The disabled facilities grant is a mandatory means tested financial grant, to help meet the costs of adapting a property (this can include mobile homes and houseboats) in which a disabled adult or child lives.
Owner occupiers and private tenants may apply for then grant for the disabled person in their household. A landlord may apply for the grant, for an adaptation for their tenant.
The amount of grant will depend on the financial circumstances of the disabled person for whom the adaptation is being carried out and this person’s husband wife or partner.
We will give you more detailed advice and will carry out an initial check to give you an idea how much you may need to contribute towards the cost of the works. This is known as the ‘preliminary test of resources’.
What type of work are eligible for assistance?
- Providing ramps, widening external/internal doors, shallow steps
- Adapting, or providing, suitable washing/bathing/showering/toilet facilities
- ensuring the disabled person can move around and access parts of the home so they can look after someone else
- facilitating the preparation of food and cooking in the kitchen
- installing ceiling track hoists
- installing a stair lift or a ‘through the floor’ lift
- providing access to gardens
The adaptations must meet the specific needs of the disabled person. It must also be reasonable and practicable in relation to the property.
You will be entitled to assistance if our social services department recommends an adaptation. We will advise you how the assessment by social services will be arranged.
Our occupational therapist will make the assessment if you have a physical disability
Can all disabled persons apply?
You cannot normally get a disabled facilities grant if:
- You are a council tenant. You should contact your neighbourhood officer or the housing adaptations team
- The cost of the works is less than £1000
- Works are in excess of those recommended by the occupational therapist
How much grant will I get?
The maximum amount of grant is £30,000.
If the cost of the works is more than the grant, you may be able to apply for help with a discretionary grant.
If repairs are also required to the dwelling being adapted, you may be able to apply for other grant assistance.