A Disabled Facilities Grant is financial support from your local council to help cover the cost of adapting your home if you or someone you live with is disabled. These changes can be small or extensive, and are designed to allow a disabled person to live more independently and safely in their own home.

The scheme is available in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. (Scotland does not offer DFGs but has alternative support for equipment and adaptations.)

To be eligible, the person needing the adaptations must:

• Have a disability (this includes physical, sensory, learning, or mental health conditions).
• Live in or intend to live in the property as their main home for at least 5 years (or a shorter period if they are terminally ill).

The applicant must be:

• A homeowner, private tenant, housing association tenant, or landlord (who is applying on behalf of a disabled tenant).
• Importantly, disabled children under 18 can qualify for a grant without parents’ income being considered.

You can get help for a wide range of home improvements, such as:

• Widening doorways, installing ramps or grab rails.
• Installing a stairlift, through-floor lift, or a level access shower.
• Adapting kitchen or bathroom facilities.
• Improving access to gardens or outdoor areas.
• Building an extension, such as a downstairs bedroom or wet room.
• Installing or upgrading heating systems suitable for the person’s condition.
• Adjusting lighting and heating controls for easier use.

The council will assess what’s “necessary and appropriate” for the individual’s needs and whether it’s “reasonable and practical” based on the age, layout, and structure of the property.

The maximum grant varies by country:

• England: up to £30,000.
• Wales: up to £36,000.
• Northern Ireland: up to £25,000.
• Councils may award more in exceptional cases, but this is discretionary.

The amount you receive may depend on:

• Your household income and savings (over £6,000 may reduce the grant).
• The cost of the work required.

If your condition changes, you can apply for another grant for the same property in the future.

• Do not start any work until the council has approved your application, doing so could disqualify you.
• You usually have up to 12 months to complete the work after approval.
• You may need planning permission or building regulation approval for major works.
• If required, your grant can help cover costs of architects, surveyors or occupational therapist assessments.

The builder can be paid directly by the council, or you can choose to pay yourself and be reimbursed. Payment options include:

• In full after the work is complete.
• In instalments as work progresses.

You’ll be paid once:

• The council is satisfied with the finished work.
• You provide valid invoices or receipts.

If you or a family member carry out the work yourselves, only the cost of materials and services can be claimed.

If you’re a landlord, you can apply on behalf of a disabled tenant. The council may ask that the property remains suitable for another disabled person for at least 5 years if the current tenant moves out.

1. Contact your local council to start an application.
2. An occupational therapist or trained assessor may visit your home to recommend the right changes.
3. The council must decide within 6 months of receiving a complete application.

If your application is refused, you can:

• Appeal directly with the council.
• Complain to the Local Government Ombudsman if you’re still unhappy.
  

You can get support from Foundations, the government-funded national body for home improvement agencies in England. They help vulnerable people apply for adaptations and manage the process.

• Act early: It can take months for an application to be assessed and approved.
• Get professional advice: An occupational therapist can provide strong supporting evidence for your application.
• Keep records of all communications, quotes, and approvals in case you need to follow up.

Disabled Facilities Grants can be life-changing by enabling safer, more independent living. Whether you’re caring for a disabled family member or need adaptations yourself, this support can make a vital difference.

If you’re applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant, your household may also qualify for free energy-saving improvements under ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme.

This can include:

• Wall and loft insulation
• Upgraded heating systems or a new boiler
• Help to lower your energy bills

If your disability is made worse by cold conditions, such as respiratory problems, arthritis, circulatory issues, or mobility impairments, you may be eligible for extra support. These government-backed programmes are designed to help disabled and low-income households stay warmer and safer.

See if you’re eligible today, it’s fast and obligation-free.

Useful Resources:

• Foundations

Cost of Living Support Available:

• Household Support Fund (England)
• Cost of Living Payments
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
• Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
• Council Tax Reduction

ECO4 Support Available:

• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
• UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
• Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Other Support Available:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living
• Fuel Vouchers