Changes to the housing adaptation grants makes the subsidies available to more homeowners in ROI, and increases how much you can get.
In this article we cover:
- Purpose of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with Disabilities
- Increases in grant amounts and income thresholds
- Eligibility criteria
- Simplified means testing process
- Timeline for the new measures
- How to apply for the grants
In a move set to benefit thousands of older homeowners and those with disabilities, the ROI government has announced sweeping reforms to the Housing Adaptation Grants, making it easier for people to receive financial assistance to adapt their homes.
Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, along with Ministers Alan Dillon and Malcolm Noonan, this week revealed a 30 per cent increase in the grant limits and a 25 per cent rise in income thresholds, meaning more people than ever before will qualify for higher financial assistance.
The planned proposed changes follow the publication of the Report on the Review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme.
“These grants are an absolute lifeline for families,” Minister O’Brien said. “They allow older and disabled people to live independently in their own homes, surrounded by their community, for as long as possible. Since 2020, we’ve increased funding for these grants by 27 per cent, and this latest reform will ensure even more people get the help they need.”
Minister Dillon, responsible for housing for older and disabled people, described the changes as a major win for vulnerable groups. “This will have a direct impact on improving lives,” he said, adding that the reforms will support people to live longer and more independently in their own homes.”
A key part of the reforms involves changes to how applicants’ income will be assessed. The government has simplified the income assessment (known as means testing), so only the homeowner or tenant and their spouse’s income will be considered. Additionally, more deductions will be allowed for expenses like mortgage or rent payments, care costs, and the presence of children or full-time carers. These updates aim to ensure that more people, including those who may not have qualified in the past, can now receive assistance.
Since the scheme launched in 2007, more than 150,000 grants have been awarded, enabling homeowners to make essential adaptations like installing mobility aids, improving bathroom access, and adding stairlifts. In 2023 alone, over 13,000 homeowners benefited from the scheme. Although the number of grants has increased year-on-year in recent times, the 2023 figures reflect a return to 2010 levels, when just under €100 million was allocated for the scheme.
With these changes set to take effect in early 2025, more households will now qualify for increased financial aid. The rise in income thresholds means that families who may have previously been just over the limit will now be eligible, and the larger grants will help cover a greater portion of the costs.
“These grants are fundamental to helping older and disabled people stay in their homes,” said Minister Noonan. “This government is fully committed to ensuring that more people can benefit from this crucial scheme.”
Full details on how to apply can be found through your local authority, and the updated measures will offer enhanced support to those who need it most.
Featured image source agecare-bathrooms.co.uk
