I refer to the reply to Question No. 220 of 19 December 2013, which set out details with regard to the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability.
Last month, some changes to the terms and conditions of these schemes were notified to Local Authorities. These changes were made on foot of the report of a review group, established last year by my Department, to examine the terms and conditions governing the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Membership of the group included members of both the County and City Managers’ Association (CCMA), the Housing Practitioner Network, Local Authority housing personnel and my Department. Consultations were held with organisations working with older people and people with a disability. The aim of the review was to spread the benefits of the schemes as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in their operation.
There has been no change to the maximum grant available under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability which remains at €30,000 or the Mobility Aids Grant which remains at €6,000. In the case of the Housing Aid for Older People, the maximum grant has been reduced from €10,500 to €8,000. The average grant paid under this scheme in 2011, 2012 and 2013 was €4,162, €4,106 and €3,995 respectively, well below the maximum available. The age limit for eligibility has been increased from 60 to 66 years. However, a lower age limit may apply at the discretion of the local authority in certain cases.
Changes have also been made with regard to the assessment of means of applicants. To bring it into line with the means assessment for applicants for social housing, all household member’s income, with certain exceptions, will be included in the assessment of means. The level of income beyond which no grant is payable has been reduced from €65,000 to €60,000. In the case of an applicant where a household member is aged under 65 there is no impact on grant eligibility. However, where appropriate their income will be taken into account in accessing household income.
I have increased the level of funding available for the grant schemes by 12% in 2014 to €38.4 million. Every local authority has increased funding for grants compared to the initial allocation in 2013. The detailed administration of these schemes, including the assessment, approval and payment of grants to applicants under the various grant measures, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
Dublin City Council’s overall allocation under the grant schemes for 2014 is €5,821,222.
