Scheme of Community Support for Older People
Introduction
The Scheme of Community Support for Older People is run by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and provides funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. The scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups. Under the scheme funding for the provision of security measures such as door locks and socially monitored alarms is available.
The scheme closed for new applications on the 21 May 2010
and has been replaced by a new Seniors Alert Scheme.
Rules
Any voluntary or community-based organisation working with or providing support for vulnerable older people can apply for funding under the Scheme. Where possible, organisations that serve the same locality should avoid duplication in their applications.
Groups are responsible for dealing with applications from individuals in their own area and, if they receive applications from individuals outside their area, they should refer them to the appropriate group for that area. Where doubt arises as to the appropriate group, the DCEGA should be contacted.
The scheme is aimed at helping older people (that is, people aged 65 and over) who have a genuine need for assistance. Community groups are required to satisfy themselves as to the eligibility of each applicant by visiting applicants in their home.
Tax clearance procedures
The Government’s normal tax clearance procedures apply to all grants allocated. This means that groups must give their tax number, give the name of the tax office dealing with their affairs and must certify that their tax affairs are in order. If a group does not already have a tax number, it can obtain one from it's local tax office. For grants over €10,000, a current tax clearance certificate must be submitted with the application.
Groups recognised as charities by the Revenue Commissioners are exempt from the requirement to produce a tax clearance certificate. Therefore, if the group has a CHY number, it should be quoted on the application.
Accounts for grants awarded
Detailed accounts of the expenditure of all grants awarded are required by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. Grants must be spent and accounted for within 6 months of the receipt of the grant by the group.
In general, the accounts requirements are:
- An Income and Expenditure account showing clearly the receipt of the previous grant awarded to the group under this scheme.
- Original receipts to the total value of the previous grant (a receipt is a voucher which is clearly marked ‘paid’ on it’s face).
- A statement signed by the Chairperson and Treasurer of the organisation to the effect that the grant was used for the purpose for which it was made.
- A signed declaration by each individual who received equipment under the previous grant.
Funding
The following is the funding that can be provided under the scheme:
- Small-scale physical security equipment such as window and door locks – maximum grant €200
- The once-off cost of installing a socially monitored alarm system – maximum grant €300
- Smoke/carbon monoxide alarms – maximum grant €50
- External security lighting – maximum grant €200
- Interior Emergency Lighting on offshore islands – maximum grant €150
The scheme does not cover the annual monitoring fees or maintenance fees associated with socially monitored alarms. In addition, the scheme does not cover intruder alarms.
The maximum payable to any organisation/group in any one year cannot exceed €30,000.
The grants must be spent and accounted for within 6 months of receipt by the organisation/group.
In the case of socially monitored alarms, the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs advises the installation of an anti-lightning unit in the device and the acquisition of a considerable warranty period with new equipment.
Where socially monitored alarms which have previously been installed under this scheme are broken or faulty and are not under warranty, a limited amount of funding imay be available towards the cost of replacement. Each case is judged on its own merits.
Voluntary groups and organisations operating the scheme are awarded an annual grant of between €100 and €600 towards administration costs, which is paid alongside their first grant each year.
How to apply
Voluntary organisations should apply by completing the Scheme of Community Support for Older People - Guidelines and Application Form. This form is also available from the Community and Voluntary Supports Division of the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to whom completed application forms should be returned.
The closing date for applications was 21 May 2010.
Any group appling for funding under the scheme should submit two quotations from proposed suppliers for the socially-monitored alarms (the quotations should be in respect of competing products from separate manufacturers), and provide an estimate of the cost of any other equipment required.
People who wish to obtain information on how they or older people known to them can obtain assistance under this scheme should contact their local representative of any of the organisations involved in the scheme, e.g., Muintir na Tire, Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, Active Retirement Association, Senior Citizens Organisation or any other group involved in the scheme in their local area.
Where to apply
If you are enquiring about assistance with personal security in the home, you must contact a voluntary group for your area to apply for funding. Contact details for the group for your area, are also available directly from the Community and Voluntary Supports Division of the Department at the address below.
Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs
Community and Voluntary Supports Division
Teeling Street
Tubbercurry
Sligo
Ireland
Tel:(071) 918 6700
Homepage: http://www.pobail.ie
Language
Related Documents
- Seniors Alert
The Seniors Alert Scheme provides support to vulnerable older people to enable them to continue to live securely in their homes. - Housing for older people
There are special schemes and grants for housing and home improvements for older people and people with disabilities. - Budget 2010
Budget 2010 was announced on 9 December 2009. Summary of the main changes.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.