Your Complete Guide to the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme 2025
Living in a home that’s safe, comfortable, and easy to navigate is something that everyone deserves. For older people and those with disabilities, a few simple home adaptations can make a world of difference. The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is a government grant that provides financial assistance for these adaptations. At Premier Bathrooms, we have extensive experience in helping our clients in Dublin to access this grant. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme 2025.
What is the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme?
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is a government grant that’s available to older people and people with disabilities who need to make adaptations to their homes to improve their mobility. The grant is administered by local authorities and is means-tested.
A Helping Hand for a Safer Home
The purpose of the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is to help people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. The grant can be used for a variety of works that are designed to make the home safer and more accessible. This can include everything from installing grab rails and a stairlift to converting a bathroom into a wet room.
What Does the Grant Cover?
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme covers a wide range of works, including:
- Grab rails
- Level access showers
- Access ramps
- Stair-lifts
- Fixed track hoists
- Home lifts and step lifts
- Non-slip flooring
Are You Eligible for the Grant?
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is means-tested, which means that your eligibility will depend on your household income. The grant is available to homeowners and tenants, but if you’re a tenant, you’ll need to get your landlord’s permission before you can make any adaptations to the property.
Means Testing Explained
Means testing is a way of assessing whether you have the financial means to pay for the works yourself. The local authority will look at your gross household income and compare it to the income thresholds for the scheme. If your income is below the threshold, you may be eligible for a grant.
Income Thresholds and Disregards
The income thresholds for the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme are set by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The current income threshold is €30,000 per year. However, there are a number of disregards that can be applied to your income, which may mean that you are eligible for the grant even if your income is slightly above the threshold. These disregards include:
- €5,000 for each member of the household aged under 18
- €5,000 for each member of the household aged between 18 and 23 and in full-time education
- €5,000 if the person with the disability is being cared for by a relative on a full-time basis
Other Eligibility Criteria
In addition to the means test, there are a few other eligibility criteria that you’ll need to meet. You must be a resident of the local authority area where you are applying for the grant, and the property must be your normal place of residence. You’ll also need to have a disability that affects your mobility.
How to Apply for the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme can be a bit daunting, but we’re here to help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:
Step 1: Get Your Paperwork in Order
Before you can apply for the grant, you’ll need to get your paperwork in order. This will include:
- Proof of income
- Proof of address
- A letter from your doctor or occupational therapist confirming your disability and your need for the adaptations
- A quote from a contractor for the proposed works
Step 2: The Application Form
The application form for the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is available from your local authority. You can usually download it from their website or request a copy by phone or email. The application form will ask for information about your income, your disability, and the proposed works. It’s important to fill out the form accurately and completely to avoid any delays in the application process.
Step 3: The Assessment Process
Once you’ve submitted your application, the local authority will assess your eligibility for the grant. This may involve a home visit from an occupational therapist to assess your needs. The local authority will then make a decision on your application and will notify you in writing.
Premier Bathrooms: Your Partner in the Grant Application Process
At Premier Bathrooms, we have extensive experience in helping our clients in Dublin to access the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme. We can help you with every step of the application process, from gathering the necessary paperwork to filling out the application form.
How We Can Help
We can provide you with a detailed quote for the proposed works, and we can also help you to get a letter from your doctor or occupational therapist. We’ll even submit the application on your behalf and liaise with the local authority to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible.
Our Expertise in Accessible Bathroom Renovations
We specialize in accessible bathroom renovations, and we have a deep understanding of the needs of older people and people with disabilities. We can help you to design a bathroom that’s not only safe and functional but also stylish and beautiful. We offer a wide range of accessible bathroom products, including walk-in showers, wet rooms, comfort-height toilets, and grab rails.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the application process take?
The application process for the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme can take several months. However, we’ll do everything we can to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible.
Can I apply for the grant if I live in rented accommodation?
Yes, you can apply for the grant if you live in rented accommodation. However, you’ll need to get your landlord’s permission before you can make any adaptations to the property.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal the decision. We can help you with the appeals process and provide you with advice and support.
Conclusion
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is a valuable resource for older people and people with disabilities who need to make adaptations to their homes. At Premier Bathrooms, we can help you to access this grant and create a bathroom that’s safe, comfortable, and easy to use. Contact us today for a free consultation.
