Warmer Homes Scheme — Free Home Energy Upgrades for Qualifying Households
The SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme provides fully funded home energy upgrades — insulation, heating controls, and windows — at no cost to qualifying social welfare recipients. SEAI manages the entire process including appointing and paying the contractor.
Current waiting list: approximately 24–26 months. Apply now to secure your place — the earlier you apply, the sooner you will be reached. There is no penalty for applying early and your eligibility will be confirmed closer to the time of works.
What the Scheme Covers
SEAI conducts a technical assessment of your home to determine what works are needed and eligible. You cannot choose or specify the works in advance — SEAI and their appointed contractor decide based on the home's condition. Typical works include:
Eligibility — Published SEAI Criteria
All four conditions must be met:
Owner-occupier
You must own and live in the home. Landlords and rental properties are not eligible.
Home built and occupied before 2006
Homes built or first occupied from 2006 onwards do not qualify. If your home was built 2001–2010, check the exact year carefully.
BER of D or lower (or unassessed)
Homes with a BER of A, B, or C are not eligible — the scheme targets homes with greater energy improvement potential.
Qualifying social welfare payment
You must currently receive one of the payments listed below. Conditions apply to some payments.
Qualifying Social Welfare Payments
| Payment | Condition |
|---|---|
| Fuel Allowance | Must currently be in receipt |
| Working Family Payment | Must currently be in receipt |
| One-Parent Family Payment | Must currently be in receipt |
| Domiciliary Care Allowance | Must currently be in receipt |
| Jobseeker's Allowance | 6+ months with a child under 7 years of age(Both conditions required) |
| Disability Allowance | 6+ months with a child under 7 years of age(Both conditions required) |
| Carer's Allowance | While living with the person you care for(Must be co-resident) |
SEAI confirms final eligibility after your application. This list is based on published SEAI criteria at March 2026 — always verify the current list at seai.ie.
How to Apply
Apply at seai.ie
Go to the Warmer Homes Scheme page on seai.ie and submit an application. You will need your MPRN (on your ESB electricity bill), proof of welfare payment, and basic property details.
SEAI confirms your place on the waiting list
You'll receive confirmation of your application and an estimated timeframe. Current waiting time is approximately 24–26 months.
SEAI contacts you when you reach the top of the list
SEAI will contact you to schedule a technical assessment of your home. This determines what works will be carried out.
Works are carried out at no cost to you
SEAI appoints a registered contractor who carries out all approved works. You do not pay anything — SEAI pays the contractor directly.
Works are completed and signed off
The contractor completes the works and SEAI certifies the project. You receive updated documentation for your home.
Do not arrange any works yourself. If you commission and pay for energy upgrade works independently, you may be ineligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme. Let SEAI manage the process entirely.
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free navigator to see if you meet the Warmer Homes criteria — and to see what other SEAI grants may apply to your home.
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