How to Apply for SEAI Grants

Before applying for most grants, you need a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment. A registered BER assessor visits your home and issues an official rating (A–G). Typical cost €150–€350. SEAI provides a €50 contribution in certain cases (often post-works), depending on the grant route.

• Find a registered BER assessor at SEAI's assessor register
• Book an assessment — they'll visit your home and measure energy performance
• Receive your BER certificate (valid for 10 years) and Advisory Report

All work must be done by contractors registered with SEAI for the specific measure. Using an unregistered contractor disqualifies the grant claim. Get at least 2–3 written quotes for comparison.

• Use SEAI's contractor register (hes.seai.ie) to find approved installers
• Request written quotes specifying the work to be done
• Verify the contractor's SEAI registration number before agreeing to any work
• Do not pay a large deposit before work starts

Once you have written grant approval from SEAI, you can schedule the work with your chosen contractor. Keep the approval documentation safe — you'll need it.

• Confirm start date with your chosen contractor
• Ensure the contractor has the correct SEAI registration for the specific work type
• Keep copies of all correspondence with SEAI and the contractor

Your contractor carries out the approved work. Typical durations: attic insulation (1 day), cavity wall insulation (1–2 days), external wall insulation (1–2 weeks), heat pump installation (3–5 days), solar PV (1–2 days).

• Ensure work matches what was approved in your grant application
• Do not agree to scope changes without notifying SEAI
• Take photos during and after completion
• Do not sign off on completion until you're satisfied with the work

After work is completed, your contractor submits a Completion Report to SEAI. For most grants, a post-works BER assessment is also required to confirm the energy improvement. You'll need to arrange this with a registered BER assessor.

• Contractor submits completion report to SEAI
• Book a post-works BER assessment
• BER assessor visits and confirms the energy improvement

Payment depends on the scheme route. For individual grants, you usually pay the contractor and then claim the grant (paid to you, or in some cases directly to the contractor). SEAI reviews all documentation before releasing payment.

• SEAI reviews completion documentation
• Grant payment issued — see seai.ie for whether payment goes to you or the contractor
• Keep all records for at least 3 years in case of audit

Contact one or more registered One Stop Shop providers. They will explain their process and costs. Always verify current SEAI registration before signing any agreement.

• Review SEAI's official list of registered One Stop Shop providers at seai.ie
• Contact 2–3 providers for initial consultations
• Ask for a breakdown of their management fees and scope of service

The One Stop Shop provider arranges a technical assessment of your home. This determines the upgrade scope, confirms BER improvement potential, and forms the basis for the grant application. You cannot specify or change the works in advance.

• Allow assessor access to assess walls, roof, heating system, and windows
• Receive a proposed scope of works from the provider
• Discuss options if you have preferences or constraints

The provider appoints and manages SEAI-registered contractors. You do not need to source or manage contractors yourself. A full home retrofit typically takes several weeks.

• Works are managed and coordinated by your One Stop Shop provider
• Confirm the scope and timeline with your provider before works begin
• Keep records and raise any concerns directly with the provider

After works are complete, a post-works BER assessment confirms the energy improvement. You must reach a minimum B2 BER rating for the grant to be paid. The provider manages this process.

• Provider arranges post-works BER assessment
• Confirm B2 BER or better has been achieved
• Provider submits completion report to SEAI

Under the One Stop Shop route, the grant is applied as a reduction to your project cost by the provider — you pay the net amount rather than the full cost. SEAI pays the provider directly.

• Review final project cost statement from your provider
• Grant value is applied as a deduction — you pay the net amount
• Keep all documentation for at least 3 years

Confirm you meet all four published criteria before applying. SEAI confirms final eligibility after your application — these are guidance notes, not a guarantee.

• Owner-occupier of the property (not a rental or landlord)
• Home built and occupied before 2006 — confirm your exact build year
• BER of D or lower, or unassessed (A, B, and C homes are not eligible)
• Currently receiving a qualifying social welfare payment — check the full list at seai.ie

Apply online through the SEAI website. You will need your MPRN (11-digit number on your ESB electricity bill), proof of social welfare payment, and basic property details. Apply early — the waiting list is currently approximately 24–26 months.

• Go to seai.ie and find the Warmer Homes Scheme application
• Provide your MPRN, proof of welfare payment, and property details
• Submit application and receive confirmation of your place on the waiting list

SEAI contacts you and arranges a technical assessment of your home. This determines what works are needed and will be carried out. You cannot choose or specify the scope of works in advance — SEAI and their appointed contractor decide based on the home's condition.

• Allow SEAI assessor access to your home
• Receive details of the proposed works from SEAI
• Confirm your availability for the works

SEAI appoints a registered contractor and manages all works on your behalf. You do not pay anything. Typical works may include attic insulation, wall insulation, heating controls, and in some cases windows.

• Allow contractor access to carry out approved works
• SEAI pays the contractor directly — no cost to you
• Contractor completes works and SEAI signs off on completion