supporting ECO4 and Boiler Grants in Wales
Most councils across Wales are working with the Welsh Government to deliver ECO4 and LA Flex support. This includes:
- Cardiff Council
- Swansea Council
- Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
- Newport City Council
- Bridgend County Borough Council
- Caerphilly County Borough Council
- Carmarthenshire County Council
- Flintshire County Council
- Wrexham County Borough Council
- Gwynedd Council
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Powys County Council
- Conwy County Borough Council
- Torfaen County Borough Council
- Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Neath Port Talbot Council
- Blaenau Gwent Council
- Merthyr Tydfil Council
- Monmouthshire County Council
- Denbighshire County Council
- Isle of Anglesey Council (Ynys Môn)
- Ceredigion County Council
These councils review applications under LA Flex, making boiler grants accessible to more households.
Welsh Government Support Schemes
In addition to ECO4 and LA Flex, the Welsh Government runs several program that can work alongside boiler grants:
- NEST Scheme Wales – Provides free advice, energy assessments, and improvements for eligible households.
- Warm Homes Programme Wales – Supports low-income households with insulation and heating upgrades.
- Arbed am Byth (previous scheme) – Previously delivered major area-based energy upgrades across Wales.
Working together, these initiatives help reduce fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions across the country.
How to Qualify Without Being on Benefits?
If you live in Wales and are not on benefits, you can still qualify through the following steps:
1. Apply via LA Flex
Contact a provider like Reliant Energy Solutions, who will submit your case to your local council under the ECO Flex rules.
2. Demonstrate Income Eligibility
Provide evidence that your household income is below £31,000 per year.
3. Highlight Health Conditions (if relevant)
If someone in your home suffers from a condition worsened by the cold, provide medical letters or supporting documents.
4. Check Your EPC Rating
Most grants are prioritised for homes with EPC ratings of E, F, or G. A free survey can confirm your rating.
5. Arrange a Free Survey
Reliant Energy Solutions will send a qualified assessor to check your property and recommend upgrades.
Step-by-Step Application in Wales
- Initial Check – Contact Reliant Energy Solutions for a free eligibility check.
- Free Home Survey – A surveyor visits your property to assess your current heating system and insulation.
- Council Approval (LA Flex) – If you don’t claim benefits, your case is sent to your local council for approval.
- Grant Approval – Once approved, your boiler grant is confirmed under ECO4.
- Installation – A TrustMark-accredited installer fits your new boiler or heating system at no cost.
- Ongoing Support – Your home’s carbon passport (digital energy record) is updated, keeping you eligible for future schemes.
Benefits for Welsh Households
- Lower Bills – Save up to £400 per year with a modern, efficient boiler.
- Warmer Homes – Better heating and insulation reduce cold spots and damp.
- Improved Health – A warm home lowers risks of respiratory illnesses and other health issues.
- No Upfront Costs – All work is grant-funded if you qualify.
- Greener Wales – Supports the Senedd Cymru’s net-zero targets for 2035–2050.
Beware of Scams
Unfortunately, some rogue traders target Welsh households with false promises. Always watch out for:
- Installers who ask for upfront payments (ECO4 is free).
- Companies that can’t show a TrustMark accreditation.
- Pressure tactics to sign contracts quickly.
For peace of mind, work with approved providers like Reliant Energy Solutions, who are fully TrustMark-accredited.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to be on benefits to get a boiler grant in Wales?
No. Under LA Flex, you can qualify based on income, health conditions, or poor EPC rating, even if you’re not on benefits.
Q2: How long does it take?
Most Welsh households are approved in 3–6 weeks from application to installation.
Q3: Can private tenants apply?
Yes, with landlord permission. Reliant Energy Solutions can help manage this.
Q4: Is the grant 100% free?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out on Your Boiler Grant
If you live in Wales and thought you couldn’t qualify for a boiler grant because you’re not on benefits—think again. Thanks to the ECO4 LA Flex scheme, backed by the Welsh Government, Senedd Cymru, and your local council, thousands of households are getting the upgrades they need.
With help from Reliant Energy Solutions, you can check your eligibility today, arrange a free home survey, and start enjoying a warmer, cheaper, and healthier home this year.
Apply now through Reliant Energy Solutions and see if you qualify for a free boiler grant in Wales.
