Understanding the Means Test for the Housing Aid for Older People Grant: Income & Deductions

To qualify for the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, your total household income is assessed. However, your "assessable income" is often much lower than your gross income because we subtract specific allowances (disregards) for your family circumstances and essential costs.

We look at the gross income (before tax) of all adults living in the property for the previous tax year. This includes:

• Employment or self-employment income.
• Pensions (State or Private).
• Rental income or investment dividends.

Before calculating your grant amount, the following is deducted from your total household income:

• Dependents: A deduction of €6,250 for each household member under the age of 18 (or under 23 if in full-time education).
• Carers: A deduction of €6,250 if a person in the household is a full-time carer.
• Welfare Payments: Most social welfare payments (such as Child Benefit, Fuel Allowance, or Living Alone Allowance) are not counted as income.

To ensure more people qualify for support, you can now deduct significant essential costs from your income total:

Example Case:
If a household has a gross income of €48,000, but pays €6,000 in mortgage and has a grandchild living in the house, their "assessable income" drops to €35,750. This would move them from a 75% grant bracket into the 100% grant bracket.

When you apply, your Local Authority will perform this calculation for you. To prepare, ensure you have documentation ready for:

1. P60/Statement of Liability (from Revenue).
2. Mortgage statements or Rent books.
3. Invoices/Receipts for homecare or nursing home fees