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Window of opportunity for housing grants

Thursday, 22 July 2010

A GOVERNMENT grant scheme that helps fund housing work for senior citizens and people with disabilities has been re-launched after it was suspended for one year. However, Dublin City Council is urging interested people to apply for the Home Grants Scheme as quickly as possible, as the scheme may be closed down again within a few months. The council stopped taking applications for the initiative in July 2009 due to an “enormous increase” in the number of applications submitted during the early part of last year.  A spokesman for Dublin City Council said that at the time the scheme was closed, there were over 3,000 grant applications waiting to be processed, valued at more than e20 million. “It was evident that had we continued to accept applications, those applying for the grant, if approved, might not receive payment for up to 24 months,” he told Northside People.  The capacity of the Home Grants Section would have been completely unsustainable.” The Department of the Environment has increased its grant allocation this year earlier than usual, which means that the council will be able to advance up to e14 million in 2010. However, older people in need of building work on their homes are being warned to apply immediately as huge interest is expected in the scheme.  The council has cautioned that the system will be reviewed after three months. Grants are available under three different categories, including funding for certain repairs and to build special facilities for people with a disability or mobility problems. In the first category, Housing Aid for Older People, applicants who own their own home can claim a maximum of 95 per cent of the cost of repair work. This is the equivalent of up to e10,500 for structural repairs to roofs, rewiring, heating where none exists, or the replacement of a boiler that is broken beyond repair. The grant no longer covers replacement windows.  The council has pointed out that each application will be assessed on its merits and the full amount will not be granted in every case. The second category, Mobility Aids, applies to anyone with mobility problems certified by a doctor, living in owned accommodation or in a private rented home. They can access a 100 per cent grant of up to e6,000 to provide aids like rails, ramps, stair-lifts and level access showers. The third grant category, Housing Adaption for Disability, offers the largest amount of funding.  A person with an enduring disability can receive a 95 per cent grant of up to e30,000 to adapt their home to their needs. This could cover the cost of building a downstairs toilet or shower, an extension or making a house wheelchair-friendly. All three grants apply if the gross income of the owner and their spouse is less than e30,000, dropping on a graduated basis to 30 per cent for incomes of between e54,000 to e65,000. Dublin North Central TD and Minister for Lifelong Learning Sean Haughey said it was excellent news for older persons. “I know from first-hand experience that many of them were disappointed to have missed the July 2009 cut-off,” stated Minister Haughey.  “I have no doubt that there will be great interest in these schemes once again this year, so I would strongly urge anyone considering applying for a grant to do so early to avoid disappointment.” Dublin North East TD Tommy Broughan (Lab) said it was “incredible” that the scheme was suspended in the first place. “Given the essential services and upgrades that are facilitated for local households through the three grant schemes, it is appalling that they were ever closed down,” stated Deputy Broughan. Fine Gael TDs Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central) and Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East) have also welcomed the news.