The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides free home energy upgrades to homeowners who get certain social welfare payments.

These upgrades help improve the energy efficiency and warmth of your home, and are part of what’s known as the Warmer Homes Scheme.

The scheme prioritises the oldest and least energy efficient homes.

You can apply for the free upgrades again if you’ve already had work done under the scheme, but your home would benefit from more upgrades.

To access the scheme again you must still meet the qualifying criteria.

The scheme covers the following home energy upgrades: attic insulation; wall insulation, including cavity wall, internal wall and external wall insulation; draught-proofing, lagging jackets; energy-efficient lighting; and energy advice.

New central heating systems and replacement windows are also occasionally covered by the scheme.

Your windows will only be replaced if your walls are being insulated at the same time, and the existing windows are single-glazed windows.

The SEAI decides if replacement windows are needed on a case-by-case basis.

Since January 1st 2025, if you qualify for a new central heating system, the scheme will not cover a new fossil fuel boiler, such as an oil or gas boiler. However, it will cover renewable heating systems such as a heat pump.

Under the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, it is possible to buy and install a second-hand fossil fuel boiler, as long as this is done by a qualified contractor.

Who qualifies for the scheme?

You must own your home and be living in it, and it must have been built and occupied before 2026.

Your home must have a BER of C,D,E, or F, and you must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment.

The fuel allowance is one of the qualifying payments, and you can contact your local Citizens Information Centre to check if you are on a qualifying payment.

If you don’t have a BER for your home, the SEAI will do a free BER to check that your home meets the qualifying criteria of having a BER of C or lower.

Are there any costs associated with the scheme?

You will not be charged for work done under this scheme.

However, if you sell your home within five years of getting the work done, you need to tell the SEAI.

You should inform them in writing at least 30 days before your property is sold.

The SEAI may ask you to repay some or all of the grant. This is at their discretion.

How does the scheme work and how do I apply?

There are four steps to this process:

• Apply for the scheme online or by completing an application form and sending it back to the SEAI. You must ensure you meet the qualifying criteria above when applying. You can use the SEAI online portal to check if you qualify. You can get an application form from your local Citizens Information Centre (CIC).

• Have an SEAI surveyor check your home is suitable for the works and recommend upgrades. The SEAI will do this if you qualify.

• Get the works done by a contractor appointed by the SEAI

• Get the works assessed by the SEAI once the works are completed. This will include a new BER assessment and may involve a quality inspection.

How do I apply?

You can apply online, download and complete the application form or ask the SEAI to post the form to you.

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre (CIC) for an application form.

You also need to provide evidence that you qualify for the scheme. Full details of the information needed are on the application form.

If you are getting a qualifying payment other than Carer’s Allowance, you no longer need to get the Department of Social Protection to complete part of the application form. The SEAI will check your eligibility with the DSP.

If you qualify for the scheme because you are getting Carers Allowance, you must also complete the Carer’s Allowance Confirmation Form, which you can download or get from your local CIC. The address for SEAI is as follows: 

Free Energy Upgrades (Warmer Homes Scheme)

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

P.O. Box 119

Caherciveen

Co. Kerry

Telephone: 01808 2100

Are there other options for people who do not qualify for the free upgrades? 

If you do not qualify for the free upgrades, the SEAI provides other grants to help with the cost of upgrading the energy efficiency of your home.

The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme provides grants to bring your home up to an energy efficiency rating of B2 or above, using a private company to manage the work.

Or, you can get individual energy upgrade grants, if you only want to do certain upgrades, and would prefer to manage the process yourself.