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NEW MAPRIMEADAPT’ SCHEME WILL PARTLY FINANCE PROJECTS TO HELP PEOPLE STAY INDEPENDENT FOR LONGER READER QUESTION: I READ THERE WAS A NEW SCHEME TO HELP ELDERLY PEOPLE RENOVATE THEIR HOMES TO

START IN 2024. IS THIS TRUE AND HOW WILL IT WORK? Yes, there is a new scheme for this, called MaPrimeAdapt’. It launched on January 1. It has replaced several older schemes including the

_Habiter facile _program from the Agence nationale de l'habitat (Anah), certain tax credits, and aid schemes for people with French pensions, from the _Caisse nationale d’assurance

vieillesse_. The MaPrimeAdapt’ helps to finance home improvements by up to 70% of the total costs (within a maximum ceiling of €22,000 of expenses) for elderly people living in France. Funds

can be used for projects inside the home, including installing a bathtub with a walk-in shower or an electric stairlift, fitting handrails, widening doorways, etc. It can also be used for

projects outside, including the addition of wheelchair ramps, specialised parking spaces and special shutters. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHEME? The scheme is aimed mostly at those aged 70 and

over who have a level of income classed as ‘modest’ of ‘very modest’. This is based on a household’s _Revenu fiscal de référence_ (net taxable income), which must be below a certain

threshold. You can find a list relating to these thresholds for projects in 2024 HERE, covering both the minimum amounts for the Île-de-France region, and the rest of the country. Note that

to qualify for the MaPrimeAdapt, you must fall into either the _bleu_ (_très modestes_) or _jaunes_ (_modestes_) categories. The other categories listed on the website relate to other kinds

of home renovation projects and aids. Households with a ‘very modest’ income level can receive up to 70% financing, and those with a ‘modest’ level up to 50%. The scheme can be combined with

certain other aids including MaPrimeRénov grants (for work improving the home’s energy efficiency) and the APA (_allocation personnalisée d’autonomie_) and PCH (_prestation de compensation

du handicap_) benefits. Note that disabled people with the PCH and/or a recognised disability rated at least 50% can also qualify for MaPrimeAdapt’, as can people aged 60 to 69 who have

officially recognised issues relating to autonomy (with the award of a ‘GIR’ rating ranking the severity). However they still need to fall into one of the relevant income categories. Both

homeowners and landlords with elderly or disabled tenants can apply for the scheme. Landlords must fall into the lower income levels and their property must be at least 15 years old. READ

MORE: SELLERS RESPONSIBLE FOR DIY DEFECTS IN FRENCH HOME AFTER SALE HOW DOES IT WORK? If you think you may be eligible, the recommended first step is to obtain further information and advice

from a local branch of the FranceRénov’ network. You can find one by putting in your postcode here. If you are eligible they will put you in contact with a specialist in _maîtrise

d'ouvrage_ (project leadership) referred to an an AMO. He or she will do a review of your property’s suitability for the planned installation and will: * Help you create a detailed

financial plan for the project and help you find other potential avenues of financing * Assist you in preparing your application once your plans are finalised (it can be submitted online AT

THIS PAGE or on a paper form) * Put you into touch with correctly regulated and qualified tradespeople and help you obtain quotes from them * Stay in touch for the duration of the project to

offer advice throughout The AMO is also obliged to advise you if your project plans are unsuitable, either due to construction limitations or financial requirements. Working with an AMO is

mandatory to receive funding through the scheme. It is too soon to say whether MaPrimeAdapt’ will be a success, however it is an official government-backed scheme. Even so, last year there

were REPORTS of the related MaPrimeRénov’ grants being paid out later than had been anticipated in some cases. If you are considering the new scheme we would therefore advise checking with

your AMO and chosen tradesperson as to whether you will be expected to pay all or some of the bill upfront before receiving the grant. An Anah spokeswoman said this varies depending on your

personal circumstances, and your contract with the tradesperson. In some cases, she said, it is possible to have an advance payment of the grant, in other cases you need to pay the bill

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