What Is the Warmer Homes Scheme?

The SEAI's Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades to eligible homeowners receiving specific social welfare payments. These upgrades enhance home heating and energy efficiency, prioritising older, less efficient homes. Previous beneficiaries may reapply for additional upgrades if they meet current criteria.

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How Do I Qualify for the Warmer Homes Scheme?

Required Social Welfare Payments:

  • Fuel Allowance
  • Working Family Payment
  • Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Disability Allowance
  • Domiciliary Care Allowance
  • One Parent Family Payment
  • Carer's Allowance

Home Requirements:

  • Owned and occupied by applicant
  • Built and occupied before 2006
  • BER rating of C, D, E, or F

The SEAI provides free BER assessments for homes without ratings to verify eligibility.

What Energy Upgrades Are Available on the Warmer Homes Scheme?

  • Insulation and cavity wall insulation
  • Draught-proofing
  • Lagging jackets
  • Energy efficient lighting
  • Home energy efficiency advice
  • Heating systems (occasionally)
  • Window replacement (occasionally)
As of March 1, 2025, fossil fuel boilers are excluded; renewable heating systems like heat pumps are covered instead. Window replacement requires simultaneous wall insulation and applies only to single-glazed windows.

How Do I Apply for the Warmer Homes Scheme?

  1. Application — Submit online through the SEAI portal or by post to the Cahirciveen address
  2. SEAI Home Survey — Inspector assesses interior/exterior, measures, photographs, and evaluates suitability
  3. Works Completion — Contractor performs agreed upgrades with written contract specifying scope and timeline
  4. Assessment & BER Rating — New BER assessment measures efficiency improvements, targeting B2 rating where possible

How Much Does the Warmer Homes Scheme Cost?

There is no charge for any work done under this scheme. All costs are covered by the SEAI for eligible applicants. However, selling within five years may trigger partial or full refund requirements at the SEAI's discretion.

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How Do I Contact the Warmer Homes Scheme?

How Do I Contact the Warmer Homes Scheme comparison table
Contact Method Details
Phone01808 2100
Email[email protected]
Postal AddressSustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, P.O. Box 119, Cahirciveen, Kerry, Ireland
Websitewww.seai.ie

Are There Other Schemes Similar to the Warmer Homes Scheme?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Warmer Homes Scheme

You must be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment (such as Fuel Allowance, Disability Allowance, or Jobseeker's Allowance), own and occupy a home built before 2006, and have a BER rating of C or lower.
There is no cost. All work done under the Warmer Homes Scheme is fully funded by the SEAI for eligible applicants. However, selling your home within five years may trigger partial or full refund requirements.
Available upgrades include insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught-proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, and renewable heating systems like heat pumps. As of March 2025, fossil fuel boilers are excluded.
Submit an application online through the SEAI portal or by post to Cahirciveen, Kerry. An SEAI inspector will survey your home, a contractor performs the upgrades, and a new BER assessment is carried out afterwards.
Yes. Previous beneficiaries may reapply for additional upgrades if they meet the current eligibility criteria.