Disabled Facilities Grant: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

As we age, it can get harder to do the things we used to take for granted. Sometimes, even moving around the house can become more difficult. When this happens, we may consider making adjustments that support our wellbeing. However, certain modifications may cost more than we can afford. That's where the government's Disabled Facilities Grant can help. In this article, we'll look at the Disabled Facilities Grant, how to apply, and what you can use it for.

What is the Disabled Facilities Grant?

The Disabled Facilities Grant is a government benefit paid by local authorities. Its purpose is to pay for housing adaptations that support people with disabilities to remain in their own homes. These are changes the council considers necessary for you to continue living independently. Currently, the Disabled Facilities Grant is only available in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; support in Scotland works differently.

Who Can Apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant?

To apply for the grant, you or someone else living in your household must be disabled, and must be intending to live in the property for the duration of the grant. This is usually about five years, but may be less if the disabled person is living with a terminal illness. To be approved, your local council will need to be satisfied that the adjustments you want are necessary for your needs and can reasonably be implemented in the property; for example, widening doorways might not be possible in older properties. Examples of conditions that could be eligible for the grant include learning disabilities, terminal illnesses, permanent physical disability such as paralysis, dementia, motor neurone disease, autism, and age-related mobility problems. However, the final decision will rest with the council as to whether your condition requires home adaptations.

What Can It Be Used For?

The Disabled Facilities Grant is designed to cover any improvements or modifications to your home that make it easier for you to live independently. The exact nature of these modifications will depend on the findings of an occupational therapist, but they can include installing ramps or grab rails, building an extension such as a downstairs bedroom, modifying the heating system to support your needs, widening doors, making it easier to access the garden, improving heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use, and installing a stairlift.

The amount the council will pay towards these modifications is capped, and the exact figure depends on which region you live in. The Disabled Facilities Grant is also means-tested, which will further affect how much support you can receive; your council will look at your household income and any savings over £6,000. Children under 18 with disabilities can apply for a grant without their parents' income being taken into account. In Northern Ireland, you can apply for up to £25,000, depending on your finances. In England, this increases to £30,000, and in Wales it's £36,000.

How Do I Apply?

You will need to apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant through your local council, which you can do easily via the government website. The council will then arrange for an occupational therapist to assess your home. However, it's important to be aware that there may be delays. Your council is obligated to give you a decision within six months, so you may be able to check on the progress of your application. It's important to remember, though, that you shouldn't start any home modifications until your application has been approved, since the council will not fund any work carried out beforehand.

What If My Application is Rejected?

If your application is rejected, you have a right to appeal the council's decision. You must appeal within six months of the decision. If you appeal and are still unhappy with the council's response, you can complain to the local authority ombudsman.

How Will I Get Paid?

Your council may choose to pay in instalments or as one lump sum. If paid in instalments, these will come to you as the work progresses; a lump sum will be paid once the work is complete. In some cases, the council may pay the contractor doing the work directly, while in others they may give you a cheque to pass on to the contractor. If you or a relative make the changes yourselves, you'll need to provide invoices for any materials or services purchased.

Support with the Disabled Facilities Grant

If you are struggling to apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant, you can get support from the government-funded Foundations organisation. Fortunately, you won't need to worry about any other benefits you receive being affected by the Disabled Facilities Grant, although any income from benefits may influence the council's decision.

Support in the Home from Careline365

If you require additional support in and around the home, consider a personal alarm from Careline365. Personal alarms support your independence, making it simple and quick to call for help in an emergency. If help is needed, press the button on your alarm base unit or pendant to send an alert to our 24/7 Response Team. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team by calling 0800 101 3333 today. However, please note that a personal alarm plan cannot be purchased using the Disabled Facilities Grant.