Sources: GOV.UK, Energy Company Obligation; Ofgem, homeowners and tenants. Checked 30 October 2026.
The eight ECO4 qualifying benefits
| Benefit | On the ECO4 list? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Yes | The most common route for working-age households |
| Pension Guarantee Credit | Yes | Paid over State Pension age |
| Pension Savings Credit | Yes | Paid over State Pension age |
| Income Support | Yes | |
| Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance | Yes | Income-based, not contribution-based |
| Income-related Employment and Support Allowance | Yes | Income-related, not "new style" |
| Child Benefit | Yes | If it is your only benefit, ask the supplier how it applies to you |
| Housing Benefit | Yes | Paid to renters |
Benefits people ask about that are not on the list
| Benefit | On the list? | Can it still help? |
|---|---|---|
| State Pension | No | Counts as income for Flex Route 1 (household income under £31,000) |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | No | An award notice is evidence of disability for Flex Route 2, proxy 3 |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | No | Same as PIP: Route 2, proxy 3 evidence |
| Attendance Allowance | No | Same as PIP: Route 2, proxy 3 evidence |
| Council Tax reduction (low income) | No | Is itself Flex Route 2, proxy 2 (not the single person discount) |
Sources: Ofgem LA guidance v3.0, sections 6-7. Checked 30 October 2026.
So a pensioner on Attendance Allowance with a low-income Council Tax reduction is not on the benefits route, but may meet two Flex proxies, if the council takes part. See ECO4 LA Flex for the full rules.
Whose benefit counts
GOV.UK's wording is about the household: you might be eligible if you live in private housing and get one of the listed benefits. The benefit needs to be received by someone living in the home. The homeowner (or, for private tenants, the landlord) must agree to the work.
Evidence
Have a recent award letter or statement for the benefit ready, plus proof of address such as a council tax or utility bill. Suppliers and installers run their own checks, so they may ask for something specific.
The EPC test still applies
A qualifying benefit is only half the test. GOV.UK says owner-occupied homes need an EPC rating of D, E, F or G and privately rented homes E, F or G. Check yours on the EPC register.
Next steps
If you are on the list, contact an obligated energy supplier (any of them) or your council; our guide on how to apply for ECO4 lists the routes. If you are not, the ECO4 eligibility checker asks the Flex questions as you go. Either way, ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026; see is ECO4 still available.
Questions
What benefits qualify for ECO4?
GOV.UK lists Universal Credit, Pension Guarantee Credit, Pension Savings Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Child Benefit and Housing Benefit.
Does PIP qualify for ECO4?
PIP is not on the GOV.UK benefits list. A PIP award notice can be evidence of disability for ECO4 Flex Route 2 (proxy 3), alongside a second proxy.
Does Attendance Allowance qualify for ECO4?
It is not on the benefits list, but Ofgem's Flex guidance accepts an Attendance Allowance award notice as evidence of disability for Route 2, proxy 3.
Is the State Pension a qualifying benefit?
No. Pension Credit is. The State Pension counts as income for ECO4 Flex Route 1.