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 ramps -improve access to rooms and facilities - eg stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom -provide a heating system suitable for your needs -adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use

How much you get depends on your: -household income -household savings over £6,000

England: Up to £30,000 Wales: Up to £36,000 Northern Ireland: Up to £25,000 Scotland: Disabled Facilities Grants are not available

Depending on your income, you may need to pay towards the cost of the work to the property. You might not get any grant if you start work on your property before the council approves your application.

You’ll be paid either: -in instalments - as the work progresses -in full - when the work is finished The 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.

You’ll be paid either: -when the council is happy with the finished work -when you give the council the invoice, demand or receipt for payment from the contractor

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: -own the property or be a tenant -intend 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 needs -reasonable and can be done - depending on the age and condition of the property

Apply through your local council.