Kuni Lingston
Under the Disabled Facilities Grant, councils across the UK offer up to £36,000 to help people adapt their homes to living with a disability, illness, or age-related needs. Tailored changes—from wheelchair ramps to accessible bathrooms—can be funded through this essential scheme.
With your income, location, and health, you may qualify for substantial home adaptations at no personal cost.
What Is the Disabled Facilities Grant?
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is mandatory financial support provided by local councils in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
It supports homeowners, private tenants, and landlords adapting properties for disabled occupants. Although Scotland no longer offers DFG, alternative schemes may exist.
Eligible Conditions
Councils may award a grant if someone in your household lives with:
- A physical disability
- Learning disability or autism
- Cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia)
- Progressive conditions (e.g., motor neurone disease)
- Mental health conditions
- Age-related mobility issues
- Terminal illnesses
What Work Can Be Funded?
Grants help cover a wide range of adaptations to make homes more accessible and comfortable, including:
- Widening doors and installing ramps
- Adding stairlifts, ceiling-track hoists, or level-access showers
- Converting bathrooms or kitchens for accessibility
- Building extensions for ground-floor bedrooms or bathrooms
- Modifying heating or lighting controls
- Improving garden or outdoor access
Maximum Grant Amounts by Region
| Region | Maximum Grant | Means Test Applicable? |
|---|---|---|
| England | £30,000 | Yes (income + savings over £6,000 considered) |
| Wales | £36,000 | Yes (sometimes waived for smaller grants) |
| Northern Ireland | £25,000 | Yes (but may extend, in exceptional cases, to £70k) |
| Scotland | N/A | DFG not available, alternative support may exist |
- Disabled children under 18 (England & Wales) and under 19 (NI) are not means-tested, meaning parents’ income doesn’t affect their eligibility.
- Councils can offer top-up funding beyond national caps at their discretion.
- Landlords applying for disabled tenants are also typically exempt from means tests.
How Much You’ll Actually Get
- You might receive the full maximum if you have limited income or savings.
- Applicants with over £6,000 in savings or higher income may need to contribute toward total costs.
- A local Occupational Therapist will assess your needs and recommend adaptations.
- Payment may be made in instalments during the project or in one lump sum on completion.
Application & Timeline
- Contact your local council through housing or social care departments.
- Undergo an ONS-approved assessment (often by an OT) and submit detailed quotes.
- Councils have a 6‑month decision window, with major works to be completed within 12 months.
- Once approved, funding is disbursed—directly to contractors or via you.
- You can reapply later if further adaptations are needed (e.g., condition changes).
Start before any work begins—retroactive approval isn’t permitted.
Why This Grant Matters
- Helps people live independently and safely at home, reducing hospital stays and care home admissions.
- It is a legal right, not charity—councils must provide it if eligibility is met.
- Offers potentially £30,000+ in free support, making vital adaptations affordable.
- Without DFG, many families might face significant financial strain or risk moving to unsuitable housing.
The Disabled Facilities Grant is a powerful resource, offering up to £30,000–£36,000 in free adaptation support to suit your health, mobility, and living circumstances.
With no fees to apply and potentially no personal payments required, this scheme is essential for anyone wanting to live independently and safely at home.
To see if you qualify, start by speaking with your local council—and don’t delay before the renovations begin!
FAQs
Am I automatically eligible if I’m under 18?
Yes—if you’re disabled and under 18 (or under 19 in Northern Ireland), you’re not means-tested, and eligibility is based on need rather than income or savings.
Can I claim more than once for the same home?
Absolutely. If your condition changes or new adaptations are required, you can apply again, even for the same property.
What happens if the work costs exceed the grant cap?
Councils may offer top-up funding or loans at their discretion.However, applicants above means test thresholds may also be required to contribute personally.