Housing Adaptation Grants 2026 — up to €30,000 for disability home upgrades from your Local Authority
Housing Adaptation Grants Ireland 2026
Ireland's Local Authorities offer three grants to help people with disabilities and older people adapt their homes: up to €30,000 for major disability-related work, up to €6,000 for mobility aids, and up to €8,000 for urgent repairs for older homeowners. All three are applied for through your City or County Council.
The three housing adaptation grants at a glance
| Grant | Maximum | Who it is for | Means test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability | €30,000 | People with a disability requiring major home adaptations | Yes — percentage of costs covered varies by income |
| Mobility Aids Grant | €6,000 | People with mobility difficulties needing basic accessibility upgrades | Basic income check — no sliding scale |
| Housing Aid for Older People | €8,000 | Older people needing essential repairs to their home | Yes — percentage varies by income |
1. Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability
This grant covers major structural adaptations to make a home fully accessible for a person with a disability. The amount funded depends on household income.
Grant percentage by household income
| Gross household income | % of costs covered | Maximum grant |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €30,000 | 95% | €28,500 |
| €30,001–€40,000 | 85% | €25,500 |
| €40,001–€50,000 | 65% | €19,500 |
| €50,001–€65,000 | 30% | €9,000 |
| Over €65,000 | Not eligible | — |
Example: cost of a wet room and ramp = €18,000. Household income €35,000 → 85% grant = €15,300. Homeowner pays €2,700. Verify current thresholds with your Local Authority as they are reviewed periodically.
What it covers:
- Wheelchair ramps and accessible entrances
- Accessible wet rooms and walk-in showers
- Stair lifts and platform lifts
- Doorway widening for wheelchair access
- Downstairs bedroom and bathroom conversions
- Extensions to accommodate a wheelchair user or care needs
- Accessible kitchen adaptations
- Grab rails, handrails, and other safety fittings
2. Mobility Aids Grant
The Mobility Aids Grant is a faster and simpler grant for basic mobility improvements — for people who have mobility difficulties but do not need the full range of disability adaptations. Maximum grant is €6,000 and covers 100% of the cost.
The income threshold for eligibility is typically a gross household income under €30,000 (verify with your Local Authority).
What it covers: grab rails, accessible showers, stair lifts (basic), handrails on steps and stairs, threshold ramps, and similar basic mobility aids.
3. Housing Aid for Older People
This grant helps older people repair or improve their home so they can continue living independently. It is for essential repairs — not disability adaptations. Maximum grant is €8,000.
What it covers: roof repairs, windows and doors, plumbing and sanitary facilities, electrical wiring, central heating installation, and structural repairs essential for habitability.
How to apply
- Get an occupational therapist (OT) assessment
For the Adaptation Grant, an OT report is required confirming what adaptations are medically necessary. You can request an OT assessment through the HSE (waiting lists apply) or hire a private OT.
- Get quotes from contractors
Obtain at least two written quotes from registered contractors for the work required. Your Local Authority may have a list of approved contractors.
- Submit application to your Local Authority
Download the application form from your City or County Council website. Submit with: OT report, contractor quotes, proof of income, proof of ownership or tenancy consent, and any planning permission required.
- Approval and works
The Local Authority assesses the application and confirms the grant amount. Works should not begin until approval is received in writing — work started before approval is generally not funded.
Can renters apply for housing adaptation grants?
Yes — renters can apply, but the landlord must give written consent for the works to be carried out. The grant is paid to the tenant (or the contractor directly), not the landlord. The landlord cannot increase the rent on foot of adaptations funded by these grants.
Can I get all three grants at the same time?
You can only receive one of the three grants per application — the grants are designed for different circumstances. However, if you qualify for more than one type of work, your Local Authority will advise on which grant is most appropriate.
Is there VAT relief on the work?
Yes. Under the VAT refund scheme for people with disabilities, VAT on certain disability-related adaptations (ramps, lifts, wet rooms) can be reclaimed. This is separate from the housing adaptation grant. Apply to Revenue.
Do I need planning permission?
Minor accessibility adaptations (ramps, grab rails, stair lifts, small extensions under a certain floor area) generally do not require planning permission. Larger extensions or significant structural changes may require it. Your Local Authority or contractor can advise.
What if my home is in poor condition overall?
If the home needs extensive structural work, the Local Authority may refer you to other schemes such as housing retrofitting through SEAI or social housing options. The housing adaptation grants focus on accessibility and safety adaptations, not full renovations.
- Do not start work before your application is approved in writing — works carried out before approval are typically not eligible for the grant.
- The Mobility Aids Grant (€6,000, 100%) is separate from and simpler than the Housing Adaptation Grant (€30,000, means-tested) — choose the right one for your situation.
- Renters can apply, but landlord consent is required in writing before the application is submitted.
- An occupational therapist assessment is required for the main Housing Adaptation Grant — allow time for this, especially via the HSE.
- Processing can take several months — plan the work well in advance of when you need it urgently.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Irish government and Citizens Information guidance. Income thresholds and grant percentages are subject to change — verify current figures with your Local Authority before applying.