Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
249. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the means test for housing aid for older people, which is calculated through total household income, will be reviewed with regards to adult children moving home with elderly parents to care for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60951/22]
View answerMy Department provides funding to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme. These schemes assist eligible applicants living in privately owned homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs, with Exchequer funding of €65 million available nationally in 2022. As part of the annual budgetary process the Exchequer funding provision for 2023 has been increased by €2 million to a total of €67 million, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Among the areas which the review, currently underway, will consider are income thresholds (including the means test provisions) and grant limits, and the application and decision-making processes including the supplementary documentation required. The review is to be completed by the end of 2022.
