Disabled Facilities Grants

You could get a grant from your council if you’re disabled and need to make changes to your home, for example to:widen doors and install rampsimprove access to rooms and facilities - eg stairlifts or a downstairs bathroomprovide a heating system suitable for your needsadapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to useA Disabled Facilities Grant won’t affect any benefits you get.

What you'll get

How much you get depends on your:household incomehousehold savings over £6,000CountryGrantEnglandUp to £30,000WalesUp to £36,000Northern IrelandUp to £25,000ScotlandDisabled Facilities Grants are not available - find out about support for equipment and adaptationsDepending on your income, you may need to pay towards the cost of the work to the property.Disabled children under 18 can get a grant without their parents’ income being taken into account. Contact your local council for more information.You might not get any grant if you start work on your property before the council approves your application.

How you’ll be paid

You’ll be paid either:in instalments - as the work progressesin full - when the work is finishedThe council may pay the contractor directly or give you a cheque to pass on to them. They’ll agree this with you when they approve your application.

When you’ll be paid

You’ll be paid either:when the council is happy with the finished workwhen you give the council the invoice, demand or receipt for payment from the contractorNormally, if you (or a relative) does the work the council will only accept invoices for materials or services you’ve bought.

Eligibility

You or someone living in your property must be disabled. Either you or the person you’re applying for must:own the property or be a tenantintend to live in the property during the grant period (which is currently 5 years)You can also apply for a grant if you’re a landlord and have a disabled tenant.The council needs to be happy that the work is:necessary and appropriate to meet the disabled person’s needsreasonable and can be done - depending on the age and condition of the propertyYou might not get any grant if you start work on your property before the council approves your application.

Planning and building regulations approval

You need to apply separately for any planning permission or building regulations approval.The council may ask you to employ a qualified architect or surveyor to plan and oversee the work. If you get a grant, you can use it towards the cost of their fees.

How to apply

Apply through your local council.The council may send an occupational therapist round to see you. They’ll check your circumstances and see what changes you need.

Appeals

You can appeal to your council if you’re unhappy with their decision.If you appeal and you’re still not happy, you can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.