Disabled Facilities - adaptations to the houses of people with disabilities
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 stairlift, 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.
