Disabled Facilities Grants

About Disabled Facilities Grants

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can help disabled people make essential adaptations to their home. These changes make it easier and safer to move around and manage daily tasks. Adapting your home can help with independent living, privacy, confidence, and dignity for you and your family.

DFGs are means-tested. The maximum grant in England is £30,000. If the adaptation is for a child under 19, or you receive an income-related benefit, there is no means test for works up to £30,000.

Who can apply

You can apply if you are:

• a homeowner, tenant, or landlord applying on behalf of a tenant

• a disabled person who plans to live in the property for at least five years. This can be a shorter period if health circumstances require it

Your disability must be long-term and could include:

• physical illness or injury

• major sight, hearing, speech, or mental health problems

• learning disabilities

To qualify, an assessment must be completed by a trained professional, such as a Trusted Assessor (TA) or Occupational Therapist (OT).

If you are not eligible for DFG funding, you will need to arrange and pay for the works privately. 

What adaptations are covered

DFGs can fund a range of home adaptations, including:

• replacing a bath with a level-access shower

• installing a stairlift or through-floor lift

• widening doorways

• installing a ramp

• safety measures

Costs and contributions

The amount you may need to contribute depends on your household income and savings over £6,000. Only the income and savings of the disabled person and their spouse or partner are considered. You won’t have to contribute if you receive certain benefits, such as:

• income support

• income-based employment and support allowance

• guarantee pension credit

• housing benefit

• universal credit

In some cases, a local land charge may apply if the grant increases the value of your property, such as for an extension. If you sell or transfer the property within a set period, you may need to repay part of the grant. We will explain this at the start of your application.

You can check your contribution using the Foundations means test calculator: 

Means test calculator

Timescales

We aim to complete simple adaptations within six months of receiving your referral. Larger works will take longer, depending on priority. You will be given an estimated timescale at the start.

Once a valid application is received, the council has six months to approve it. Works must be completed within 12 months of approval.

What happens next 

Assessment

A Trusted Assessor or Occupational Therapist will assess your needs. 

Referral

If adaptations are necessary and appropriate, your assessor will send a recommendation to the Home Improvement Agency (HIA).

Application

The HIA will confirm the recommendation and upload your case to our system. You will receive an introduction letter and forms to complete.

Home visit and planning

An officer will visit your home to draw up plans and get quotes. For simple works, such as stairlifts, a visit may not be needed.

Approval and work

Once eligibility is confirmed and your application is complete, we will approve the grant and arrange a start date with a contractor.

A valid application will need:

• a completed application form

• quotations

• assessment of need

• financial information

• proof of ownership or owner’s consent

• certificate confirming you will stay in the property for five years

Completion and sign off

We will inspect the work with you once it is completed. We pay the contractor once the work is signed off.

Arrange an assessment 

Call 0300 131 2 131 to arrange an assessment. Our Home Improvement Agency will guide you through every step.