Council approve 385 housing adaptation grants

SOUTH Dublin County Council have approved 385 housing adaptation grants so far this year, equating to an approximate value of €4.2m.

These grants allow older people and people with disabilities to afford essential improvement works that support independent living and make their homes safer, more accessible and more comfortable.

This funding is provided through three housing grant schemes, which provide financial assistance for home adaptations, mobility improvements and essential repairs to ensure more people can continue living safely and independently in their own homes.

One of these schemes, the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, supports individuals with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities, as well as those with mental health difficulties, by funding works that make their homes better suited to their needs.

Homes can be transformed through works including access ramps, downstairs toilet facilities, stairlifts, accessible showers, wheelchair access improvements, sensory rooms and other necessary adaptations to ensure people are safe and comfortable in their own home.

This grant offers households with an annual income of up to €37,500 the opportunity to qualify for funding of “up to 100 per cent of the approved cost of works, subject to a maximum grant of €40,000.”

“Assistance is available on a sliding scale for households with annual incomes of up to €75,000.”

For smaller-scale works, the Mobility Aids Grant helps to address mobility difficulties within the home, such as the installation of grab rails, level-access showers, access ramps, stairlifts and other minor adaptations that make everyday living safer and easier.

The grant is available to households with an annual income of less than €37,500 and may cover up to 100% of approved costs, subject to a maximum grant of €8,000.

The Housing Aid for Older People scheme supports people aged 66 and over whose homes require essential repairs or improvements, such as structural repairs, re-roofing, rewiring, drylining and other works needed to improve the condition of the home and maintain safe living standards.

Applicants with an annual household income of up to €37,500 may qualify for funding of up to 100% of the approved cost of works, subject to a maximum grant of €10,700.

Similar to the Housing Adaptation grant, assistance is available on a sliding scale for households with annual incomes of up to €75,000.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme