Application Form: Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People

Introduction — why this guide exists

This guide is here to make the Housing Adaptation Grant application form easier to understand. Forms can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re long, detailed, and full of unfamiliar terms. So this guide walks you through every step of the official 2024 application form used by Louth County Council.

Each section below explains exactly what you’ll see on the form, what you need to prepare, and how to fill it in without stress. Take it slowly, one page at a time, and you’ll get through it confidently.

Quick overview of the three grants covered by the form

The same form is used for three different grants. Here’s what each of them does in plain English:

Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People

For bigger home changes that help with mobility or safety — things like ramps, stair-lifts, accessible bathrooms, downstairs bedrooms, or even small extensions.

Mobility Aids Grant

For smaller but important fixes that make daily movement easier — grab rails, simpler stair-lifts, level-access showers, or fixed track hoists.

Housing Aid for Older People Grant

For essential repairs to help older people (66+) stay safe at home — roof repairs, rewiring, heating fixes, and similar works.

The form explains all three, but this guide helps you choose the right one much more easily.

Who can apply — simple eligibility checklist

Before you begin writing anything, make sure these requirements fit your situation:

The grant must be approved before any work starts.
You must be living in the home once the work is done.
Your tax affairs should be up to date.
For grants over €10,000, tax clearance is required.
Local Property Tax (LPT) for the home must be paid or validly deferred/exempted.

If all of the above are true, you can move forward without worry.

Before you start — what to read and what to gather

The first pages of the PDF explain what documents you’ll need, who can fill the form, and where to send it. It’s worth reading these slowly. Important notes include:

You can get someone to fill out the form for you,
but you must sign it yourself (unless you have an appointed representative).
Work cannot start until you receive written approval.
The checklist at the back of the form tells you exactly what to include — keep it beside you.

How the PDF is organised (easy page map)

Here’s a simple breakdown so you don’t get lost in the PDF:

Pages 3–4: Housing Adaptation Grant
Page 5: Mobility Aids Grant
Pages 6–7: Housing Aid for Older People
Middle pages: Income and means information
Pages 17–18: Doctor’s Certificate
Page 19: Declaration & signature
Page 20: Application checklist
Keep this list beside you while filling things out.

Step 1 — Choose the right grant(s)

Take a moment to pick the grant that matches your needs. You can tick more than one if needed.

Big changes? → Housing Adaptation Grant
Small fittings? → Mobility Aids Grant
Repairs in an older person’s home? → Housing Aid for Older People

Tick the box that describes your situation and move on.

Step 2 — Fill in your personal details

The first section asks for:

Full name
Date of birth
Phone number
Contact address

Write clearly or type into the PDF so nothing is misread.
If someone helped you fill the form, their name goes into the “assisted by” part — but remember, you still sign it.

Step 3 — Details of the home

Here you will note:

The address of the property
Whether it is owned or rented
Names of owners or joint owners
If it’s rented: include the landlord’s permission and RTB registration
If you own the home: confirm whether your spouse/co-owner income should be included

Use the same address that appears in your Local Property Tax records.

Step 4 — Confirming Local Property Tax (LPT) status

The council needs proof that the property’s LPT is in order.
This can be:

A Revenue letter
A printout from your online LPT account showing payments

Make sure your name and the property address are visible. Missing this document is one of the most common causes of delays.

Step 5 — Medical evidence (Doctor’s Certificate)

You’ll need a GP to fill and stamp the Doctor’s Certificate (pages 17–18) if you’re applying for:

Housing Adaptation Grant
Mobility Aids Grant

The Housing Aid for Older People Grant usually doesn’t need a Doctor’s Certificate unless your case is urgent.

Bring the printed pages to your GP, make sure it is signed and stamped, and keep a copy if possible.

Step 6 — Occupational Therapist (OT) reports

An OT report is needed when applying for:

Stair-lifts
Hoists
Extensions
Major structural changes

You may use a private OT (the council may refund up to €300).
If you don’t have an OT, the council can arrange one after you submit the form.

