Disabled Facilities Grants – how to apply :Cross Stitch – Disabled people
A Disabled Facilities Grant helps towards the cost of adapting your home to enable you to continue to live there. You get them from your local council. Find out how to apply and get planning permission and how to appeal if your application is unsuccessful.
Applicants for a Disabled Facilities Grant need to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist (OT). This is so the local authority can make a decision about whether you’re eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. If the OT recommends an adaptation then a recommendation will be passed to the local authority. The local authority will then consider whether you meet the criteria for a disabled facilities grant.
You can also contact the housing or environmental health department of your local council and ask them to send you an application form.
You must apply for a grant before you start any work. You won’t normally get any grant if you start work before the council approves the application.
The local council must notify you of the result of your application, in writing, within six months of the date of application.
As with any building works, you’ll need to apply separately for any required planning permission or building regulations approval.
It is important to ensure that the work gets done properly. For major work, the council may ask you to employ a qualified architect or surveyor to plan and oversee the work. If you get a grant, you can use it towards the cost of their fees.
Your local council has no responsibility for the standard of work carried out by a builder. If there are any problems with the standard of work, you will have to deal with them yourself. There are tips about finding a good builder, plumber etc. in the home and community section of this website.
The grant is sometimes paid in instalments, and sometimes in full on completion of the work. The council may pay the contractor directly, or give you a cheque to pass on. They will agree this with you at the outset.
Payments are made:
- when the council is satisfied that the work (or phase of work) has been completed to their satisfaction and in accordance with the grant approval
- on presentation of an acceptable invoice, demand or receipt for payment of works
If the work was carried out by the applicant or a relative, only invoices for materials or services bought are acceptable.
If you are refused a Disabled Facilities Grant, or are unhappy with the amount you have been awarded, you can appeal against the decision. Ask your local council for their appeals and complaints procedure.
If, after having appealed to the council, you are still not happy with the outcome, you may register your complaint with the Local Government Ombudsman.
To make or enquire about an application, please contact your local council.