Enhancing Home Accessibility: The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme For Stairlifts
For individuals facing mobility challenges, navigating their own homes can be a daily struggle. The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is a lifeline designed to ease this burden by providing financial assistance for essential home modifications. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this invaluable scheme and how it can make a significant difference in your everyday life, especially if you are looking for a stairlift.
Understanding the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme:
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is a government initiative aimed at alleviating mobility issues within the home environment. Whether it’s accessing the bath, shower or getting up and down the stairs, the scheme steps in to cover the expenses of crucial modifications. This programme caters to both older individuals and those living with disabilities.
Eligible Modifications:
The grant encompasses a range of essential modifications, including:
- Stairlift installation
- Installation of grab rails
- Accessible shower installation
- Ramps for easier access
- Fixed track hoists for seamless movement within the home
It’s important to note that the grant does not cover VAT on the work, but provisions exist for potential refunds on necessary appliances and installation costs.
Determining the Grant Amount:
While the maximum grant amount stands at €6,000, the actual sum you receive may vary. This is contingent on your local authority’s available funding, which dictates whether you’ll receive the full grant or a percentage thereof.
Qualification Criteria:
To be eligible for the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, your household income must not exceed €30,000 annually. The assessment of your income takes into account various factors, including:
- Your gross annual income
- Your spouse or partner’s gross annual income
- The gross income of any other adults in the household over 23 years old (if in full-time education) or over 18 years old (if not in full-time education)
Certain sources of income, such as those outlined in the article, are not factored into this calculation.
Home Qualification:
For your home to be considered, it must meet specific criteria:
- Privately owned by you or your family
- Rented with the landlord’s consent for modifications (registered with the Residential Tenancies Board)
- Provided by an approved housing body (AHB)
- A communal residence
Moreover, you must reside in the property as your primary residence when the work is completed, and your tax affairs and Local Property Tax must be in order.
Application Process:
The application process is straightforward. You can download the form via this link or request one from your local authority. The form requires a section to be completed and endorsed by a doctor. Additionally, seeking professional advice for estimating the cost of work and detailing the modifications is recommended. At Leinster Stairlifts, our surveyor will visit your home and carry out a free assessment
Submission Requirements:
Alongside the completed form, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of household income for the previous tax year
- Evidence of paid Local Property Tax (LPT), exemption, or deferment
- Occupational therapist’s (OT) report for stairlift applications
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides much-needed financial assistance for individuals struggling with mobility in their own homes. By offering financial support for vital modifications, such as stairlifts, this initiative empowers individuals to regain independence and comfort. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—take the first step towards a more accessible living space. Apply today!
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