Who can get a Disabled Facilities Grant? Eligibility
A number of criteria must be met; key ones include:What is a Disabled Facilities Grant?
A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a government-funded grant to help disabled people make adaptations to their homes so that they can live independently, safely, and with dignity. For example, adaptations might include installing ramps, stairlifts, converting bathrooms to wet rooms, widening doors, or improving access into and around a property.
The grant is mandatory, meaning if you meet the criteria, your council has a duty to provide it. Some councils also offer additional discretionary assistance above the mandatory minimum.
• Disability requirement: You, or someone living with you, must be disabled. This includes physical disabilities, age-related impairments, learning or cognitive disabilities, progressive or terminal conditions, etc.
• Property status: The applicant must be an owner, tenant (private or social), or landlord with a disabled tenant. Some non-traditional housing like houseboats or caravans may qualify.
• Intention to remain in the property: The disabled person must intend to live in the property for a certain period (usually at least five years). In some cases this period can be shorter (e.g. terminal illness).
• Work must be necessary, appropriate, and reasonable: The council (often via an occupational therapist or assessor) must be satisfied that the proposed adaptations are needed, suitable, and can be done given the property’s condition and age.
• Means test: For many applicants, there is a means test (i.e. income, savings over a threshold, etc.). But there are exceptions: children under 18, and landlords applying for disabled tenants sometimes are exempt from means testing.
How much can you get?
Here are the typical maximum amounts by part of the UK:
UK Region
Maximum Grant per Application*
England
Up to £30,000
Wales
Up to £36,000
Northern Ireland
Up to £25,000
Scotland
DFGs are not available in the same way; there are other similar supports and adaptations schemes.
*Some councils may offer more in certain cases, or have discretionary top-ups.
You may need to contribute towards the cost, depending on your income and savings. If you have savings over a certain level (often £6,000), or your household income is above thresholds, you might have some financial contribution.
What kinds of work/adaptations are covered?
Some examples of the types of adaptations that DFGs can cover:
• Widening doors; installing ramps or handrails
• Installing stairlifts or through-floor lifts; providing level access showers or wet rooms; adapting or installing bathrooms/washrooms
• Improving access to and from the garden; external ramps; making outside steps safer
• Building extensions, e.g. downstairs bedroom or bathroom, where needed and feasible
• Adjusting lighting or heating controls to make them easier to use
How to apply
Here’s the typical process:
1. Contact your local council: The application is made through your local housing or social services department.
2. Assessment: In most cases an occupational therapist or trained assessor will visit to assess what adaptations are needed and whether they are appropriate.
3. Submit an application: This includes details of the work, quotes, cost estimates. You might also need plans, permissions (e.g. building regs, planning permission) depending on what work is proposed.
4. Decision: The council aims to decide within six months after a complete application.
5. Carrying out the works: Once approved, you can have the work done. Note: you should not start the adaptation work before the council has approved the grant; doing so can invalidate your application.
6. Payment: Depending on the situation, the council may pay the contractor directly, or reimburse you once work is done, or make staged payments. You’ll typically need to provide receipts/invoices.
Recent developments & policy changes
• The government has consulted (in 2025) on changing how DFG funding is allocated to local authorities in England. The aim is to make sure funding better matches local demand.
• Funding for DFG and related home adaptations remains substantial: in the 2025-2026 period, £711 million is earmarked for Disabled Facilities Grants through the Better Care Fund.
• Additional £50 million was provided (in 2023) to local authorities to help speed up home adaptations for older and disabled people. This can help reduce waiting times or delays in getting adaptations done.
• Some councils have enhanced their local policies — for example, increasing discretionary grant limits, streamlining the process, or offering grants without means testing in certain cases. Harlow Council is one example: increasing maximum discretionary awards and removing the means test for some applicants.
Pros and Cons / Challenges
What’s good:
• Keeps people safe at home, helps with everyday tasks and mobility.
• Helps people stay independent, can reduce hospital or care home admissions.
• Can make a huge difference for quality of life.
Common issues / downsides:
• Waiting times: The assessment process, obtaining necessary permissions, or delays in sourcing contractors can mean long waits.
• Upfront costs: Some parts (e.g. design, surveyor/architect fees) might need paying upfront before reimbursement; not all costs may be covered.
• Limited budgets locally: Even though central government allocates funds, local council capacity (staff, OT assessors) and priorities vary, meaning experiences differ.
• Means test thresholds: For adults, higher income or savings over thresholds can reduce or limit entitlement.
• Scope limitations: Not all desired adaptations may be deemed “reasonable” or “practicable” by the council.
Tips for applicants
• Get advice early: Involve occupational therapists, surveyors or experienced professionals early to ensure your proposed adaptations are feasible.
• Don’t start work early: Only begin work once the council has approved the grant to avoid losing the grant.
• Collect accurate quotes: Try to get multiple quotes; ensure they are detailed and include materials, fees, etc.
• Check permissions: If your adaptations need building regulation or planning permission, apply in good time.
• Keep all paperwork: Invoices, receipts, correspondence with council and contractors. These will be important for payments and any appeals.
• Explore discretionary/local options: Some councils offer more generous terms for certain applicants, or wider eligibility via local policy.
Case study / Example
Hastings Council
Between October-December 2024, Hastings approved 30 DFGs worth nearly £350,000 for 42 adaptations. Some adaptations were major (extensions, downstairs bedrooms, bathrooms) and included a mix of properties (owner-occupied, private landlords, housing association properties).
FAQs
• Does getting a DFG affect my benefits?
No – getting a Disabled Facilities Grant does not affect benefits you receive.
• What if I only have a small need — e.g. grab rails or minor adaptions?
Minor aids (like basic grab rails, smaller handrails) might be provided via social services or other provision; sometimes DFG covers these too if they form part of a larger adaptation. It depends on local policy.
• What happens if I move house or sell the property?
The grant usually carries with it a “certificate of future occupation” requirement, meaning the disabled person must live in the property for a certain period (often five years). If you move earlier, there may be implications, depending on council policy.
• Can landlords apply for DFGs?
Yes — if they have a disabled tenant and the adaptations are needed for that tenant, landlords can apply. In many cases they are exempt from means testing.