If you’re disabled, you could be eligible for FREE money from your local authority to modify your home accordingly. Grants can be anything up to £30,000, and are straightforward to apply for.
A Disabled Facilities Grant is intended to make day-to-day life in your home easier. It covers adaptations which will provide essential facilities in your home adequate for your needs, and changes that will give you better mobility into and around your home. This could include:
- Improving access to parts of your home by installing a stair lift or a downstairs bathroom.
- Widening doors and installing ramps for wheelchair users.
- Improving existing heating and lighting facilities e.g. altering lighting controls.
- Modifying your bathroom so that you have easier access to the facilities.
Who can apply for a disability grant for their home?
You can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if either you or a person who lives with you has a disability, although they need not be registered as disabled. Also, if you are having difficulty getting around because you are elderly then you could be eligible.
How do I apply for a disabilities grant?
Initially you’ll need to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist from your council or local authority – they’ll look at your needs and how well they are currently met in your home. The Occupational Therapist will recommend what work needs to be carried out and you can obtain an application from your local housing or environmental health department.
Typically, with your application you’ll be asked to send :
- financial estimates for the work – you’re advised to get at least two quotes for this.
- architectural and building plans if you need structural work done
- depending on whether you are an owner occupier or a tenant, proof of ownership or tenancy
- confirmation of planning permission – your builder or architect will tell you if you need this.
Your Occupational Therapist will have to view the building plans and quotes to make sure that they are appropriate for your needs. Once they’ve done this, you send your application and the necessary supporting documents to your local council.
Be aware that you’ll need to apply for the grant before you begin any work as you won’t usually receive any assistance if you apply retrospectively. Your local authority has to give you a decision on your application within six months of applying. Don’t forget to also get planning permission if you need it!
How much of a disability grant could I get?
You could receive up to £30,000 (of free money!) to cover the cost of any work that needs to be done. Some authorities are more generous than others, but generally people receive enough funding to carry work out.
Because the grant is means tested you’ll need to provide details of your income and savings. The first £6,000-worth of personal savings is not taken into account, nor are benefits like Disability Living Allowance or Income Support.
What if I don’t qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
If you don’t qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant, there are other options available to you.
Benefits of the grants
Finally, these grants aren’t just short term bonuses. Adjustments made to your home could benefit you financially in the long term too. Rather than move to a care home, some adjustments may be enough to allow you to continue living independently, potentially saving you thousands of pounds in care fees.
And once you’ve adapted your home as suitable for a disabled person, you’re eligible for a one band reduction in your council tax, so you can save year on year.
For more information contact your local council or contact Living Needs on 01271 374600.