Housing aid for older people

The Housing Aid for Older People grant is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions, to carry out essential repairs or basic home improvements. 

Grant funding can be provided towards the following: re-roofing, electrical re-wiring, the provision of central heating, repair or replacement of windows and doors, and any other repair or improvement works which in the opinion of the Council is considered reasonably necessary.

Purpose of grant

The Housing Aid for Older People grant is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have essential repairs or improvements carried out.

Grants under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme may be paid, where appropriate, in respect of works carried out to:

• Owner occupied housing
• Houses being purchased from a local authority under the tenant purchase scheme

Who can apply?

Applicant(s) should be 66 years of age (or over) or be residing with a spouse or with another person who is 66 years of age (or over). 

Types of works

The types of works grant aided under the scheme include

• Re-roofing: Applicants applying to carry out roof repairs/replacement will be required to submit with their application, written confirmation from their insurance company that such repairs are not covered by their existing insurance policy.
• Re-wiring: Applicants applying to carry out rewiring must enclose with their application, written confirmation from a qualified electrician stating the condition of the existing wiring.
• The provision of central heating:  Applicants applying for heating works must enclose with their application, written confirmation from a plumber or heating contractor that the current heating system is non-existent or in need of essential repair.
• Repairs to/replacement of windows and doors: grant aid will only be provided in exceptional circumstances.
• Other – any other repair or improvement works which in the opinion of the Council are considered reasonably necessary.

N.B. Central Heating: - There is no grant available under this scheme for upgrading an existing central heating system. These grants are available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at 1850 927000   

Level of grant

The level of grant aid available shall be determined on the basis of gross household income and the approved cost of the works as assessed by Galway County Council.  The maximum Grant available is €10,700

Household income

Household income is calculated as the annual gross income of all household members over 18 (or over 23 if in full time education) in the previous tax year.

Evidence of all household income must be submitted.  Note 4 under ‘Conditions of Scheme’ in application form, provides full details of what documents is accepted as proof of income.

Tax requirements

In the case of any contractor engaging in work for the Housing Aid for Older people Scheme a current Tax Clearance or a C2 Card issued by the Revenue Commissioners must be submitted with the estimates for the required works.