Grants for a walk-in shower in Cork
Three council grants can help pay for a safer bathroom. Which one fits depends on household income and the size of the job. All three must be approved before work starts.
The three grants compared
| Grant | Maximum | Household income | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility Aids Grant | €8,000 | Under €37,500 | Walk-in shower, grab rails, ramp, stairlift |
| Housing Adaptation Grant | €40,000 | Up to €75,000 | Wet room, downstairs bathroom, extension |
| Housing Aid for Older People | €10,700 | Up to €75,000 | Essential repairs for people aged 66 and over |
These amounts apply from 1 December 2024, when the government raised all three grants and lifted the income limits by 25%.
Which grant should you apply for?
- A walk-in shower and household income under €37,500: the Mobility Aids Grant. It is the simplest of the three and can cover the full cost.
- A wet room, or income between €37,500 and €75,000: the Housing Adaptation Grant. It pays a share of the cost, from 100% down to 30% as income rises.
- Repairs rather than adaptations: Housing Aid for Older People, for work such as a roof, wiring or heating.
How do you apply in Cork?
- Pick your council. Cork City Council if you live in the city, Cork County Council otherwise. One form covers all three grants.
- Get a written, itemised quote. We provide this after seeing the bathroom.
- Gather the paperwork. Proof of household income, proof your Local Property Tax is in order, a doctor's section of the form, and an occupational therapist report where the council asks for one.
- Send it in and wait for approval in writing. Do not start work before then.
- Work is done, the council inspects, and the grant is paid.
Who cannot apply?
These grants are for private homes, including rented homes with the landlord's permission. Council tenants do not apply this way: the council adapts its own houses, and you ask the housing department directly.
Sources: Citizens Information, Mobility Aids Grant; gov.ie, revised housing adaptation grants (1 December 2024); Cork County Council; Cork City Council. Grant rules are set by government and each application is decided by the council. Checked October 2026.
We will visit, measure up and give you the itemised quote the council asks for.
Your questions answered
How long does a grant take in Cork?
It varies with the council's workload and budget for the year, and councils deal with the most urgent medical needs first. Ask the grants section for the current waiting time when you apply.
Is household income before or after tax?
It is gross household income for the previous tax year, with some deductions allowed, such as for dependent children and, since December 2024, mortgage or rent payments. The application form lists them.
Can I apply on behalf of a parent?
Yes. Many applications are filled in by a son or daughter. The parent signs the form, and the income assessed is that of the household where the work is being done.
Do we pay first and claim back?
The grant is paid after the work is finished and inspected. Ask the council whether it pays you or pays the contractor directly, and ask us about payment terms when we quote.