Timeline · read 3 November 2026
How long the window grant takes
The grant offer is valid for 8 months. Payment usually comes 4 to 6 weeks after the forms are in. Here's the order things happen in.
Figures checked against SEAI's grant support page on 3 November 2026.
windowgrants.ie is not SEAI or a government body and does not award grants.
- €4,000 detached, €1,800 mid-terrace, €1,500 apartment
- Plus €800 per door, up to two
- One SEAI-registered contractor rings you
An SEAI grant offer is valid for 8 months, so the windows have to be fitted and the paperwork done in that time. Once the forms are in correctly, SEAI usually pays in 4 to 6 weeks.
SEAI doesn't publish a time for approving an application. Works started before you apply and accept the offer aren't paid (SEAI's grant support page, read 3 November 2026).
How long does the SEAI window grant take?
| Stage | How long | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Grant offer | Accept it before any work starts | No backdating |
| Time to finish the work | 8 months from the offer | Late papers can go in with a cover letter |
| Payment | Usually 4 to 6 weeks | After correct forms are in; inspections or reworks add time |
| Approval | Not stated by SEAI | Apply as soon as you have a price |
Source: SEAI's grant support page, read 3 November 2026.
How long is the grant offer valid?
8 months. If the work can't be finished in time, SEAI says you can still send in the documents later with a cover letter explaining the delay. If work hasn't started, there's no penalty: you can cancel the application within the 8 months and make a new one (SEAI's grant support page).
How long does SEAI take to pay?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks after the Request for Payment and Declaration of Works forms are in and correct. Inspections or reworks can make it longer (SEAI's grant support page). The Declaration of Works is signed by you, the contractor and the BER assessor. Incomplete or missing forms get rejected, which can delay or cancel the claim.
The order things happen in
- Check the BER. The heat loss rating has to be Good or Very Good after the work. An HLI below 2.3 meets it. If there's no BER, book one first.
- Get a price. From an SEAI-registered contractor, with the U-values and the VAT in writing.
- Apply and accept the offer. Online, with your MPRN, home type, year built and the contractor. The 8 months start here.
- Order and fit. Windows are made to measure, so allow for the factory's lead time inside the 8 months.
- Post-works BER. A BER assessor rates the home after the work.
- Send the forms. Request for Payment and Declaration of Works. Then 4 to 6 weeks for payment.
Steps from SEAI's grant support page and seai.ie, read 3 November 2026.
Is it faster through a One Stop Shop?
Not for the grant itself, but you don't wait to be paid: with a One Stop Shop, the grant comes off the price at the start (SEAI's grant support page). See One Stop Shop or apply yourself.
What about the Warmer Homes Scheme?
That's a different, free scheme for people on certain welfare payments. It replaces windows only if they're single glazed and the walls are being insulated at the same time, and SEAI says it can take up to 24 months from application to completion (Irish Examiner, 17 August 2026). More on grants for over 66s.
What slows a claim down
- Starting work before the offer is accepted. That job won't be paid.
- A post-works BER that misses Good heat loss.
- Forms with a missing signature or detail.
- A contractor who isn't SEAI-registered for windows and doors.
FAQ
Timing questions
How long is an SEAI grant offer valid?
8 months. Late documents can be sent with a cover letter explaining the delay, and if work hasn't started you can cancel and apply again.
How long does SEAI take to pay the window grant?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks after the Request for Payment and Declaration of Works forms are correctly submitted.
How long does approval take?
SEAI doesn't publish a time for approval. Apply once you have a price and don't start work until you've accepted the offer.
Can I get the windows fitted before approval?
No. Works started before you apply and accept the grant offer aren't eligible for payment.
Who signs the Declaration of Works?
You, your contractor and your BER assessor.
Your grant
Your window grant in 3 taps
Tap your home type, when it was built and what you're replacing. Your SEAI grant shows as you go. Then leave your number and one SEAI-registered contractor who covers your area rings you with a price.