health and social care Assistance
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs)
Helping You Live Independently at Home
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are provided by local authorities to help disabled individuals adapt their homes to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s improving accessibility or creating a safer environment, DFGs support essential home adaptations that promote independence and enhance quality of life.
Who Can Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
You may be eligible for a DFG if you or someone living in your home:
- Has a physical disability.
- Has a learning disability.
- Has age-related needs.
- Is autistic.
- Has a cognitive impairment, such as dementia.
- Has a progressive condition (e.g., motor neurone disease).
- Has a terminal illness.
- Has a mental health condition.
Types of Adaptations Covered by DFGs
Disabled Facilities Grants can fund a wide range of home adaptations, including:
- Widening doors and installing ramps or grab rails.
- Improving access to rooms and facilities, such as stairlifts and level-access showers.
- Enhancing access to your garden.
- Building extensions (e.g., a ground-floor bedroom or bathroom).
- Providing a suitable heating system.
- Adapting heating and lighting controls for easier use.
How Much Can You Apply For?
The maximum grant available depends on where you live:
Some local authorities may offer additional funding beyond these limits.
Country | Maximum Grant Amount |
England | Up to £30,000 |
Wales | Up to £36,000 |
Northern Ireland | Up to £25,000 |
Scotland | Not available (alternative support is provided) |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant, you must:
- Be disabled or have someone living in the property who is disabled.
- Intend to live in the property for the grant period (usually five years).
Applicants can be:
- Homeowners
- Tenants (private or council)
- Landlords applying on behalf of a disabled tenant.
The council must be satisfied that the proposed adaptations are:
- Necessary and appropriate to meet the disabled person’s needs.
- Reasonable and practical given the age and condition of the property.
Application Process
- Go on Government Link: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants/eligibility or Contact Your Local Council – Your local authority will assess your eligibility
- Home Assessment– An Occupational Therapist or Trained Trusted Assessor will visit your home to determine what adaptations are needed.
- Financial Assessment (Means Test)– Your household income and savings will be assessed, except for grants for disabled children under 18 or landlords applying on behalf of tenants.
- Planning and Consents– You may need planning permission or building regulation approval, which can be included in the grant funding.
- Grant Approval– Once your application is complete, the council must decide within six months. Work must begin only after receiving written approval.
N.B. Reclaiming independent / private assessment fees against the DFG
Clients can reclaim assessment fees against the DFG; however, this is only the case if the application is approved.
How the Grant is Paid
Payment is made in installments as the work progresses or in full upon completion. The council may pay the contractor directly or provide funds to you for payment.
Why Are Disabled Facilities Grants Important?
DFGs play a vital role in ensuring individuals can live safely and independently in their homes. By enabling timely adaptations, they:
- Reduce the risk of falls and accidents.
- Improve access and functionality within the home.
- Enhance overall quality of life for disabled and older individuals.
WE adhere to the Foundations principles
Foundations is an organisation funded by the Government to oversee the delivery of Home Improvement Agencies, Handyperson Services and Disabled Facilities Grant delivery in England.
