Energy grants (SEAI)
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) runs home improvement grants. For 2026, grants include: attic insulation (up to €2,500), cavity wall insulation (up to €2,300), and heat pump installation (up to €12,500). First-time buyers and welfare recipients get enhanced grants.
To qualify, you must own the home. Renters can't claim. To apply, get a free energy assessment (BER rating), then apply through the SEAI website.
Housing supports
Rent Tax Credit: €1,000/year (single) or €2,000/year (jointly assessed) if you pay rent on your main home to a private landlord. Backdate 4 years — many people claim €4,000–€8,000 in one go.
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP): If your rent is high, you might qualify for HAP. Contact your local council.
First-time buyer grants: SEAI offers enhanced energy grants specifically for first-time buyers (see above). Some councils also offer local first-time buyer support.
Family and childcare
Back to School Allowance: A annual payment for children aged 4–16. Eligibility depends on welfare status, but some PAYE workers qualify if they've recently changed circumstances.
Childcare support: Various schemes for employees. Some employers offer childcare vouchers (up to €1,000/year, tax-free); others partner with childcare providers for subsidized rates.
First-time buyer specific
First-Time Buyer grants (2026): New buyers of existing homes get enhanced SEAI energy grants (up to €2,500 for attic insulation). This is on top of normal grants.
Stamp duty relief: First-time buyers pay no stamp duty on homes up to €500,000. This saves thousands.
Local authority support: Some councils offer local housing grants. Check your council's website.
How to find grants you qualify for
Use CentSmart's Grants Finder: Answer questions about your home, family, and income. We match you against Irish schemes and show which you qualify for.
Check manually: Visit seai.ie (energy), your local council (housing), and revenue.ie (tax credits). Many grants overlap with tax credits, so check both.