David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 647: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way capital is assessed in the means test for the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability; if there is a maximum level under which a person must be to qualify for the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30946/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the new Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, eligibility for grant aid is determined on the basis of gross household income, i.e. the property owner's annual gross income, together with that of his/her spouse, if applicable, in the previous tax year, or in the case of private rented accommodation, the tenant's annual gross income, together with that of his/her spouse, if applicable, in the previous tax year.

The effective maximum grant of €30,000, which may cover up to 95% of the approved cost of works, is available to households with gross household incomes of less than €30,000 per annum, tapering to 30%, and a maximum of €9,000, for those with gross household incomes of up to €65,000 per annum. The full breakdown is attached in the table below.

In determining household income, local authorities apply the following income disregards: €5,000 for each member of the household aged up to 18 years, or aged between 18 and 23 years and in full time education or engaged in a FAS apprenticeship; €5,000 where the person with a disability, for whom the application for grant aid is sought, is being cared for by a relative on a full-time basis; income derived from Child Benefit, Early Childcare Supplement, Family Income Supplement, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Respite Care Grant and Carer's Benefit / Allowance.

For the purposes of the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, capital assets are not assessed in determining eligibility for grant aid.