Housing Aid for Older People
Up to €10,700 towards essential repairs like structural work, rewiring, heating or doors and windows.
Last checked July 2026 · Updated 27 September 2026
What it is
Essential repairs and improvements to keep older people living at home, such as structural repairs, rewiring and heating. The maximum grant is €10,700 in the lowest income band. Both the share of the cost and the cap fall as income rises (85% up to €43,750, down to 30% up to €75,000, none above that). It is for people aged 66 or over (younger people only in cases of hardship) and is means-tested on household income, which here means the gross income of the owner and their spouse or partner in the previous tax year, less deductions for things like children at home, housing costs and care fees. Since 1 January 2025 the grant will not pay for a new standalone fossil-fuel boiler, though repairs and electric or biomass heating are still covered, and you may also qualify for the free Warmer Homes Scheme.
Who can get it
- You are aged 66 or over, though under 66 can be considered in cases of hardship
- The work is essential repair, for example structural repairs, rewiring, heating or doors and windows
- The income of the owner and their spouse or partner is under €75,000 a year after deductions
- You own the home or have a right of residence in it where the work will be done. Council tenants cannot get this grant
- The share of the cost and the cap both fall as income rises. Up to €37,500: 100%, to a maximum of €10,700. Up to €43,750: 85%, to €9,095. Up to €50,000: 75%, to €8,025. Up to €62,500: 50%, to €5,350. Up to €75,000: 30%, to €3,210. Nothing over €75,000. Income means the gross income of the owner and their spouse or partner in the previous tax year, less deductions: €6,250 for each child under 18 (or 18 to 23 in full-time third-level education), €6,250 if a relative cares for you full time, up to €6,250 for housing costs and up to €12,500 for residential care or homecare fees.
- It is run by your local authority, not by SEAI, so it is a different application to the energy grants.
- It pays for essential repairs, including repairing broken heating or providing heating where there is none, but not energy upgrades like insulation. If the house also needs insulation, the free Warmer Homes Scheme is worth checking alongside it.
- Do not start the work until the council has approved your application in writing. Work started or finished before approval cannot be paid for.
How to apply
Applications go through Local authority. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 26 July 2026. Last updated on 27 September 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much is Housing Aid for Older People worth?
Up to €10,700, depending on your household income and the work needed.
What age do you have to be?
66 or over. People under 66 can be considered in cases of hardship.
What are the income limits?
Up to 100% of the cost is covered where income is €37,500 or less, tapering down to 30% for incomes up to €75,000. The maximum grant falls with income too, from €10,700 down to €3,210. Income means the gross income of the owner and their spouse or partner, less deductions for children at home, full-time care by a relative, housing costs and care fees.
Who do I apply to?
Your local authority runs the scheme and handles the application.
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