Disabled Facilities Grant

Disabled Facilities Grant is available for a range of work that will help a person with disabilities to remain in their home. You can apply for a grant if you are:

• a house owner, or a tenant of a housing association or private rented property.

• a landlord on behalf or a tenant with disabilities.     
  

About this service

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 or installing ramps and other essential facilities to access the property

• providing a specially adapted room in which it is safe to leave a disabled person unattended

• installing a stair lift so there is better access to a bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom

• installing a downstairs bathroom

• improving or installing a heating system which is suitable for the disabled person

• adapting heating or lighting controls so that they are easier to use by a disabled person   

• removing a bath and replacing it with a level access shower          
  

The maximum mandatory Disabled Facility Grant is £25,000.

Who are Care and Repair?
Care and Repair is a small organisation “not for profit” agency which assists homeowners who are over 60 or disabled to find the best answer to their housing situation to help them to live in greater comfort and security.

Many people who would like to remain living independently in their own home, need help to organise repairs or adaptations and advice on how to pay for them.  Care & Repair are a small team who work closely with other support services and organisations.

 

What you should do

The person who applies for the grant does not have to be the person who needs the adaptations.  Once you have contacted Social Care Direct on 0845 8505010, you will be contacted and assessed by an Occupational Therapist (OT).   The OT will agree with you your essential needs and if you qualify for a DFG your case will be passed to Care & Repair, Easington who deal with all grants on behalf of the council.

Care & Repair will work with you to prepare your application for DFG.  They will:

•  arrange any plans and planning or building regulations approvals if necessary,

• submit your application to the council

• obtain estimates for the work

• supervise the work as it proceeds ensuring it is completed to a satisfactory standard

• once all work is complete they will submit the contractors invoice for payment

Some frequently asked questions

Does the Council have to give me a Disabled Facilities Grant?

No. The council must ensure the work will meet your essential need (as assessed by your OT) and that the work is reasonable and practicable for the type and construction of the property you live in.

Will I have anything to Pay?

DFG is a means tested grant to ensure that those in the most need get the most help.  This is determined by the income and capital of:

• the disabled person

• the disabled persons spouse or partner     

It will take into account:

• your person's average weekly income 

• any savings

Once all necessary income has been verified the calculation of a means test will determine your national contribution.  This is what you might have to pay towards the cost of the work.

Who are Care and Repair?

Care & Repair is a small organisation "not for profit" agency which assists homeowners who are over 60 or disabled to find the best answer to their housing situation to help them live in greater comfort and security.

Many people who would like to remain living independently in their own home need help to organise repairs or adaptations and advice on how to pay for them.

Care & Repair are a small team who work closely with other support services and organisations.