Pesioners are set to lose upto £3500 if they apply for the new boiler scrappage scheme that has been launched in the UK this earlier this year. Most pensioners would be eligible for the Warm Front Grant which gives upto £3500 against the cost of purchasing and installing a new boiler. If pensioners or households with low incomes apply for the boiler scrappage scheme they forfeit their right to the Warm Front funding.

The funding can be used to pay for loft insulation, draft proofing and repairs to an existing heating system, aswell as a new boiler replacement. If you receive income support, council tax benefit, housing benefit or pension credit you are advised to apply.

Mervyn Kohler, fuel poverty expert at Help the Aged, said: "If you are a pensioner in receipt of benefits you are likely to be eligible for Warm Front, which can give you a whole new heating system and insulation. If you are not claiming means-tested benefits then we'd recommend you apply for the boiler scrappage scheme."

The Government today launched a new boiler scrappage scheme. The scheme is hoping to persuade households with the least efficient heating systems to upgrade them. A £400 discount is provided to all those that participate in the scheme. Boiler Installation costs start from £935

Why have a boiler scrappage scheme?

The government has set very high targets for reducing its CO2 emissions. 14% of these emissions come from households domestic heating systems.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates 3.5m households have the least efficient boiler which is a G-rated boiler.

How do I qualify?

You must live in England and be a homeowner or a private tenant. Landlords can apply aswell but the scheme doesn't extend to Registered Social Landlords and housing associations. The boiler needs to be the main source of heating in your home.

Is my boiler G rated?

You must have a G rated boiler to quailify. A quick check is to see if the boiler has a pilot light? If it does it is likely to be a G rated boiler. Another good way to tell is if it's 15 years or older.

A list of the boilers that are eligible can be found here

Alternatively you can email me and I can check for you. Or call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012. An adviser will ask a series of questions to determine your eligibility.

How do I get the £400

First you need to get quotes, I always advise 3 quotes including one from British Gas. This will give you a chance to compare. Please always use a registered engineer for your boiler installation. You can get one here Gas Safe Register or you can call us. You need to get a quote before you can receive the voucher through the post. Then you pay the engineer for the installation. The engineer should then give you a receipt for the works and notify building control- a legal requirement and if not done will cause problems if you ever sell your property or a breakdown under warranty occurs. You are then free to redeem your £400 voucher. You will receive the money within 25 days after the installation has taken place.

Which boilers can be fitted?

Only A rated boilers can be fitted, please contact us for a list of the best/better selling A rated boiler.

Anything else you should know?

To combat fraud the Energy Saving Trust says all submitted vouchers must contain the customers and installers signature aswell as the Gas Safe register number of the engineer.