COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF HOUSING AND SOCIAL SPC

Thursday, November 15, 2007

HEADED ITEM NO. 4

Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme

Conditions of Scheme - The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

1. Purpose of Grant

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability is available to assist in the carrying out of works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability who has an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment. The types of works allowable under the scheme include the provision of access ramps, downstairs toilet facilities, stair-lifts, accessible showers, adaptations to facilitate wheelchair access, extensions, and any other works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability.

2. Level of Grant

The level of grant aid available shall be determined on the basis of gross household income and shall be between 30% - 95% of the approved cost of the works. The table below sets out the level of grant available based on an assessment of household income.

Gross Maximum Household Income p.a. % of Costs available Maximum Grant Available For houses erected for more than 12 months Maximum Grant available for houses erected for less than 12 months
€ % € €
Up to €30,000 95% 30,000 14,500
€30,001 - €34,000 90% 27,000 13,050
€34,001 - €38,000 80% 24,000 11,600
€38,001 - €42,000 70% 21,000 10,150
€42,001 - €46,000 60% 18,000 8,700
€46,001 - €50,000 50% 15,000 7,250
€50,001 - €54,000 40% 12,000 5,800
€54,001 - €65,000 30% 9,000 4,350
In excess of €65,000 No grant is payable

3. Household Income

Household income is calculated as the property owner’s annual gross income in the previous tax year, together with that of his or her spouse/partner, if applicable.

In the case of private rented accommodation, household income is calculated as the tenant’s annual gross income in the previous tax year, together with that of his/her spouse, if applicable.

In determining gross household income local authorities shall apply the following income disregards:

- €5,000 for each member of the household aged up to age 18 years;

- €5,000 for each member of the household aged between 18 and 23 years and in full time education or engaged in a FAS apprenticeship;

- €5,000 where the person with a disability for whom the application for grant aid is sought, is being cared for by a relative on a full-time basis;

- Child Benefit;

- Early Childcare Supplement;

- Family Income Supplement;

- Domiciliary Care Allowance;

- Respite Care Grant;

- Carer’s Benefit / Allowance (where the Carer’s payment is made in respect of the persons for whom the application for grant aid is sought).

4. Evidence of household income

The following evidence of income must be included with all applications:

§ In the case of PAYE workers, P60 or Balancing Statement for the previous tax year;

§ In the case of self-employed or farmers, Income Tax Assessment form, together with a copy of accounts for the previous tax year;

§ In the case of social welfare recipients, a statement from Social Welfare stating weekly/annual payments. In the case of State Pensioners, a copy of the current pension book will suffice.

(Evidence of household income should be submitted in respect of the property owner and, if applicable, his/her spouse/partner)

5. Tax Requirements

In the case of contractors, the contractor’s name, address, tax reference number and tax district, and the number and expiry date of a certificate of authorisation issued to the contactor by the Revenue Commissioners must be submitted.

In the case of grant applications totalling €10,000 or more, the applicant must confirm that he/she holds a valid tax clearance certificate.

6. Appeals Procedure

In processing applications under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the authority recognises that some applicants may be dissatisfied with the authority’s decision. The authority will give every applicant an appeal mechanism, which will allow him or her to have the decision in his or her case reconsidered by another official.

The following procedure shall apply to each appeal:

Applicants are invited to submit a written appeal on any decision notified to them by the local authority on their application within 3 weeks of the date of the decision stating the reasons for the appeal. The appeal will be considered and adjudicated upon within 4 weeks of receipt. A decision on an appeal will be notified to each applicant within 2 weeks of the decision being made.