Can I claim for house renovation if I am a carer?

miss choc

I've put this on the electrical thread too but someone might know here if I can get money back on house rewiring I am owner and full time carer on benefits

So I rang an electrician last week as I had a few light fittings to be put in and extra sockets needed he called round today and tested the electricity and unfortunately informed me I need my house rewired. I know he is correct as my house is from the 1940's wiring is really old the cable was burned out in the study main light and the last few weeks kept tripping he estimated the wires were probably 50 years old so that was enough to scare me. He's an ex ESB contractor and will be working with 3 other guys on my house next week to get it all sorted the hassle but needs to be done. Anyway question is I am hoping I can qualify for the home renovation incentive I am joint owner with my ex I live here now and I pay the property tax so I gave the guy my ID number as they register it with revenue thing is I am a full time carer and get carers allowance so do they give you a cheque instead? Also is that the only incentive out there could I claim others just asking as I've never done any major renovations like this before so if I can claw back some money on it it would be great.

beechwood55

Will you be paying VAT on the works? The Home Renovation Incentive scheme gives a tax credit rather than a cheque. Not sure if you being a carer will change that. However, it is essential that the contractor is registered with the HRI scheme. If he is not then you won't be eligible.

miss choc

Yes he is the one that told me about it as I didnt know I needed a house rewire till yesterday morning (I only wanted few sockets and light fittings done) I said I was a full time carer on carers allowance and he said I would probably get a cheque so. He asked for my property tax ID number and they apply for you online he is ECSSA certified and previous ESB contractor in the job for 30 years

beechwood55

miss choc wrote: »

Yes he is the one that told me about it as I didnt know I needed a house rewire till yesterday morning (I only wanted few sockets and light fittings done) I said I was a full time carer on carers allowance and he said I would probably get a cheque so. He asked for my property tax ID number and they apply for you online he is ECSSA certified and previous ESB contractor in the job for 30 years

I think you would be best to contact Revenue to check that you will get a cheque rather than a tax credit.
You also need to be 100% sure that he is registered for VAT and is tax compliant. If he is not then you will get nothing.
Has he given you a price for the job yet?

Have just looked at the online site for applying. You need your pps no and date of birth. He cannot apply on your behalf.

miss choc

Yes he did and I gave a deposit he is coming on Friday as my wires about 50yrs old the stuff he told me scared me I was putting it off but last few weeks switch kept tripping and he found a burnt cable yesterday so I'm glad he came to me. He just ask for LPT number maybe it is me that registers yes I will check and contact revenue might see with social welfare first but in fairness money is irrelevant life is more important if anything happened I want a safe house.

beechwood55

Absolutely agree re safe house. Money is a secondary consideration for sure.

miss choc

Just checked there now with revenue I wont get anything as not working or cheque but ex will so I am putting the scheme into his name for tax credits

beechwood55

How much have you been quoted for the work?

miss choc

7k looks at if my ex will be able to get 1k back in credits at this stage I'll be just happy to get it done it's a job I don't want cutting corners on.