Help to Adapt Your Home
If you or someone in your household is disabled and your home needs to be adapted for safety, comfort or independence, you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). This government funded grant helps with essential home modifications to support independent living and reduce the need for residential care.
Apply for a free home battery
Register your interest in the free home battery scheme. It only takes a few minutes.
What Is a Disabled Facilities Grant?
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.)
Who Can Apply?
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.
What Can the Grant Cover?
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.
How Much Can You Get?
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.
Important Rules to Know
- 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.
How and When Will You Be Paid?
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.
Landlords and Tenants
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.
How to Apply
- Contact your local council to start an application.
- An occupational therapist or trained assessor may visit your home to recommend the right changes.
- 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.
Need Help Applying?
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.
Don’t Forget
Looking to cut your energy bills? You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options.
People Also Ask
Your local council must make a decision within 6 months of receiving your formal application. If your grant is approved, the payment should be made no later than 12 months after the date of application.
Normally you don’t have to repay a Disabled Facilities Grant. However, if you own your home and receive more than £5,000, your council may ask for repayment (up to £10,000) if you sell or transfer ownership within 10 years of the work being completed
The means test checks your household income and savings to decide how much financial help you can get. If your income is low, you may receive the full grant, but if you earn more, you might be asked to contribute toward the cost of the adaptations.
The maximum Disabled Facilities Grant in England is £30,000. If your home adaptations cost more than this, you’ll need to cover the extra costs through other means, such as a loan, mortgage, or personal savings.
You start by contacting your local council, which will usually arrange an occupational therapist assessment to identify the adaptations needed. The council then decides whether to approve the grant, and if you rent, you’ll also need your landlord’s permission before work can begin.
You can apply if you or someone in your household has a physical disability, sensory impairment, severe learning disability, or another condition that affects daily life. Homeowners, private tenants, social housing tenants, and some caravan or houseboat occupants are eligible. Landlords can also apply on behalf of a disabled tenant.
Yes, you can apply if you live in a caravan or houseboat. The property must be your main residence, and you must intend to live there for the duration of the grant period, typically five years.
No, receiving a Disabled Facilities Grant will not impact your Council Tax or Housing Benefit. The grant is separate and does not count as income for these purposes.
You must intend to live in the property for at least five years after the adaptations are completed. If you plan to move before this period, you may not be eligible for a grant.
Useful Resources:
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
Other Support Available: