Ireland Grants for Home Accessibility Equipment
📞 Have Questions About Grants? We’re Here to Help!
Call us on: 01 6167079 or 0818 818 500
Email: showroom@irishstairlifts.ie
PRINT OFF YOUR GRANT FORM HERE
Our experts can guide you through the grant application process and help you understand which grants you qualify for. Don’t navigate this alone – call us first!
💡 We can help with:
- Free quotes BEFORE you apply – Get accurate costs for your grant application
- Printing and posting forms – Can’t download? We’ll print and send them to you
- Grant guidance – Which grant to apply for and how to maximize your chances
- All the information you need – We’ve helped hundreds of customers through this process
Just give us a quick call – we’re happy to assist!
Quick Overview: What Financial Help is Available?
If you or a family member has a disability or mobility issue, the Irish government offers several grants to help pay for equipment like stairlifts, accessible bathrooms, ramps, and grab rails. Here’s what’s available:
| Grant Name | How Much Money? | What Does It Cover? | Who Can Apply? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Adaptation Grant | Up to €40,000 | • All types of stairlifts • Through floor lifts • Complete bathroom makeovers • Walk-in showers • Major ramps • Extensive grab rail systems • Home extensions |
Anyone with a disability (any age) |
| Mobility Aids Grant | Up to €8,000 | • Standard stairlifts • Basic through floor lifts • Walk-in showers • Grab rails • Basic ramps • Small bathroom changes |
People with disabilities earning under €37,500/year |
| Older People Grant | Up to €10,700 | • Basic grab rails • Simple ramps • Essential bathroom repairs • Safety improvements |
People over 66 (some exceptions) |
| VAT Money Back | Get VAT back that you’re entitled to | • All equipment purchases • Stairlifts, lifts, baths, rails, ramps |
Anyone with a disability |
What Each Grant Means
1. Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability
What it is: The biggest grant available – covers major home changes
- Maximum: €40,000 (or 100% of costs if less)
- Best for: Big projects like full bathroom renovations, expensive stairlifts, major ramps
- Income: Based on what you earn (means-tested)
- Processing: Takes longer but covers more
2. Mobility Aids Grant Scheme
What it is: Quick grant for basic accessibility needs (updated December 2024)
- Maximum: €8,000 (often covers 100% of costs)
- Best for: Standard stairlifts, basic bathroom changes, grab rails
- Income limit: Must earn under €37,500 per year
- Processing: Faster approval than other grants
3. Housing Aid for Older People Grant
What it is: For essential repairs and basic safety improvements
- Maximum: €10,700
- Best for: Basic grab rails, simple ramps, bathroom repairs
- Age: Usually 66+ (exceptions for hardship cases)
4. VAT Refund Scheme
What it is: Get back the VAT you’re entitled to on all equipment
- Amount: VAT refund (typically 13.5% on accessibility equipment due to Revenue’s 2/3 labour rule)
- Best for: ALL equipment purchases
- Who: Anyone with a disability
- Important: This is separate from other grants – you can get this AND a grant. Revenue determines if you qualify for 100% or 66.6% of the VAT
Do I Need a Doctor’s Report?
ALL APPLICATIONS: Doctor’s certificate required – confirms you have a disability. This is included on the grant application form.
YES for stairlifts and through floor lifts: You ALSO need an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment
- The grant will pay up to €300 for this assessment
- Your local council can arrange this, or you can hire a private OT
- The OT visits your home and recommends what changes you need
Bathroom renovations to walk-in/accessible showers: Some councils don’t require OT report for simple shower conversions
NO for basic grab rails: Some councils don’t require OT reports for simple grab rail installations
How to Apply
Step 1: Contact Your Local County Council
Find your local council here: Local Authority Directory
Step 2: Get the Application Form
Download forms here:
- Housing Adaptation Grant Application
- Contact your local council for updated forms (some councils have online applications)
📄 Can’t download or print? Call us on 01 6167079 – we’ll print the forms and post them to you for free!
PRINT OFF YOUR GRANT FORM HERE
Step 3: What You’ll Need
- Proof of income (P60, social welfare statements)
- Doctor’s certificate (on the form)
- OT assessment (for stairlifts/lifts – council can arrange)
- Proof of property ownership or tenancy agreement
- Local Property Tax paid up to date
Step 4: Get Quotes
- Call Irish Stairlifts first – We provide free quotes specifically for grant applications
- Get quotes from approved contractors
- Council will want contractor’s tax reference number
- Work must start within 6 months of approval
💡 Tip: We can provide your quote BEFORE you apply, so you have accurate costs for your application
VAT Refund – Extra Money Back
What is VAT? It’s typically 13.5% tax on accessibility equipment (due to Revenue’s 2/3 labour rule). If you have a disability, you can get back the VAT you’re entitled to on equipment.
How to claim:
- Buy your equipment and keep receipts
- Fill out VAT 61A form
- Send to Revenue with receipts
- Revenue determines if you’re entitled to 100% or 66.6% of the VAT
- Get VAT money back
Apply online: Revenue VAT Refund Service
Which Grant Should I Apply For?
If your project costs under €8,000 AND you earn under €37,500: → Start with Mobility Aids Grant (fastest processing)
If your project costs more than €8,000 OR you earn over €37,500: → Apply for Housing Adaptation Grant
If you’re over 66 and need basic repairs: → Consider Housing Aid for Older People Grant
For ALL equipment purchases: → ALWAYS claim VAT refund as well
Important Tips
✅ Apply early – processing can take several months
✅ Get doctor’s certificate and OT assessment first for stairlifts/lifts
✅ Keep all receipts for VAT refund
✅ Check with multiple councils if you’re near a border – some have different policies
✅ Ask about priority – urgent medical needs get faster processing
❌ Don’t start work until you get approval
❌ Don’t forget VAT refund – it’s separate from grants
❌ Don’t assume rejection – you can appeal decisions
Need Help?
Contact Irish Stairlifts First – We’re Grant Experts!
📞 Call us: 01 6167079 or 0818 818 500
📧 Email: showroom@irishstairlifts.ie
We help customers through the grant process every day and can save you time and hassle
Other Helpful Resources:
Citizens Information Service: 0818 07 4000
Local Authority Directory: gov.ie/local-authorities
Revenue VAT Queries: 01 738 3682
Free advice and support: