Disabled Facilities Grant
The grant must be for the benefit of someone who is registered as a disabled person, or who would qualify to be registered. Their disability might be a physical illness or injury. It could be a major sight, hearing, or speech impairment, or it could be a mental health problem or a learning disability.
The conditions of the grant state that the adaptation must be ‘necessary and appropriate’ and be the most cost-effective solution.
For example, you may like a ground floor extension built because you are unable to climb the stairs to access your bedroom and bathroom, however a more cost-effective stairlift may be recommended to meet your needs and will enable you to access your facilities upstairs.
An adaptation can be completed using a Disabled Facilities Grant regardless of whether you own your home, rent it or if you are a landlord. The Disabled Facilities Grant is means tested and you may have to contribute towards the cost of the adaptation(s) you need. The more income and savings you have, the less grant you are likely to get.
Further DFG information Disabled Facilities Grants: Overview – GOV.UK
What does the DFG financial assessment involve?
You will need to give us full details of your income, assets and savings and those of your partner, if relevant, so we can provisionally work out if you will have to contribute towards the grant.
A formal financial assessment will be completed later in the process and if there is a change in your financial position during the application process, this may affect the final outcome.
Can I do the financial assessment myself?
There is a secure on-line Disabled Facilities Grant calculator, which you can complete yourself. It will give you a good indication of whether you are likely to receive a grant or have a contribution to pay.
www.adaptmyhome.org.uk/householders/check-what-you-might-need-to-pay/
How much is the Disabled Facilities Grant?
The maximum mandatory grant aid for the adaptation works can be you can receive is £30,000. However, Dorset Council currently have a local discretionary policy which allows funding up to £45,000.
Most adaptations such as stairlifts, level access shows and ramps will not cost as much as that but larger works i.e. extensions can exceed the maximum grant, and you would need to find additional funds from other sources.
Some people can take out loans to cover their contribution. Lendology is a social enterprise company funded by local Councils which may be able to help people on low incomes or with poor credit ratings to have a disability adaptation loan if they own their own home.
Does everyone have to have a financial assessment for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
If you receive any of these benefits you will not need a financial assessment:
- Income support.
- Income based employment and support allowance.
- Income based job seekers allowance.
- Guaranteed pension credit.
- Housing benefit.
- Working tax credit and/or child tax credit (with an income of less of £15,050.)
- Universal tax credit.
Parents or guardians applying for a DFG on behalf of a disabled child under the age of 19 and in full-time education do not need to go through the financial test.
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