Disabled Persons Grant

What it is:

The Disabled Persons Grant is available for people living in social housing. It provides funding for extensions and changes to make the home more accessible for the tenant.

Government funding meets 90% of the cost of works in each home, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

Who it’s for:

This grant is designed for people who are living in social housing. It provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing for disabled people and for older people. The grant provides funding for adaptations such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms and downstairs bedrooms.

How it works:

Assessment of Eligibility

To qualify for this grant, you will have to submit an application to your local authority and provide a full Occupational Therapist (OT) report detailing your housing requirements. This is a detailed report from an OT after they have done an assessment of your needs. You can get an OT report from the HSE or organise one privately.

Types of Work Covered

The grant can be used for various types of adaptation works, including:

Installing ramps or other accessibility features.
Fitting grab rails for safety.
Adapting bathroom facilities like installing level access showers or downstairs toilets.
Installing stair lifts for easier access between floors.
Creating space for wheelchair access.
Constructing extensions, typically for additional bedrooms or bathrooms tailored for individuals with disabilities.

Application Process:

To apply, you can contact the local authority’s Housing Grants Section. Once you’ve completed the form and gotten a full OT report, submit it to your local authority office for processing. You can also meet with a Housing officer in the local authority to assist you on your application. You must wait until your application is approved before you can make the changes. Click to find your local authority.