Rules

Older people are eligible for local authority housing and local authority loans and grants in the normal way.

Special accommodation for older people

Some local authorities provide special accommodation for older people. This is usually community accommodation with special security features, for example, wardens, security cameras etc. You are eligible for special housing if you are otherwise entitled to priority on medical or compassionate grounds and you satisfy the age requirement. If you are single, you must be aged 55 or over. For couples, one person must be aged 60 or over and the other must be 55 or over.

Voluntary housing organisations

Voluntary housing organisations provide housing on a similar basis to local authority housing and are financed to a significant extent by Government.

Most of these bodies are community-based organisations and have developed in order to meet a recognised special housing need within the community. A large proportion of these bodies have been set up to provide housing for older people. These approved bodies can take a number of legal forms, such as incorporated bodies, trust bodies or societies. To qualify for the various grants and loans described below they must be approved by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Irish Council for Social Housing has a representative and co-ordinating role in relation to non-profit and voluntary housing bodies. It provides sample tenancy agreements for its members, which comply with the various statutory obligations. The Council also provides standard form constitutions (Articles of Association and Memorandums of Association) and general assistance with the legal requirements of forming a voluntary housing organisation.

Voluntary housing organisations provide two types of housing for older people: group schemes and sheltered housing.

Voluntary housing associations have some discretion as to whom they house in accordance with their own policy but the majority of their houses are let in consultation with the local authority. Tenants in sheltered housing pay rent and they may qualify for rent supplements.

Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme

The Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme replaced the Essential Repair Grant and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly in 2007. The scheme aims to improve the living conditions of older people by carrying out minor repairs to the main areas of their homes.

The type of work which is grant-aided varies from one local authority to another. In general, it can include structural repairs or improvements; rewiring; repair or replacement of windows and doors; the provision of water, sanitary services or heating; cleaning and painting; radon remediation; and any other repair or improvement work considered necessary.

You should check with your own local authority to see what types of work it covers under the scheme..

Mobility Aids Grant Scheme

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for works designed to address mobility problems in the home. For example, the grant can be used for the purchase and installation of handrails. The grant is primarily for older people but people with disabilities can also access the scheme.

The amount of assistance you can get under the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is less than under the Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme and the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (see below). The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is a useful scheme if you need minor adaptations or improvements done quickly.

Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

If you need to adapt your home to meet the needs of a member of the household who has a disability, you can apply for a Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability. Apply to your local authority.

Warmer Homes Scheme

The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people on low incomes. It is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the national energy agency, and is available nationwide. The scheme covers attic insulation, draught-proofing, lagging jackets, energy-efficient lighting (CFL bulbs), cavity wall insulation and energy advice.

Seniors Alert (security measures for older people)

The Seniors Alert scheme (which replaced the Scheme of Community Support for Older People in 2010) provides funds to local community and voluntary organisations to install personal monitored alarms and items of home security.

Grants can be made to provide security measures for people aged 65 or over who are living alone, or only with other older people, and who are unable themselves to install or buy such equipment.

Further information is available in our document on the Seniors Alert Scheme.