Local Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed the publication of regulations giving effect to the recommendations in the recently published ‘Report on the Review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability’.
The Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 provide the legal basis for the introduction of the recommendations set out in the recently completed review. The key changes include an increase in the grant limits of over 30%, an increase of 25% in the income thresholds for eligibility. The legislation also adjusts the burden sharing for local authorities by reducing the local authority funding contribution to 15% (from the existing 20%) together with a number of amendments to the means test. Key changes in the Regulations include:
An increase in the maximum level of Housing Adaption Grant for Disabled People to €40,000 (an increase of €10,000;
An increase in the maximum level of the Housing Aid for Older People Grant to €10,700 (an increase of €2,700); and
An increase in the maximum level of the Mobility Aid Grant of €8,000 (an increase of €2,000).
The new scheme will commence from 1 December 2024 and all applications submitted on or after that date will be considered under the revised scheme. New application forms will be available from local authorities from 1 December.
Senator Erin McGreehan said, “I was delighted that my party colleague and Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has brought forward these changes and announced an increase of €25 million on last years’ budget to support them.
“These grants are a lifeline for many families and individuals. The ESRI projections indicate that the numbers of people aged over 65 will more than double to 1.3 million people by 2040. As more people live longer lives, they will want to stay healthy and independent, live in their own homes and communities and keep to a minimum their use of in-patient and out-patient hospital services.
“Having called for an increase to both the grant limits and the thresholds, I am delighted to see Fianna Fáil Minister Darragh O’Brien doing just that.”
For further information reach out to Erin McGreehan.
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