There's up to €30,000+ available per home to make it warmer and cheaper to run — and if you're on the right payment, a full upgrade can be completely free. Here's how the SEAI grants fit together and how to claim them without getting lost.
Quick facts
- Worth
- Up to €30,000+ per home when combined
- Free route
- 100% free upgrade if on a qualifying payment (Warmer Homes)
- Who
- Homeowners — some grants need no means test at all
- Where
- seai.ie → Home Energy Grants
The free route: Warmer Homes Scheme
If you receive certain payments — Fuel Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance (6+ months), One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Carer's Allowance, or a means-tested payment with a child under 7 — you may qualify for a fully-funded upgrade. SEAI manages the whole thing: insulation, heating, sometimes windows and doors, at zero cost to you.
The pay-and-claim route: Individual Energy Upgrades
Every homeowner can claim individual grants and combine them. Approximate maximum amounts (2026):
- Heat pump: up to €6,500
- External wall insulation: up to €8,000
- Internal/cavity insulation: up to €4,500
- Attic insulation: up to €1,500
- Solar PV panels: up to €2,400
- Windows & doors: up to €1,800
Combine the right measures and the total can reach €30,000+. The smart move is to sequence them — insulate first so a smaller, cheaper heat pump does the job.
Who qualifies for SEAI grants?
It depends which route you take:
- Individual upgrade grants (insulation, heat pump, solar) — open to any homeowner whose home was built and occupied before the cut-off year (currently 2011 for most measures; 2021 for solar PV). No means test.
- Warmer Homes (the free scheme) — for homeowners on a qualifying payment: Fuel Allowance, Working Family Payment, Jobseeker's Allowance (6+ months), One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Domiciliary Care Allowance, or a means-tested payment with a child under 7.
- Pensioners: there's no upper age limit. On Fuel Allowance? You may get the free Warmer Homes upgrade. If not, you can still claim the standard individual grants like any homeowner.
- Landlords: can claim individual grants for qualifying properties, but not the free Warmer Homes scheme.
How to apply, step by step
Check the free route first
If you're on a qualifying payment, apply for the Warmer Homes Scheme — it may cover everything for free.
Use the SEAI grant calculator
On seai.ie, see which grants your home qualifies for and the amounts.
Get a Home Energy Assessment
A BER and assessment tells you the best-value order of works — insulate before you heat.
Hire an SEAI-registered contractor
Only registered contractors can draw down the grant. Get a few quotes — they apply on your behalf.
Works done → grant paid
The grant is deducted or paid after the work is signed off. Keep all paperwork.
Common questions
Do I have to do everything at once?
I'm a landlord / it's a rental — do I qualify?
Is there a waiting list?
How much is the SEAI grant?
Who is eligible for SEAI grants?
How do I apply for an SEAI grant?
Are there SEAI grants for pensioners?
Check the official sources
Grant names and amounts change — always confirm the current figures on SEAI.ie before committing to works.
Keep going
Could a free upgrade be yours?
Run the 60-second check to see the grants and supports you're most likely to qualify for.
Check What You're Owed →