SEAI Grants Scheme.

Free energy efficiency upgrades for low income households The aim is to make their homes warmer, healthier, and cheaper to run. Over 125,000 homeowners have had energy efficiency measures carried out to their homes since 2001.

Click Here for Grant Application Form

What does energy poverty mean?

According to the government's Energy Poverty Strategy, a household may be energy poor if it is unable to afford an acceptable standard of warmth and energy services. In Ireland if a household spends more than 10% of their disposable income on energy costs it is considered energy poor.

Changes to the Warmer Homes Scheme in 2018

On March 29th Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment announced some forthcoming changes to the scheme; the precise details have yet to be finalised. The changes will be introduced in phases, commencing in July, We will keep you updated here on our website as details are finalised or you can contact our call centre on 1800 250 204.

Changes to measures Cavity wall insulation will continue to be recommended where suitable. For walls not suitable for this type of insulation, external or internal wall insulation may be recommended based on a technical survey of individual homes. Replacement windows may be offered in limited circumstances, most likely where external wall insulation is being carried out and the existing windows are very poor performing and must be replaced.

Eligibility criteria There will be no change to the eligibility criteria. The application process will also remain the same. Our ‘one home one visit’ rule will continue to apply, however, from mid-2019, we may consider revisiting properties that have previously received works under the scheme, where appropriate.

Home improvements offered

There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of this scheme:

Attic insulation Cavity wall insulation Draught proofing Lagging jackets Low energy light bulbs Energy advice The following measures are not available under the scheme: external wall insulation, internal drylining, central heating, window/door replacements and renewable technologies.

No cost to homeowners

Warmer Homes Scheme measures are carried out at no cost to the homeowner.

Who can apply?

  • You must own and live in your own home
  • It must have been built and occupied before 2006
  • You must receive one of the following:
  • Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme
  • Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age
  • The Working Family Payment
  • One-Parent Family Payment
  • Domiciliary Care Allowance (with effect from January 1 2018)
  • You must not have received works previously under the Warmer Homes Scheme

How the grant works

Subject to your eligibility for the scheme the next steps are:

You will be contacted by a surveyor acting on behalf of SEAI who will arrange a time to visit your home. During the visit the surveyor will assess your home and ascertain the measures which may be required. If eligible works are identified, then an SEAI appointed installer will be assigned to your home. The installer will contact you to arrange a time to install the measures. Works are completed - the time taken to complete the works may vary from a number of days to a number of weeks. Installers offer a two year guarantee on all works carried out. A sample of recipient homes will be inspected to ensure that the completed works meet the required specification and standards. All homes receive a post works Building Energy Rating (BER). Please note waiting times are impacted by the demand for the scheme. At present average waiting times are in the region of six to nine months. The scheme is eligible for co-funding from the European Union.

How to apply To apply for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, you will need to submit:

The application form below, completed and signed by you. It should also be signed and stamped by an official of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Proof of ownership of your home. Please provide a copy of one of the following with your name and address clearly shown: Your home insurance policy (not a quote) Your mortgage statement The title deeds to your property Your Local Property Tax notification letter, supported by a utility bill. If you are on Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age, please also submit a copy of your child’s birth certificate. Warmer Homes Application form How to submit your application Please submit your application form and supporting details by post or email to:

By email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By post to:

Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme,

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland PO BOX 119 Cahirciveen Co. Kerry