Reform of the Housing Adaptation Grant mean more people in South Dublin are eligible for increased Housing Adaption Grant

Increases to Housing Adaption Grants and eligibility criteria will benefit older people and those with a disability in South Dublin, a Fine Gael Minister has said.

South Dublin County Council currently has funding for the grant of over €4 million for 2024. 

The reform to the scheme will see grant limits increase by over 30% and the income thresholds will increase by 25%. The housing grant for people with disabilities will see an increase to the maximum grant by €10,000 to €40,000.

Minister for Business, Employment and Retail and local TD Emer Higgins said: “I am delighted that more people will now benefit from the Housing Adaption Grant following a cabinet decision this week.

“This is something I've campaigned for, worked closely with government colleagues and with Fine Gael Minister of State Alan Dillon TD, who has responsibility for housing older people and people with a disability, to push through. I know how vital this grant is to improving people's quality of life and with the rising cost of materials and labour, this grant is more important than ever, enabling people to stay independent in their own homes.

“I know from my constituency and from talking with locals what a difference this grant makes and under the revised means test, which are due to take effect in early 2025, household incomes will now be assessed by just the owner and their spouse. Other adult members in the household will not be included.

The revised maximum grant for older people will increase to €10,700, up from €8,000 and the mobility maximum grant will be €8,000, up from €6,000.

The income thresholds will also increase and changes to means-testing will also see more people being eligible for the support. 

“Fine Gael will always fight for people with disabilities and older people, particularly when it comes to housing. Our party is committed to supporting people who need it most, and the change to this vital grant is another example of this.

“This is further evidenced by South Dublin County Council having a budget of €4,529,269 for the grant in 2024, and I am calling for this to be again, further boosted in Budget 2025, to help more people live independently in their own homes within their own communities.”

“I know from engaging with people across South Dublin the positive impact the Housing Adaption Grant can have for older people or people with disabilities and these changes reflect that.

“I would encourage anyone in Dublin who feels they or a family member would benefit from this grant to contact their local authority,” Higgins concluded.