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Disabled Facilities Grants

Last updated 19 November 2012

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The disabled facilities grant scheme provides financial assistance towards the cost of essential adaptation work to make a house fit for a disabled person.

Disabled Facilities Grants - adaptations for disabled people

The scale of grant aid for adaptations that can be made available is limited by the amount of money the Council has available. The amount varies from year to year.

When is help available?

Social Services will assign an Occupational Therapist to assess the needs of the disabled person. They may recommend adaptations or equipment necessary to help with mobility in and around the home whilst having regard to the needs of the individual and the cost to the Council. The amount of time taken to assess cases depends upon the period over which an assessment needs to be carried out, how Social Services view an individual's priority and the volume of enquiries in your area. The enquiry may also be delayed if there is insufficient funding available.

What types of adaptation are available?

The range of options are many due to the different conditions from which a person may suffer and the varied layouts of the disabled persons home. However, installations might typically include a stair lift, level access shower, ramp, hoist, internal alterations (widening of doors) etc. or a combination of such items.

What if my home also needs renovation?

Unfortunately, the Council's grant policy changed in 2003 and we are unable to accept any new applications for renovation grants. Our resources are only sufficient to deal with the backlog of existing applications. It is possible for some repair works associated with DFG adaptations and equipment to be included in the DFG.

How much can I get?

Disabled Facilities are subject to a 'Test of Resources'. This means that the Council has to look at the level of the income and savings persons involved in the application to calculate the 'means tested' contribution. Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants are subject to an overall limit of £25000.

If you would like to discuss any grant matter in greater detail, including requests for enquiry forms contact your local social services.

POhWER Information and Advice Service  

We offer a range of free, confidential and independent information, advice and advocacy services to help people make choices about their lives, to understand their rights, to be treated as equals and to be heard. The service is available to any one who lives in Waltham Forest.
Some of the issues we can help with are:
  • Benefits
  • Grants
  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Debt
  • Transport
You can visit us at our Information and Advice Centre based at:
 
90 Crownfield Road
Leytonstone
London
E15 2AJ
Telephone: 0208 221 2260
 
Drop-in sessions on Tuesdays 10am-12pm and Thursdays 10am-12pm.
 
We are also at the Customer Services Centre, 137 Hoe Street, London E17 4RT.
We have drop-in sessions there on Mondays from 9.30am-12pm and Thursdays from  1pm-4pm.
 
You can contact us on the following details:
Telephone - 020 8221 2260 
Minicom - 0300 456 2364
Text - send your name and number to 81025
Email - pohwer@pohwer.net
Skype -pohwer.advocacy
Fax - 0300 456 2365
Post: POhWER, 90 Crownfield Road, Leytonstone, London, E15 2BG
 
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Contact details

  • Learning Disabilities Team

    30 Coleridge Road Walthamstow
    London
    E17 6QU
    Phone: 020 8521 0337
    Fax: 020 8521 8511