Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
644. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a homeowners income is taken into consideration when a person applies for a grant under the housing grant scheme if the home owner is not living in the same household; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11120/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the purposes of the Housing Adaptation Grant schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, household income is calculated as the annual gross income of the registered property owner together with all household members over 18 (or over 23 if in full-time education) in the previous tax year.
Certain income is not taken into account, or is disregarded, in calculating household income, including €5,000 for each member of the household up to 18 years, Family Income Supplement, Domiciliary Care Allowance and Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance, if paid in respect of the person to whom the grant application relates.
A person living in a property they do not own can avail of the schemes, based on their own income, where they are renting the property and a tenancy agreement is in place.
Applying a household means test is intended to spread the benefits of these grant schemes as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in their operation. The schemes are therefore more sharply focused towards those with greatest needs.
