How to Apply for SEAI Grants

Before doing anything, work out which SEAI route fits your home — Individual Grants, One Stop Shop, or Warmer Homes. This shapes everything that follows: who applies, what assessments you need, and which contractors are appropriate. Run the navigator if you’re unsure.

• Run the HomeUpgrade.ie navigator for an indicative route
• Check the SEAI overview pages for each scheme
• Confirm whether your home meets basic criteria (year built, BER band, ownership)

A BER or technical assessment may be needed depending on the route and the upgrade type. For example, a heat pump needs a technical assessment or the applicable self-declaration; a Windows & Doors application requires evidence of insulation conditions. You may also already have a recent BER. Confirm what your specific route requires before you apply — don’t assume a BER is mandatory for every grant.

• Check what assessment your specific upgrade requires (heat pump, windows, OSS, etc.)
• Find a registered BER assessor or technical assessor if needed
• Receive your assessment report — this can also help you choose the right contractor

You can talk to contractors and get written quotes BEFORE you apply for a grant — there is no SEAI rule against this. The rule is that the works themselves must not start until SEAI gives written approval. Using a SEAI-registered contractor for the specific measure is mandatory; any work done by an unregistered contractor cannot be grant-funded.

• Use SEAI's contractor register (hes.seai.ie) to shortlist registered installers
• Request 2–3 written quotes specifying the proposed work
• Verify each contractor's SEAI registration number for the relevant measure
• Make clear up front that no work will start until SEAI approval is in place

For many individual grants, SEAI requires you to nominate a chosen contractor as part of your application. Pick the contractor whose quote, registration, and availability best fit your project — but do not authorise any work to begin yet.

• Pick a SEAI-registered contractor for the specific measure
• Confirm in writing that no works will begin before SEAI approval
• Avoid paying any large deposit before approval is in place

Standard online Better Energy Homes applications should be approved in minutes; applications requiring review may take longer. Accept the offer before work starts. Keep the written approval letter — your contractor and the SEAI completion process both rely on it.

• Watch for SEAI correspondence (email + portal)
• Respond promptly if SEAI requests further information
• Save the written approval letter — you will need it for completion

Once SEAI written approval is in place, your chosen contractor can carry out the works. Agree a schedule and completion deadline with the contractor. Standard individual grant offers are valid for eight months; check the offer terms and contact SEAI promptly about delays.

• Ensure works match the approved scope — do not agree to scope changes without notifying SEAI
• Take photos during and after completion
• Do not sign off until you are satisfied with the work

Complete and submit the Declaration of Works and Request for Payment with the required contractor and BER assessor signatures. A post-works BER is required for Better Energy Homes and solar PV before payment; a standalone battery without solar PV is an exception. Inspections or missing documents can delay payment. Payment depends on the scheme — usually paid to the applicant, sometimes directly to the contractor.

• Complete the Declaration of Works and Request for Payment with your contractor
• Arrange the required post-works BER with a registered assessor
• SEAI reviews the documentation and issues grant payment
• Keep your contract, invoices, safety file and grant documentation for inspections and future assessments

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. Discuss the proposed scope and alternatives with the provider, then agree the works and quote before proceeding.

• 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. The home must achieve at least BER B plus either install a heat pump or achieve a primary energy uplift of 100 kWh/m²/year. The provider manages this process.

• Provider arranges post-works BER assessment
• Confirm BER B and the heat pump or primary energy improvement requirement
• 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 your contract, invoices, BER and completion documentation

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
• Home is suitable for energy upgrades after an SEAI survey
• Currently receiving a qualifying social welfare payment — see the full list at seai.ie

Apply online through the SEAI website. You will need your MPRN, proof of home ownership, PPSN and date of birth. Welfare entitlement is normally checked directly with the Department of Social Protection. SEAI currently estimates approximately 15 months to contractor contact.

• Go to seai.ie and find the Warmer Homes Scheme application
• Provide your MPRN, proof of ownership and identity/payment-check details; extra documents depend on your circumstances
• 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. Suitable measures can include insulation, smaller energy-saving works and occasionally renewable heating. Single-glazed windows are replaced only together with wall insulation.

• Allow contractor access to carry out approved works
• SEAI pays the contractor directly — no cost to you
• Final BER records improvements; some homes also receive a quality inspection