Maximum
€10,700 (100% of the cost)
This grant is about the condition of the house, not the person's health. You do not need any medical documents to apply.
Quick facts
- Maximum
- €10,700 (100% of the cost)
- Age
- 66 and older (younger in hardship)
- Full grant
- Household income under €37,500
- No grant
- Household income over €75,000
- Apply to
- Your local authority
Who can get it — the full rules
The grant is for people aged 66 and older living in poor housing conditions. Your local authority may also help someone under 66 in cases of hardship.
The home must be privately owned. You must own it, or have a right to live in the home where the work will be done.
If the home needs adapting for a disability, the Housing Adaptation Grant or the Mobility Aids Grant may suit you better.
What it pays for
Essential repairs such as fixing or replacing the roof, upgrading the electrical wiring, windows and doors, and central heating. Your local authority can approve other repairs it thinks are necessary.
Since 1 January 2025, the grant cannot pay for a new oil or gas boiler. It can still repair an existing boiler, extend the system, or pay for electric or biomass heating.
How much you can get
The amount depends on your gross household income for the previous tax year, after disregards:
- Up to €37,500: 100% of the cost, up to €10,700
- €37,501 to €43,750: 85%, up to €9,095
- €43,751 to €50,000: 75%, up to €8,025
- €50,001 to €62,500: 50%, up to €5,350
- €62,501 to €75,000: 30%, up to €3,210
A grant is not available if household income is more than €75,000 after disregards. Some payments are not counted, including Carer's Allowance, Child Benefit and Fuel Allowance. €6,250 is also taken off for each household member under 18.
How to apply
Get the application form
Download it from gov.ie or your local authority's website, and fill in the Housing Aid for Older People sections.
Gather your proof
You need proof of household income for last year, and that your Local Property Tax and tax affairs are up to date.
Add reports for the repair
For wiring, include a report from a Safe Electric registered electrician; for heating, a report from a heating contractor.
Wait for the technician visit
The local authority will schedule a technician to visit your home to see if the work is possible.
Do not start before approval
The grant will not be paid if you start work before you get grant approval.
Things to watch
For roof repairs, include a letter from your insurer saying the policy will not cover them. If the repair is urgent because of a medical condition, ask your doctor to fill in the Doctor's Certificate section.
If you are refused, you can appeal in writing. You must make the appeal within 3 weeks of the decision.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Housing adaptation grants application form (fill in the HAOP sections)
- application form
- If you are refused
- Appeal in writing within 3 weeks of the decision, saying why.
- How long the appeal takes
- A different council official decides the appeal, which could take up to 6 weeks.
From the official pages (citizensinformation.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is the Housing Aid for Older People grant?
A local authority grant of up to €10,700 for essential repairs, like a roof, wiring or windows, so a person aged 66 or older can stay in their home.
What is the income limit for the Housing Aid for Older People grant?
There is no grant if household income is over €75,000 after disregards. Under €37,500 you can get 100% of the cost.
Can I get a new boiler with the Housing Aid for Older People grant?
Not a new oil or gas boiler, since 1 January 2025. It can still repair an existing boiler or pay for electric or biomass heating.
Do I need a doctor's letter?
No. The grant is based on the condition of your home and how urgent the repairs are. A doctor's certificate only helps if the repair is urgent for medical reasons.