Grant
information
Assessment by an Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist’s (OT) assessment may be required. The local authority can arrange for this, or you can employ an OT yourself and recoup up to €250 of the cost from the local authority as part of the grant, subject to the maximum grant limit.
In Ireland, funding is provided to the local authorities to cover grants for older people and people with a disability. There are three grants available to help make the home safer and easier to get around, which are listed below.
Councils will generally prioritise applications on the basis of medical needs and will be subject to the availability of funding. Some councils may request an Occupational Therapist’s (OT) assessment.
Housing Adaptation Grant
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability assists people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs.
The Mobility Aids Grant
The Mobility Aids Grant is available to fast-track grants to cover a basic suite of works to address the mobility problems of a member of a household. Qualifying works include the provision of stairlifts, level access showers, access ramps, grab rails and some minor adaptation works.
Amount: The effective maximum grant under the Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme is €8,000, which may cover 100% of the cost of works.
Eligibility: Means-tested. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of all household income, that is, the annual gross income of all household members aged 18 years or over (or aged 23 years or over if in full time education) in the previous tax year.
Types of work allowable
You can use this grant to improve access and safety within your home, such as adding:
- grab rails
- a ramp
- an accessible shower
- a stair lift
Housing Aid Grant
The Housing Aid for Older People Grant assists older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Grant eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, and provision of heating.
Amount: The maximum grant under the scheme is €10,700, which may cover up to 100% of the approved cost of works.
Eligibility: Means tested. The effective maximum grant of €10,700 to cover up to 100% of the cost of works, may be available to applicants with gross household incomes of up to €37,500 per annum, tapering to 30% for applicants with gross household incomes of between €62,501 to €75,000 per annum.
Types of work allowable
This grant can be used for essential repairs including
- help repair or replace the roof
- upgrade the electrical wiring
- repair or replace doors and windows
- provide central heating
Local Council Grant Information
Leinster
Munster
Connacht & Ulster
Grant applications are prioritised based on medical need. There are 3 priority levels:
Priority 1 >
A person who is terminally ill or fully or mainly dependent on their family or carer; or where alterations or adaptations would facilitate their discharge from hospital or alleviate the need for hospitalisation in the future.
Priority 2 >
A person who is mobile but who needs assistance in accessing washing, toilet facilities, bedroom etc.; or where without the alterations or adaptations their ability to function independently would be hindered.
Priority 3 >
A person who is independent but who requires special facilities to improve their quality of life, for example, a separate bedroom or living space.
Assessment by an Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist’s (OT) assessment may be required. The local authority can arrange for this, or you can employ an OT yourself and recoup up to €250 of the cost from the local authority as part of the grant, subject to the maximum grant limit.
If you are applying for the grant to adapt your home for a child with a disability, and the child has had an assessment of need under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, the local authority should refer to the OT recommendations contained in this assessment report.
