Information about Disabled Facilities Grants
The Disabled Facilities Grant is available for a range of work that will help a disabled person remain in their home.
You can apply for a grant if you are:
- a tenant or owner of a property
- a landlord on behalf of a disabled tenant
The person who applies for the grant does not have to be the disabled person who needs the adaptations. However, if the application is not from the disabled person, the person applying for the grant will be asked to sign a certificate stating that the disabled person will occupy the home being adapted for at least five years. The time can sometimes be shorter because of the disabled person's health or other relevant factors.
Whoever applies for the grant must be able to prove ownership or tenancy of the home.
- What type of work is eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
- Does the Council have to give me a Disabled Facilities Grant?
- How is the Disabled Facilities Grant calculated?
Further information regarding Disabled Facilities Grants can be obtained by using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
What type of work is eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
Disabled Facilities Grants are awarded for essential adaptations to give a disabled person better freedom of movement around the house. This work might include:
- widening doors or installing ramps
- installing a stair lift so there is better access to a bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom
- installing a downstairs bathroom
- installing an accessible shower
- adapting heating or lighting controls so that they are easier to use by a disabled person
Does the Council have to give me a Disabled Facilities Grant?
The Council will in general carry out work that is assessed as the MINIMUM that is:
- necessary, and
- appropriate
to meet the needs of the disabled person and is
- reasonable, and
- practicable
considering the existing design and condition of the home.
An occupational therapist will always be consulted to ensure the work is necessary and appropriate for the disabled person.
The Council can refuse a grant if it believes the scheme does not fit these criteria.
Please note that work must not begin until a grant has been formally approved as payment cannot be made retrospectively
How is the Disabled Facilities Grant calculated?
The grant can cover the costs of the works that are assessed as necessary, appropriate, reasonable and practical, up to a statutory maximum of £30,000. The grant is means tested to ensure that those in the most need get the most help. There is a local discretionary policy to increase to £40,000 the maximum cost of works that can be paid for using a grant.
This will be determined by the income and capital of:
- the disabled person
- the disabled persons spouse or partner
It will take into account:
- a person's average weekly income
- any savings above a set amount
Some benefits, especially those that recognise a person's disability are not included.
If your resources are less than your assessed basic needs you will be given a full grant. If your resources are above this level, you will have to contribute to the cost.
To determine what contribution (if any) you have to make, the Council will carry out a "test of resources". A copy of a provisional test of resources form can be downloaded here. This will give you some indication of the financial information you need to provide to the Council in support of your application.
Note: grants to adapt a property for a disabled child are not subject to means-testing. If the cost of the adaptation is expected to be less than £10,000.00 there will be no means test (this is a local discretionary policy).
You can download a general information leaflet here.