Disabled Facilities Grant
A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a means tested Grant which enables people with a registered disability to make changes to the home to help them continue living there safely, for longer. Any proposed works must be deemed 'relevant' and should have a sufficient 'purpose'.
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You can apply directly or somebody else can apply on your behalf via your local Council, usually via adult social care department. They are available to all ages and to all housing tenures (owner occupier, private or social rent). In England you can get up to £30,000 for a DFG but please bare in mind there will be financial means test undertaken as part of the approval process (unless 18 years of age or under).
DFG's are considered a 'mandatory' grant which means it must be provided to any eligible applicant.
Not only does it cover physical disabilities, but also learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions. Progressive conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease and dementia are also covered. They are widely used to make physical alterations to the home.
Am I eligible and how do I apply?
Contact Steinwall or the Adult Social Care department at your Local Authority for further information.
The Disable Facilities Grant Process
1
Assessment of need(s)
The specific needs and requirements of the relevant person are determined at this stage and usually involves an assessment by an Occupational Therapist.
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This is where it is decided if a major adaptation is needed and could involve practitioners from health and social care, as well as housing, working together.
2
Application
Where the Disabled occupant, the applicant, amount of grant to be awarded & the eligible works are determined. A financial means test may be done at this stage also. Adaption design work and associated costs are done at this stage also.
3
Approval
DFG has now been approved and any relevant owners certificates (giving permission for works) have been signed and returned to the Council. Proposed works and costs have been checked and are deemed to be eligible.
No work should commence before this stage as it could affect you receiving the grant.
The works should be communicated and planned clearly. Ensure a competent contractor has been appointed and be mindful that works should start and be completed within 12 months of DFG approval date. Payments should be made once works are deemed satisfactory.