Increases to Housing Adaption Grants and eligibility criteria will benefit older people and those with a disability across Waterford, according to Fine Gael Senator and General Election candidate John Cummins.
The reform to the scheme will see grant limits increase by over 30% and the income thresholds will increase by 25%. The housing grant for people with disabilities will see an increase to the maximum grant by €10,000 to €40,000.
In addition, the revised maximum grant for older people will increase to €10,700, up from €8,000 and the mobility maximum grant will be go to €8,000, up from €6,000. Income thresholds are also set to increase, while changes to means-testing will also see more people being eligible for the support.
Senator Cummins who is Fine Gael’s Spokesman on Housing welcomed the news saying “This is something which I have been working on with Minister Alan Dillon for quite some time. It was clear to me from assisting individuals and families with grant applications, that the amounts were no longer covering the cost of works due to rises in construction inflation.
Speaking on the Seanad floor earlier in the year Senator Cummins said “What I looked for at that time, and what I’m still looking for, is that the grant amounts are increased and that the criteria of the means test is widened. What we want to ensure is that more people with disabilities and older persons are able to remain in their home for longer.”
Under the new plans which are expected to take effect from early 2025, the revised means test will assess just the owner and their spouse and no longer all other adult members of the household.
“I am delighted that more people in Waterford will now benefit from the Housing Adaption Grant from early 2025.Fine Gael will always seek to make progress for people with disabilities and older people, particularly when it comes to housing. We are committed to supporting people who need it most, and the changes to this vital grant is another example of this.
“Waterford City and County Council have a budget of €2,437,406 for these grants in 2024, and I want to see this level of funding boosted in budget 2025, to help more people live independently in their own homes within their own communities.
“I know from engaging with people across Waterford the very positive impact these Housing Adaption Grant can have for older people or people with disabilities and these changes reflect that.