At Home Solutions SW, Barnstaple, North Devon, we are frequently asked about Disabled Facilities Grants, in this guide we explain what a DFG is, who can apply and how the process works.
What is a Disabled Facilities Grant?
A Disabled Facilities Grant is a means-tested grant provided by your local council to help fund essential home adaptations for a disabled person and other defined health criteria. The aim is to support independent living, improve safety and enable people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
A DFG can help pay or contribute for a wide range of disabled home adaptations including:
- Accessible bathrooms, disabled toilets and level access showers.
- Stairlifts and through-floor lifts.
- Kitchen adaptations.
- Ramps and improved access to entrances.
- Widened doorways and reconfigured home layouts for wheelchair users.
- Fixed safety equipment such as grab rails and specialist fixtures such as hoists.
- Small extensions.
- Outside access such as driveways, gardens and paths, if they are essential for the applicant to live safely and independently.
These adaptations can be life changing. They reduce the risk of falls, support dignity, independence and can help prevent avoidable hospital admissions and delayed discharges.
Talk to us to find out how we can help
Who can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
You may be eligible to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if :
- You are a disabled adult living with a long-term physical disability, or someone on your behalf such as family or carer.
- Grants are also available to individuals with learning disabilities, cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia), autism, progressive illness, or mental health conditions.
- You are a parent or guardian applying on behalf of a disabled child under the age of 19 years.
- A landlord or a tenant (with the permission of the landlord), homeowners/tenants living with a disabled person can apply on behalf of that person.
The first step in applying for a DFG in North Devon
The very first step in applying is to contact Care Direct on 0345 155 1007 (Devon County Council) to request an assessment by an occupational therapist. They will arrange to visit you at home to evaluate your needs and eligibility and provide a recommendation for necessary home adaptations.
Eligibility Circumstances
Initially the council must conclude that the adaptation is considered necessary, appropriate and reasonable which is usually validated by an occupational therapist. The residency requirement criteria states that the applicant must intend to live in the property as their main home for a duration of at least 5 years (the grant period).
Means Test Financial Assessment
The grant is subject to financial assessment where a means test takes into account the household income and savings of both the applicant and their partner, assessing any required contribution. In North Devon, there is no fixed maximum household earnings cap for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and every case is treated individually.
Key details regarding the DFG in North Devon:
- Maximum Grant: £30,000 in England.
- Means Test: Assesses the income and savings (over £6,000) of the applicant and their spouse/partner.
- Exemptions: Applicants receiving qualifying benefits (e.g., Income Support, Universal Credit) do not undergo a means test.
- Benefits: If you receive income-related benefits, such as Income Support, Guaranteed Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit, you may not have to contribute to the cost of the work.
- Children: Applications for disabled children/young people under nineteen are not means-tested.
Quotes and approval
Once adaptations are agreed the council will request quotes for the work. After approval, the Disabled Facilities Grant is formally awarded. It is strongly advised that you must not start any work on the adaptation before you receive formal approval for your local council.
Completion of the work
Following approval the adaptations can be carried out by an approved contractor. In most cases the council pays the grant directly once work is completed.
How Home Solutions SW supports your DFG journey
Home Solutions SW has been specialising in disabled home adaptations for over 25 years and are proud to be approved contractors for councils across the South West. We understand local authority requirements and work in partnership with councils and occupational therapists to deliver high quality compliant solutions, supporting independence at home.
Our TrustMark experienced team supports you from initial enquiry through to completed works offering clear communication, professional workmanship and designs that work for real life, for further information on how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us here.
Disabled Facilities Grant FAQs
How long does a Disabled Facilities Grant take?
Timescales vary depending on the council assessment process and funding availability. From initial referral to completed work it can take several months.
Can I choose my own contractor?
Some councils allow you to nominate a contractor provided they meet required standards. Others use an approved list. Home Solutions SW regularly works with local authorities across the region.
Can a DFG be used for bathroom adaptations?
Yes accessible bathrooms and level access showers are among the most common adaptations funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant.