Earlier this year, the Government approved a package of supports aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions. Households in receipt of an Invalidity Pension, whose homes meet the eligibility criteria, can apply for support including whole home upgrade grants under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and individual grants for energy efficiency measures.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,620.Free upgrades available under the Warmer Homes scheme are available to households who are in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments such as:
- Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme;
- Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);
- Working Family Payment;
- One-Parent Family Payment;
- Disability Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);
- Domiciliary Care Allowance;
-Carer’s Allowance where you live with the person you are caring for.
Further information can be found on SEAIs website www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/free-upgrades-for-eligible-homes.
I understand that the Invalidity Pension is a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance, which is a means tested payment. Households can contact the Department of Social Protection to check whether they meet the relevant means test.The eligibility criteria for the scheme were selected as they represented my Department’s view on those areas where the limited resources available to the scheme could have the greatest impact. They are kept under ongoing review with the Department of Social Protection to ensure they are consistent with, and complementary to, the other income support schemes offered by that Department.
