Introduction
We are here to help you live independently in your home. If you are disabled, you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant to adapt your home. The Disabled Facilities Grant helps disabled individuals make essential changes to their homes, making it safer and easier to get around and manage everyday tasks. Adapting your home can restore or enable independent living, privacy, confidence, and dignity for you and your family.
Who can apply
You can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if you are:
- An owner, tenant, or landlord applying on behalf of a tenant.
- A disabled person intending to live in the property for at least five years (or a shorter period based on health circumstances).
The disability must be long-term and can be due to:
- Physical illness or injury.
- Major sight, hearing, speech, or mental health problems.
- Learning disabilities.
To qualify, an assessment must be completed by a suitably trained professional, such as a Trusted Assessor (TA) or Occupational Therapist (OT). They will work with you to identify the most suitable solutions for your needs.
What the grant covers
Here are some examples of adaptations that might be funded.
Access Improvements
- Widening doorways
- Installing ramps or grab rails
- Improving garden access
Bathroom Modifications
- Adding stairlifts
- Installing level-access (walk-in) showers or wet rooms
Home Extensions
- Building a downstairs bedroom or bathroom
Control Adjustments
- Changing heating or lighting controls for easier use
Heating Systems
- Installing a suitable heating system tailored to your needs
Every adaptation is tailored to your specific needs to support your independence and comfort. We will carefully consider whether the proposed works are both necessary to meet your specific needs and appropriate for your home. This makes sure that the adaptations provide a practical, cost-effective solution to help you live more safely and independently. We will assess your circumstances, the condition and structure of your property, and the long-term benefits of the proposed changes before making a decision.
How much you can get
Maximum Grant Amount: In England, you could receive up to £30,000, including any ancillary costs like legal or agency fees.
Means Test: The grant amount 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. Disabled children and young people under 19 are not means-tested.
You won’t have to contribute towards the cost if you receive certain means-tested benefits, such as:
- Income Support
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Guarantee Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- And others
You can use this Foundations Means Test Calculator to estimate how much you might have to contribute.
How to enquire
1. Initial contact
- Explore information: Review the details on this page and use the self-assessment tool on AdaptMyHome.org.uk.
- Contact us: Reach out to us by phone on 0300 123 2224. Our phone lines are open 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired you can contact us using SMS text 07862 122246. If you work in health or social care and need to make a referral on behalf of someone, please use the Professional Referral to Adult Social Care Form.
2. Assessment and identification
- Professional assessment: A Trusted Assessor or Occupational Therapist will evaluate your needs.
- Referral: If an adaptation is necessary and appropriate, you will be referred to the Housing Adaptations Team.
3. Application process
- Caseworker assignment: You will be assigned a caseworker who will guide you through the process.
- Home visits: Technical officers may visit your home to assess feasibility, draw up plans, and create a schedule of works.
- Planning approvals: If required, they will help with planning permission or building regulations approval.
4. Grant approval and work commencement
- Approval: Once eligibility is confirmed, and funds are available, your application will be approved.
- Work begins: A contractor will be appointed, and a start date will be arranged.
5. Completion and sign-off
- Final inspection: After the work is completed, we will visit to ensure you are satisfied.
- Payment: If you have a contribution to make, you will receive an invoice after completion.
What you will need
- Proof of income and savings: Pay slips, pension statements, benefit letters.
- Property details: Ownership documents or tenancy agreement.
- Medical evidence: If applicable, any supporting medical documents.
How long does the process take?
The time it takes depends on the complexity and urgency of the adaptations. Urgent cases are prioritised. The process includes three stages – assessment, approval and construction. Each stage has its own timeline.
After you enquire
Assessment process
- Acknowledgment: After your enquiry, you will receive a written response outlining the next steps and expected timelines.
- Single point of contact: You will be assigned a caseworker who will be your main contact throughout the process.
- Collaboration: Housing, health, and social care professionals will work together to make sure your needs are met.
Approval and work
- Decision timeline: You will be informed in writing about the decision on your grant application. Do not start work before you get the decision in writing or the application may be refused.
- Work commencement: Once approved, work must begin within 12 months.
- Monitoring progress: You can track your application’s progress through regular updates.
If you do not qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant
If you are not eligible, you may need to fund the work yourself. Other discretionary grants or assistance may be available.
If your circumstances change, you can apply for another grant for the same property.
Other support available
Your assigned caseworker is your main point of contact for updates or queries.
- AdaptMyHome website – Self-assessment tools and general information about Disabled Facilities Grants and home adaptations.
- British Legion Advice and Support
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – Adapting Your Home
- Motor Neurone Disease Association – Needs assessment, home care and home adaptations
- Age UK – Adapting Your Home
Complaints Procedure
We aim to provide a high-quality service. If you have concerns, we have a clear complaints process.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can contact the Local Government Ombudsman:
Website: Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Phone: 0300 061 0614