Attach the OT report if you already have it.

Step 7 — Income and means test

The council checks your income to determine the grant amount.

You must include proof of income for:

Yourself
Your spouse or partner (if living with you)

Income includes:

Pensions
Social welfare payments
PAYE or self-employed earnings
Rental income
Any other taxable income

Use the instructions on page 14 of the form and attach proof such as:

Pension slips
Social welfare letters
P60/P21
Bank statements

Slowly go through this section — it’s important and often double-checked by the council.

Step 8 — Describe the work you need done

Explain clearly:

What work you need
Where it will take place
Why it’s needed for your safety, health, or daily living

Example:
“Remove bath and install level-access shower to reduce risk of falls. Install grab rails and non-slip flooring.”

Include photos or drawings if you have them — they’re very helpful.

Step 9 — Contractor information

Gather the following from your chosen contractor(s):

Name and address
Contact number
Quote amount
Tax reference number

Contractors must be tax compliant and will be checked by the council.

Step 10 — Quotes, VAT and excluded costs

A few helpful reminders:

Submit itemised quotes (materials, labour, VAT shown separately).
Some grants don’t cover VAT, so check carefully.
Ongoing maintenance (e.g., service contracts) is usually not covered.

If VAT is charged, you may be able to reclaim it — Revenue can guide you on this.

Step 11 — Checklist (page 20)

The final page lists all required documents. Attach them in this order:

Completed application form
Proof of income
Proof of LPT compliance
Doctor’s Certificate (if needed)
OT report (if needed)
Contractor quotes
Proof of tenancy and landlord permission (if renting)
Insurance/electrician reports (for certain repairs)

Tick everything off — missing even one page causes delays.

Step 12 — Signature and submission

Sign page 19.
This confirms that the information you provided is true.

Submit the form to your local authority. Contact details are on the first pages of the application pack. You may submit by post or email depending on current instructions.

Always keep copies of everything.

What happens after you apply

Once the council receives your application, they will:

Check all documents
Arrange a home visit from a council technician
Review your application and make a decision
Write to you with the approved amount
Ask for contractor tax details and your bank details
Request extra documents if needed

If your approved grant is over €10,000, tax clearance is required.

You can appeal a decision within three weeks.

Appeals, tax clearance and extra documents

If you need tax clearance, the form tells you exactly where to apply and what phone number to call if you don’t use the internet.

If your application is refused, you can lodge an appeal. Another council officer (not the one who assessed your case) will review it, usually within six weeks.

Keep copies of all letters and documents in a safe place.

Practical tips & common mistakes to avoid

These simple tips can save you weeks:

Do not start work before approval.
Write clearly or type into the PDF to avoid errors.
Attach every document listed on the checklist.
Make sure the Doctor’s Certificate is stamped.
Double-check your LPT proof shows your name and your home’s address.
If renting, attach the landlord’s permission letter.
When unsure, call your local authority — they are very used to helping older applicants.

Sample filled-out answers

Work description — example
“Replace existing bath with level-access shower to reduce risk of falls. Install non-slip flooring and grab rails. Widen door to allow walker access.”

Reason for works — example
“Applicant has limited mobility and cannot safely step into the bath. Shower installation will allow independent washing and prevent falls.”

Use these examples as a guide when filling in similar sections.

Final summary — your last-minute checklist

Before you send the form:

✔ Form filled in clearly
✔ Doctor’s Certificate stamped (if needed)
✔ OT report attached (if required)
✔ All income evidence included
✔ LPT proof attached
✔ Contractor quotes included
✔ Landlord permission (if renting)
✔ Page 19 signed
✔ Copies of everything kept for your records

If anything feels unclear, you can ring your local council or contact us at Irish Stairlifts. We handle these applications daily and are always happy to guide you.