Warmer Homes Scheme 2026 — free insulation, heating and solar upgrades for qualifying households
Warmer Homes Scheme Ireland 2026
The Warmer Homes Scheme offers free home energy upgrades — insulation, heating systems, solar panels — to homeowners in or near energy poverty. If you are receiving Fuel Allowance, Disability Allowance, Carer's Allowance or certain other DSP payments, you may qualify for upgrades worth tens of thousands of euro at zero cost.
Warmer Homes Scheme — At a glance
- Cost to homeowner
- Free — 100% funded by the State
- Who pays
- SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)
- Who qualifies
- Homeowners on certain DSP payments or aged 70+
- Typical waiting time
- 1–2 years — apply early
- Apply
- seai.ie or phone 1800 250 204
Qualifying DSP payments
You must be receiving at least one of the following payments and be the homeowner (own, not rent, the property):
| DSP payment | 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| Fuel Allowance | €38/week (28 weeks) |
| Jobseeker's Allowance (with a dependent child) | €242/week + child increases |
| One-Parent Family Payment | €242/week |
| Domiciliary Care Allowance | €364.50/month |
| Disability Allowance | €254/week |
| Invalidity Pension | €259.50/week |
| Blind Pension | €254/week |
| Carer's Allowance | €246/week (under 66) |
| Carer's Benefit | €299/week |
People aged 70 or over with household income below the threshold may also qualify even without a DSP payment. Contact SEAI to check.
What upgrades are included
SEAI assesses each home individually. The package of works is agreed based on the home's condition and current energy rating. Common upgrades include:
- Insulation — attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, internal or external wall insulation
- Heating system — upgrade to heat pump, high-efficiency boiler, or heating controls
- Solar PV panels — generate electricity and reduce energy bills
- Draught proofing — doors, windows, letterboxes, and other gaps
- Window and door upgrades — in some cases where necessary
- Ventilation — where required following insulation works
What the scheme does NOT cover
- Rental properties — you must own the home
- New builds (built after 2011) — energy standards are already higher
- General home repairs not related to energy performance
- Cosmetic improvements (painting, tiling, carpeting)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to contribute anything?
No. The Warmer Homes Scheme is fully funded by the State — there is no co-payment, contribution, or repayment required from the homeowner.
I am a renter — can I apply?
No. The Warmer Homes Scheme is only available to homeowners. If you rent, your landlord would need to apply for other SEAI grants. Ask your landlord to check SEAI's Better Energy Homes scheme.
Can I apply if I just started receiving Fuel Allowance?
Yes — as long as you are currently receiving a qualifying payment and own your home, you can apply. There is no minimum duration on the payment required.
How long will the work take once it starts?
Depending on the scope of upgrades, works typically take 1–5 days. More extensive works (e.g., external wall insulation + heat pump) may take longer. SEAI's approved contractor manages the work.
Will I need to leave my home during the works?
For most works you can stay in your home. For larger works such as external insulation or heating system replacement, you may need to temporarily stay elsewhere for 1–2 days. The contractor will advise.
- The scheme is completely free — not a grant you have to pay back. No means test on income beyond having a qualifying DSP payment.
- It is only available to homeowners — renters cannot benefit directly (their landlord must apply for other SEAI grants).
- Waiting times are long — typically 1–2 years. Apply now even if you don't need it immediately.
- You don't choose the upgrades — SEAI assesses your home and designs the package. Not all measures are available in all properties.
- The scheme covers insulation, heating, and solar — not general repairs, cosmetic work, or extensions.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official SEAI and Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Warmer Homes Scheme eligibility and coverage.