Housing Adaptation Grant in Cork
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability pays up to €40,000 towards changes that make a home usable, such as a wet room or a downstairs bathroom. Household income must be under €75,000.
What is the Housing Adaptation Grant?
It is a council grant for people with a lasting physical, sensory or intellectual disability or a mental health difficulty, whose home needs to change so they can keep living in it. There is no age limit. It is the grant most often used for wet rooms, downstairs bedrooms and bathrooms, wider doors and ramps.
How much will you get?
The share of the cost depends on gross household income:
- Under €37,500: up to 100% of the approved cost
- €37,500 to €75,000: a reducing share, down to 30% in the top band (€62,501 to €75,000)
- Over €75,000: no grant
The maximum rose from €30,000 to €40,000 on 1 December 2024.
What does it cover in a bathroom?
- A wet room or level-access shower
- A new downstairs bathroom or toilet
- Wider doorways and a level threshold
- Grab rails, a raised toilet and an accessible basin as part of the job
How do you apply?
- Download the housing adaptation grants form from Cork City Council or Cork County Council. Your GP completes the medical section.
- Add proof of income, Local Property Tax details and an itemised quote. The council tells you how many quotes it wants.
- The council normally asks for an occupational therapist report, and can arrange the assessment.
- Wait for the approval letter, then have the work done and inspected.
How are applications prioritised?
Councils rank applications by medical need. People who are terminally ill, or who cannot be discharged from hospital or continue living at home without the work, are dealt with first.
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.
Income bands: Citizens Information column, Southern Star, December 2024.
We will see the room and give you an itemised quote in the format councils ask for.
Your questions answered
Who qualifies for the Housing Adaptation Grant?
A person with a lasting disability whose home needs adapting, living in a private home, with gross household income under €75,000. The council assesses the need and the income.
Can I get the Housing Adaptation Grant for a walk-in shower?
Yes, but if household income is under €37,500 and the job costs under €8,000, the Mobility Aids Grant is usually quicker and simpler.
Can I start work before approval?
No. Work started before the council approves it in writing will not be grant-aided.
Is the grant paid to me or the contractor?
It is paid after the work is finished and inspected. Ask the council how it pays in your case.