What is the Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme?
Changeover from the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme
Priority Applications
Means Test
Rates
How to Apply

The Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme is used to make essential repairs and improvements to the condition of the older person's home. It is provided by Local Authorities all over Ireland. Generally it is available to people aged 60 years of age and above, however if there is a case of genuine hardship the local authority may give assistance to people under 60 years of age.

The type of work which may be grant aided under the scheme includes:

• structural repairs or improvements
• re-wiring, repair or replacement of windows and doors
• the provision of water, sanitary services and heating
• cleaning and painting
• radon remediation
• any other repair or improvement work considered necessary

The grant can be paid to people in:

• Owner occupied housing
• Houses being purchased from a local authority under the tenant purchase scheme

On the 1st November 2007, the Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme replaced the Essential Repairs Grant (administered by local authorities) and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme (administered by the HSE).

While you cannot apply for more than one grant or scheme, you can withdraw your application for the Essential Repairs Grant or the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly and submit a new application under the Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme.

Priority applicants
While many older people may be eligible for the scheme, priority will be given to people on the basis of financial and medical need. Applications assessed under medical need will give the highest priority to persons who are terminally ill or where alterations or adaptations would facilitate discharge from hospital or enable the person to a continuance of care in their own home.

When your local authority receives your application it may request an Occupational Therapist's (OT) assessment. The local authority can arrange for an OT assessment. You may also employ an OT privately to carry out an assessment. If you do this, up to €200 will be paid back to you as part of the total grant you receive.

Means Test
As stated earlier the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is a means tested grant. This means that the total household income is assessed to find out if you qualify for the grant and at what level of assistance.

Household income is the property owner's (tenants in the case of private renting) and spouse/partner's annual gross income in the previous tax year.

Rates
The maximum grant available under the Housing Aid for Older Peoples Scheme is €10,500 which may cover 100% of the cost of works. Local authorities provide information on the tapering of grants paid based on your household income. The grant will not be paid if you start work before the grant is approved. However, it is expected that the work would start within 6 months of grant approval.

Where to apply
Contact the Housing Section of your Local Authority for more information about how to apply and about the eligibility rules in your area.

Contacts:

Department of the Environment and Local Government

Citizen's Information Centres
LoCall: 1890 777 121
Monday to Friday, 9am-9pm
Website: www.citizensinformation.ie
Citizens Information provides comprehensive information on all aspects of Public Services and entitlements for citizens in Ireland and is based on a personal approach to the presentation and delivery of information on public services and the social and civil rights of everyone in Ireland. Citizens Information is also available by calling in person to a Citizens Information Centre near you. This is a free and confidential service.

HSE National Information Line
Monday to Saturday, 8am-8pm
Call Save: 1850 24 1850
Email: info@hse.ie