Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability is available to assist in the carrying out of works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability who has an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment. 

The types of works allowable under the scheme include:

• the provision of access ramps,
• downstairs toilet facilities,
• stair-lifts,
• accessible showers,
• adaptations to facilitate wheelchair access, extensions,
• and any other works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability.

Level of Grant Available

The level of grant aid available is determined on the basis of gross household income and is between 30% - 95% of the approved cost of the works.  The table below sets out the level of grant currently available based on an assessment of household income:

Applications for grant assistance will only be approved to the extent as set out below for these expenditure types:

Application Requirements

Due to the current economic climate, the Council is in a position to only accept applications which are categorised as Priority 1 in accordance with the DEHLG circulars.

Responsibility for determining Priority 1 applications will be dependant on the submission of a report by the applicant from a qualified Occupational Therapist and/or Consultant.

Availability of Other Funding or Grant Aid

Works which are eligible for grant aid from other sources, e.g. energy efficiency which would be funded by SEAI, will not be considered by Westmeath County Council.

Footnote:

[1] Works will be considered only for rooms which the occupant is required to use on a daily basis.

[2] Applications will be only considered for this item when SEI grants for Energy Efficiency works have been obtained by the applicant.

[3] Houses older than 30 years will be considered

[4] This will be considered only when accompanied by reports from an Occupational Therapist and a Medical Consultant

Evidence/Certification of Income Required

Assessment of an applicants income will be based on the submission of the following certification:

• In the case of a self employed person, on the Final Notice of Income Tax Assessment for the previous financial year.
• In the case of an employed person, on the PAYE Balancing Statement Form P21 for the previous financial year.

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 the case of private rented accommodation, household income is calculated as the tenant’s annual gross income in the previous tax year, together with that of his/her spouse, if applicable.

In determining gross household income local authorities shall apply the following income 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;
• €5,000 where the person with a disability for whom the application for grant aid is sought, is being cared for by a relative on a full-time basis;
• 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 the persons for whom the application for grant aid is sought).
• Foster Care Allowance;
• Fuel Allowance.

In the case of private rented accommodation, household income is calculated as the tenant’s annual gross income in the previous tax year, together with that of his/her spouse, if applicable.

 Housing Adaptation Form for People with a Disability  

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