A person of any age or housing status — including owners of private homes, renters in social housing, and tenants in private residences — may apply for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs). These grants are designed to assist with the expense of necessary house adaptations to enable eligible individuals to live in their current residences safely and with independence.
Section 1: Eligibility Criteria for DFGs
DFGs serve as a crucial lifeline for individuals facing mobility challenges or disabilities, ensuring their homes are adapted to accommodate their specific needs. A Disabled Facilities Grant will not affect any additional benefits you are already getting. To be eligible for DFGs, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have a physical or learning disability
- Have age-associated demands
- Are classified as being on the autistic spectrum
- Have cognitive disorders, for example Alzheimer’s
- Are dealing with a progressive illness, such as Parkinson’s disease
- Have cancer
- Have a terminal disease
- Are impacted by mental health disorders.
Savings of £6,000 or more can impact the extent of the grant. Depending on your income, you may also be required to contribute towards the cost of approved property modifications. This does not apply to grants awarded to parents or guardians of disabled children under 18.
Landlords can access grants without consideration of their income and savings; however, the local council may stipulate the property be rented to another disabled person should the current tenant relocate within five years. For more detailed information, discussing this with your local council is advisable.
Section 2: Home Adaptations Overview
Home adaptations involve modifying a residence to support independent daily living. You can apply for a DFG for any adaptation that would make it easier to live in your home or make it safer, regardless of whether it relates to a physical or mental disability or illness. One of the main adaptions that usually qualify for DFGs are mobility bathrooms in the UK.
Other examples of home adaptations that could be funded by DFGs include:
- Non-slip flooring and stairlifts
- Installing safety features inside and outside the home, such as handrails and grab bars.
- Installing ramps outside and inside the home
- Making doors wider to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility aids
- Kitchen adaptations such as lowered countertops to make it easier to prepare and cook food
- Smart technology to control lighting or heating
- Create safe access to a garden or yard.
Section 3: The Disabled Facilities Grants Application Process
The application process for DFGs is as follows:
- Homeowners and local authority tenants must contact their local council to express their interest in applying for a grant.
- Housing association tenants should contact their housing association to request adaptations. They could provide funding or advise you to apply for a DFG yourself or with assistance from them.
- Private tenants can contact their letting agent to request they apply on their behalf or contact the council directly. Any adaptations that need structural alterations will require the landlord’s approval.
Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant
Section 4: The Disabled Facilities Grants Assessment
Once an application is submitted, the council will assess the individual’s needs and the required home adaptations. This assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s specific needs and living conditions by qualified professionals, often including occupational therapists.
The goal is to identify necessary home adaptations that could significantly improve the individual’s ability to live safely and independently. The assessment considers various factors, such as the nature of the disability, mobility challenges, and the individual’s daily activities. Applicants should be prepared to provide clear, concise information to support the decision-making process.
Section 5: What to Expect from Disabled Facilities Grants
Grant amounts vary by country, with a maximum payment of:
- £30,000 in England
- £36,000 in Wales
- £25,000 in Northern Ireland
- Disabled Facilities Grants are not available in Scotland. Explore alternative support for equipment and adaptations. Some councils may provide additional funding.
You can submit additional grant applications for the same property if needed, for instance, if there is a change in your condition.
Payment arrangements are agreed upon during the application approval process. However, commencing property modifications before obtaining council approval may result in the denial of a grant.
The council may pay you directly or the contractors in installments as the work progresses or in full upon completion. If you or a relative undertake the work, the council typically only covers the receipts or invoices for materials or services purchased.
