Abbey Fitting Services

The Housing Grants
Housing grants are available for disabled people where changes need to be made to a home to make it suitable for a person with a physical or intellectual disability. Grant assistance may be available for changes such as making the home wheelchair-accessible, moving light switches, door handles, installation of a ground floor bathroom and toilet, etc. Abbey can do all these adjustment works for improved accessibility.

From November the 1st 2007, the Disabled Persons Housing Grant (or DPG) has been replaced by 2 grants:
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme which covers works primarily for accessibility problems linked to ageing. The maximum grant available is €6,000, and can cover 100% of works costs.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability which assists in providing or adapting accommodation for people with a disability, not covered by the Mobility Aids Scheme. The maximum grant available is €30,000. The effective maximum grant in respect of a privately owned house is €30,000, which may cover 95% of the approved cost of works. The local authority can grant aid the full cost of the works in the case of a local authority house.
How to apply
Applications are made to the Housing Department of your City or County Council. When applying for this grant you need to include a detailed itemised estimate of the cost of the work from the contractor carrying out the works. Abbey will complete this estimate for you free of charge. Grants under the scheme are paid through your local authority. When the local authority receives your application, it will ask your health board to assess your circumstances. It is the local authority that decides if the proposed work is necessary.
For further information on the Disabled Persons Grant, contact the Housing Department of your local authority.
If you need advice, contact Abbey Fitting Services. We have many years experience dealing with the Local Authority in Ireland and would be pleased to help you with your Disabled Persons Grant, supply you with a Contractor's quote and also give you advice on reclaiming VAT.