Graefelfingen citizens with little financial means can receive a subsidy from the municipality if they have to make their living space barrier-free. The municipality has revised its guidelines and, following a decision by the social committee, grants 7,000 euros per measure. So that people with physical disabilities can stay in their own four walls for as long as possible, the installation of stair lifts, the installation of handles and door extensions to move around the apartment with a walker are subsidised. This also applies to rental apartments.
In the district of Munich, the competence center for barrier-free living advises, the advisers also make home visits. The money from the municipality is in addition to other aid, such as from the health and nursing care insurance. Subsidies from foundations or the Bavarian Housing Promotion Act are also possible, but are often not enough to finance the redesign. Anyone who has an adjusted income of 22,600 euros per year as an individual or 34,500 euros as a two-person household – 8,500 euros are taken into account for each additional person – can be funded. The municipality increases its total budget for support in the budget to 20,000 euros.
According to Petra Hierl-Schmitz from the social administration in the town hall, only a few applications per year were received by the municipality in the past. That is why the group of recipients has now been expanded. The money is no longer only available to citizens over the age of 60, but to everyone who meets the criteria.