Disabled Facilities Grants are available for a range of work that will help a disabled person move around their home with ease.
Who can apply for a DFG?
- 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.
Whoever applies for the grant must produce proof of ownership or tenancy.
What type of work does a DFG cover?
Disabled Facilities Grants are awarded for essential adaptations to give a disabled person better freedom of movement around the house. This work includes:
- Widening doors
- Installing ramps.
- Providing specially adapted rooms.
- Installing a stair lift to access rooms easier.
- Installing a downstairs bathroom
- Improving or installing a heating system that is suitable for the disabled person.
- Adapting heating or lighting controls so that they are easier to use by a disabled person.
If the cost of the work is greater than the grant limit, you may be able to access a Houseproud loan.
Does the council have to give me a DFG?
The council will have to be satisfied that the work is:
- Necessary.
- Appropriate
- Reasonable.
- Practicable.
- Feasible.
An occupational therapist will visit the property. They will decide if the work is necessary and appropriate for the disabled person.
The council reserves the right to refuse a grant.
How is a DFG calculated?
A DFG is means tested to ensure that those in the most need get the most help.
This will be determined by the income and savings of:
- The disabled person.
- The disabled person’s spouse or partner.
- The parents of a disabled person (where they are under 19).
Some disability related benefits are not included.
The maximum assistance available is £25,000. There is discretion to increase this value if necessary.
To make an application DFG or for further information, contact Environmental Health (Housing) on 01724 297639.