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HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

With effect from the 1st November 2007 there is a new framework for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Under the new framework, grants are available as follows:

• Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability: maximum grant of €30,000 which may cover 95% of the cost of works.

• Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme: maximum grant of €6,000 which may cover 100% of the cost of works.

• Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People: maximum grant of €10,500 which may cover 100% of the cost of works.

 

HOW DO I APPLY?

Listed below are the Conditions of the Scheme for assessing eligibility under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme – as defined in the Housing (Adaptation Grants For Older People And People With A Disability) Regulations 2007

Conditions of Scheme

1. Purpose of Grant:

The Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The types of works grant aided under the scheme include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to/replacement of windows and doors, the provision of heating, water and sanitary services, cleaning, painting and drylining.

2. Level of Grant:

The level of grant aid available shall be determined on the basis of gross household income and shall be between 30% - 100% of the approved cost of the works.  The table below sets out the level of grant available based on an assessment of household income.

Gross maximum household,  income p.a.,  % of costs available,  Maximum Grant available
Up to €30,000:  100% of costs available. Maximum Grant:  €10,500
Between €30,001 - €34,000:  90% of costs available. Maxiumum Grant: €9,450
Between €34,001 - €38,000:  80% of costs available. Maximum Grant: €8,400
Between €38,001 - €42,000:  70% of costs available. Maximum Grant: €7,350
Between €42,001 - €46,000:  60% of costs available. Maximum Grant: €6,300
Between €46,001 - €50,000:  50% of costs available. Maximum Grant: €5,250
Between €50,001 - €54,000:  40% of costs available. Maximum Grant: €4,200
Between €54,001 - €65,000:  30% of costs available. Maximum Grant: €3,150
Gross income in excess of €65,000 - no grant is payable 

 3. Household Income:

Household income is calculated as the property owner’s annual gross income in the previous tax year, together with that of his or her spouse/partner, if applicable. 

In determining gross household income local authorities shall apply the following disregards:
 
€5,000 for each member of the household aged up to age 18 years;
€5,000 for each member of the household aged between 18 and 23 years and in full time education or engaged in a FAS apprenticeship;
Child Benefit;
Early Childcare Supplement;
Family Income Supplement;
Domiciliary Care Allowance;
Respite Care Grant;
Carer’s Benefit / Allowance (where the Carer’s payment is made in respect of whom the application for grant aid is sought).

4.    Prioritising Policy:

It is now clear that the funding available in any one year will be insufficient to meet the level of demand for assistance.  Accordingly it is necessary to set out a Prioritising Policy in respect of applications received and monies available as follows  :

5. Priority Categories:

Category 1  :  Applicants with a Medical Condition and where the works
required to their home are necessary to facilitate their return home from hospital or other care centre.

Category 2  :  Applicants with a Medical Condition who are living in poor housing conditions and  where the works to their home are necessary to the treatment and /or stabilisation to their medical condition.

Category 3  : Applicants who have no Medical Condition who are living in poor housing conditions and where works are necessary to improve the quality of their living

Prioritisation will be given based on the Categories above and ordered for payment on date of receipt of completed application.

No more than 1/6th of the Budget available for the HOP Scheme will be made available for Category 3 applications in any one year.

6. Assessment Committee:

An Assessment Committee shall be established under the chair of the Fingal Chief Medical Officer to prioritise applications for assistance.  The Committee shall comprise

Fingal Chief Medical Officer
HSE Area Manager for the North West Dublin Area
HSE Area Manager for the North Dublin Area
Administrative Officer, Housing Construction
Senior Staff Officer, Housing Construction

The Director of Housing may grant assistance without reference to the Assessment Committee in cases of emergency.

The above schemes will be subjected to means testing and the indexation of grant levels based on income bands. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will recoup 80% of the Grant paid.