Home Improvements Grants Scheme Northern Ireland – Disabled Facilities Grant

What is it?

The Home Improvements Grants Scheme is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but applies to owner-occupiers. There are six types of grants. Three of them are covered here as they are particularly relevant. The others are the Repairs Grant, the Replacement Grant and the Houses in Multiple Occupation Grant. For more information about these, contact your local Housing Executive Office or speak to a professional adviser.

A Disabled Facilities Grant can be applied for if you have a disability and need to make adaptations to your home because of it. Some examples would include providing additional bathroom or kitchen facilities, or providing easier access to rooms around your house.

The amount of grant you can get depends on how much the work will cost. A test of your resources will also be carried out to see if you can afford to meet some of the cost.

How do I get it?

For more information about this you can contact a local advice service.

The process for applying for the Disabled Facilities Grant needs to be started by your GP or social worker. Your home will be assessed by an Occupational Therapist, to see what you might need. Then they will recommend your application to the Housing Executive if they assess that your home needs to be adapted.

The Housing Executive has made special arrangements with outside organisations to help people to apply for this grant. Your local Housing Executive Grants Office will refer you to them.

You will need:

• Details of all income – benefits, earnings
• Details of all savings and capital
• Proof of ownership if applicable

 

Home Improvements Grants Scheme Northern Ireland  – Renovation Grant

What is it?

The Home Improvements Grants Scheme is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but applies to owner-occupiers. There are six types of grants. Three of them are covered here as they are particularly relevant. The others are the Repairs Grant, the Replacement Grant and the Houses in Multiple Occupation Grant. For more information about these, contact your local Housing Executive Office or speak to a professional adviser.

Your home must be at least ten years old and not located in a redevelopment area. There are also criteria based on whether your home is fit for habitation.

The amount of grant you can get depends on how much the work will cost. A test of your resources will also be carried out to see if you can afford to meet some of the cost.

How do I get it?

For more information about this you can contact a local advice service.

To apply for the Renovation Grant, you need to contact your local Housing Executive Grants Office. It can cover a wide range of work, including removing damp, replacing chimneys, electric wiring and basic security and energy measures.

The Housing Executive has made special arrangements with outside organisations to help older people to apply for this grant. Your local Housing Executive Grants Office will refer you to them.

You will need:

• Details of all income – benefits, earnings
• Details of all savings and capital
• Proof of ownership if applicable

 

Home Improvements Grants Scheme Northern Ireland – Home Repairs Assistance Grant

What is it?

The Home Improvements Grants Scheme is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but applies to owner-occupiers. There are six types of grants. Three of them are covered here as they are particularly relevant. The others are the Repairs Grant, the Replacement Grant and the Houses in Multiple Occupation Grant. For more information about these, contact your local Housing Executive Office or speak to a professional adviser.

If you are getting Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or some other benefits, you may be eligible for this Grant. Some of the things that can be covered include repairs to a roof or electrical wiring.

How do I get it?

For more information about this you can contact a local advice service.

To apply for this Grant you need to complete a Preliminary Enquiry Form which you can get from your local Housing Executive Grants Office or online at www.nihe.gov.uk/grants

The Housing Executive has made special arrangements with outside organisations to help older people apply for this grant. Your local Housing Executive Grants Office will refer you to them.

You will need:

• Details of all income – benefits, earnings
• Details of all savings and capital
• Proof of ownership if applicable