14 November 2017
You could get a grant from your council if you're disabled and need to make changes to your home. It is available to people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Click here to view the system in Scotland which doesn't have Disabled Facilities Grants but does have some support for equipment and adaptations.
What is more, a disabled facilities grant will not affect any benefits that you may already be getting.
How much you get depends on your household income and whether you have any household savings over £6,000. The following grants are available:
Depending 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. Please contact your local council for more information.
Please be aware that you might not get any grant if you start work on your property before the council approves your application.
The Disabled Facilities Grant will be paid to you either:
And you'll be paid either:
Normally, if you (or a relative) does the work the council will only accept invoices for materials or services you've bought.
You or someone living in your property must be disabled. Either you or the person you're applying for must:
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:
Please bear in mind that you might not get any disabled facilities grant if you start work on your property before the council approves your application and you may 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.
You'll need to find out:
An occupational therapist can look at your circumstances and recommend the type of changes needed.
To get an application form, contact the housing or environment health department of your local council.
The council will normally need 2 written estimates for the work (please note that Complete Care Shop can provide quotes as well for you). The council may be able to give you a list of builders or advise you about employing one.
Return your completed application to your local council before work starts on the property and you'll get the result of your application in writing within 6 months of the application date.
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