A Guide to applying for the Housing Adaptation Grants

If you or someone you care for needs help making a home safer, more accessible or easier to live in, the Housing Adaptation Grants in Ireland can provide financial support. These grants, administered by your local authority, are designed to help people remain in their homes with dignity, safety and comfort.

You’ll find the application form on www.gov.ie or your local authority’s website. There is one application form that covers all three grants, and you can apply for more than one grant at the same time.

What Grants Are Available?

There are three main grants available:

1. Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

Who is it for?
People with physical, sensory, mental health, or intellectual disabilities who need major home modifications.

What does it cover?
Significant changes such as:

  • Ramps and accessible entrances

  • Level-access or adapted bathrooms

  • Downstairs toilet or bedroom

  • Stair lifts and through-floor lifts

  • Ceiling track hoists

  • Other adaptations tailored to individual needs

How much can I get?

  • Up to €40,000, subject to a means test

  • Full grant available for gross household incomes up to €37,500

  • Support tapers down to 30% for incomes up to €75,000

  • Income disregards and deductions apply—see the application form for full details

Occupational Therapy (OT) Assessment:
If you're applying for a big change to the use of a room in your house, a stair lift, through-floor lift, extension or ceiling hoist, you’ll need an OT assessment. You can use a private occupational therapist and if your application is successful, your local authority will pay you up to €300 towards the cost of this assessment as part of the grant.

2. Mobility Aids Grant

Who is it for?
This grant is for older people and/or people with a disability who find it hard to move around their home due to mobility issues.

What does it cover?

  • Grab rails or stair rails

  • Ramps

  • Stair lifts

  • Accessible showers

How much can I get?

  • Up to €8,000, based on a means test

  • The grant is typically intended for smaller-scale works

Occupational Therapy (OT) Assessment:
As with the other grant, you can claim up to €300 reimbursement for a private OT assessment if the grant is approved.

3. Housing Aid for Older People Grant

Who is it for?
People aged 66 and older, or under 66 in cases of genuine hardship, who need essential home repairs.

What does it cover?

  • Repairs to roofs, windows or doors

  • Electrical upgrades

  • Heating system repairs (excluding fossil fuel boilers)

How much can I get?

  • Up to €10,700, based on your previous year's household income

  • Grant amount varies with income level—see the application form for detailed income bands

Occupational Therapy Assessment:
Not required. However, if the work is urgent due to a medical condition, you must complete the Doctor’s Certificate section of the application form.

✅ How to Apply

  1. Download the form from gov.ie or your local authority’s website. You can also request a printed copy by contacting your local authority.

  2. Fill in the form and gather the required supporting documents, including:

    • Proof of income

    • Evidence of compliance with local property tax

    • Doctor’s Certificate

    • OT report (if needed)

    • Additional documents may be required when applying for the Housing Aid for Older People Grant (see checklist of documents on the application form for further details)

  3. Submit your completed application form and supporting documents to your local authority.

  4. Wait for approval—you must not begin any work until the grant has been approved.

  5. Once work is complete, your local authority will inspect the home and issue payment.

💡 Final Tip

Make sure to read the guidance notes that come with the application form. They explain in detail how household income is calculated, what documents are required and what to expect during the process.

For anyone facing mobility challenges, age-related needs, or a disability, these grants offer an important way to stay living safely and independently at home.

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