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 usually needs a technical assessment; 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

SEAI reviews your application and either approves, requests more information, or declines. 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. 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 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

Your contractor submits a Completion Report to SEAI. Some routes (e.g. heat pump, OSS) require a post-works BER assessment to confirm the energy improvement before the grant is paid. Payment depends on the scheme — usually paid to the applicant, sometimes directly to the contractor.

• Contractor submits the completion report to SEAI
• Book a post-works BER assessment if your route requires one
• SEAI reviews the documentation and issues grant payment
• 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 C or lower, or unassessed (homes with a BER of A or B are not eligible)
• 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 (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