How RdSAP changes affect your Eco Scheme Eligibility

Posted on 17 September 2025 |

ECO4 Scheme: How RdSAP and Changes in Your Circumstances Affect Eligibility

If you’re wondering why you were or weren’t eligible for free energy-saving improvements through the ECO4 scheme, the answer often lies in a system called RdSAP — and how your circumstances or property have changed over time.

What is RdSAP and Why It Matters?

RdSAP stands for Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure. It’s a government-approved way of calculating your home’s energy efficiency (EPC rating) without needing full architectural plans.

Why it matters for ECO4:

ECO4 funding is only available to homes with a low EPC rating (D to G).
A Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure is used to verify this rating.
If your EPC rating improves, even slightly, you could lose eligibility.
If your situation changes, you may gain or lose access to ECO funding.

👉 Your eligibility and what improvements are allowed under ECO4 are directly linked to your RdSAP score and report.

What Does RdSAP Look At?

An accredited assessor checks and records:

Wall, loft, and floor insulation
Type and age of heating system
Hot water system
Windows and glazing
Lighting
Construction details
Property type and size

RdSAP software then calculates:

Your current EPC rating
Possible improvements (and how much energy they’ll save)

ECO4 Eligibility – Key Conditions

A. Based on EPC Rating (from RdSAP)

Property Type	Required EPC
Owner-occupied	D, E, F or G
Private rented	E, F or G
Social housing	E, F or G (limited measures only)

If your home is EPC A, B or C, you are not eligible.

B. Based on Occupant Circumstances

You’re eligible if you or someone in the home receives one of these benefits:

Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Income Support
Income-based ESA or JSA
Housing Benefit
Child/Working Tax Credit
Child Benefit (income limits apply)

Or, you may qualify under LA Flex (local council rules), based on:

Low household income
Health conditions affected by cold homes
Fuel poverty risk

How Changes Can Affect Eligibility (Examples Included)

Change	Impact on Eligibility
New RdSAP assessment finds EPC is now C	❌ No longer eligible
EPC drops to E due to boiler failure	✅ Now eligible
You start claiming Universal Credit	✅ Now eligible
You stop receiving Pension Credit	❌ May lose eligibility
Council updates LA Flex to include asthma	✅ Eligible under new health condition
You move to a new build (EPC A)	❌ Not eligible

Example: Sarah’s Situation

Sarah owns a 1950s semi-detached home. She applied for ECO4 in 2023.

Back then, her EPC was E, and she received Universal Credit. She was eligible.
In 2024, she insulated her loft privately, and her new RdSAP report showed an EPC of C.
At the same time, she found work and stopped claiming Universal Credit.

Result:
❌ Sarah is no longer eligible for ECO4.
The Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure score improved, and she no longer receives qualifying benefits.

🧭 What Should You Do?

Book an RdSAP assessment if you’re unsure of your EPC – gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
Check for changes in your benefits or health status
Ask your council if you qualify under LA Flex
Contact an approved ECO installer to check your current eligibility

📎 Summary

ECO4 relies on RdSAP to assess your home’s efficiency
Any change to your EPC or personal situation can affect your eligibility
Re-assessment may be needed if your home is upgraded, you move, or your income/benefits change

How Warmer Homes Can Help

At Warmer Homes, we work directly with the ECO4 scheme to help households just like yours.

We arrange the RdSAP assessment, check your eligibility, and guide you through the process of securing free or discounted energy-saving improvements.

Whether it’s insulation, heating upgrades, or renewable systems — our team makes the process simple and stress-free.

If your circumstances have changed or you’re unsure whether you still qualify, we can check everything for you. Please click here to contact us.