Mobility Aids Housing Grant

The Mobility Aids Housing Grant is available to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems, primarily, but not exclusively, associated with ageing. The works grant aided under the scheme include:

• Grab-rails;
• Access ramps;
• Level access showers;
• Stair-lifts; and
• Other minor works deemed necessary to facilitate the mobility needs of a member of a household.

Level of Grant Available

The effective maximum grant currently available is €6,000 or 100% the cost of the works, whichever is the lesser.  The grant is available to households whose gross annual household income does not exceed €30,000.

Approved Unit Costs

Applications for grant assistance will only be approved to the extent as set out below for these expenditure types:

These unit prices will be updated at 6 monthly intervals. The Maximum Amount allowed will be publicised in order to limit the size of individual applications. See footnotes below

Footnotes:

[1] Works will be considered only for rooms which the occupant is required to use on a daily basis.

[2] Applications will be only considered for this item when SEI grants for Energy Efficiency works have been obtained by the applicant.

[3] Houses older than 30 years will be considered

[4] This will be considered only when accompanied by reports from an Occupational Therapist and a Medical Consultant

Application Requirements

Due to the current economic climate, the Council is in a position to only accept applications which are categorised as Priority 1 in accordance with the DEHLG circulars.

Responsibility for determining Priority 1 applications will be dependant on the submission of a report by the applicant from a qualified Occupational Therapist and/or Consultant.

Availability of Other Funding or Grant Aid

Works which are eligible for grant aid from other sources, e.g. energy efficiency which would be funded by SEAI, will not be considered by Westmeath County Council.

Evidence/Certification of Income Required

Assessment of an applicants income will be based on the submission of the following certification:

• In the case of a self employed person, on the Final Notice of Income Tax Assessment for the previous financial year.
• In the case of an employed person, on the PAYE Balancing Statement Form P21 for the previous financial year.

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).
• Foster Care Allowance;
• Fuel Allowance.

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.

 Mobility Aids Grant Scheme 

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