Disabled people’s grants may be means tested
The Disabled Person’s Grant has been under review for the past six months, with people waiting up to 20 months.
Minister of State for Housing Noel Ahern said the Government would implement a standardised approach.
“We’re looking at means testing and a medical assessment of need. We’re trying to say that counties should prioritise their resources so they could always look after the most needy,” he said.
The Department of the Environment finances 60% of the cost of the grant, with 30% coming from the local authority and 10% from the disabled person. The maximum amount allowable for renovations such as installing bathroom facilities or widening doors for wheelchairs is €20,320.
The National Disability Authority (NDA) has argued that the grant needs to increase in line with building inflation. In its submission to the Government last year, it also said the State should assume 95% of the cost because with about 120,000 people with disabilities dependant on social welfare, many cannot afford even minimal contributions.
Mr Ahern said the State was not going to assume more of the cost because it would lead to builders becoming “trigger happy” and raising their tender prices.
“I want to maintain funding and use it effectively,” he said. Government spending on the disabled grant scheme has increased from €13 million for 2,455 grants in 1998 to €52.6m for 5,932 grants in 2002. However, the budget was cut by 8% last year, according to the NDA.
Mr Ahern said a standardised application procedure for the grant was necessary because some counties approved too many grants.
The Irish Wheelchair Association said it would welcome a common application process but not one that led to a “disimprovement”. “The grant plays a huge part in enabling people to live their lives at home,” said housing officer Dolores Murphy.
