Housing

Mobility Aids Grant Scheme

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for purchasing equipment that will address mobility problems in the home, for example, grab-rails, a level access shower, or chairlift. It is designed to fast-track essential items that are required to allow you to remain in your own home. Only people with household incomes of less than €30,000 qualify.

If the work you need done costs over €6,000 you should apply for the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (see below). You cannot apply for both the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, however you can withdraw your application for one scheme and submit a new application under the other.

To apply: Contact the local Housing Department of your local authority

Housing Adaptation Grant

This grant is for people who are not covered by the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, and is for the purposes of making adaptations to your home to make it accessible for someone with a disability. The maximum grant is €30,000. The Housing Adaptation Grant for New Houses for People with Disabilities is €14,500 (this applies to houses which are adapted within one year of their completion). Your application will be prioritised based on medical need.

To apply: contact the Housing Department of your local authority

Local Authority Home Improvement Loan

Local authority loans are available to owner-occupiers in Ireland for the carrying out of necessary works to improve, repair or extend their existing houses. A single-income household whose income was below €40,000 in the previous tax year may qualify for a home improvement loan. The income limit for a two-income household is €100,000. You are unlikely to get this loan if your only income is a social welfare payment.

Apply to: your local authority