Disabled facilities grants (DFGs) are provided to help disabled people to live more independently in their own homes, where small adaptations, home improvements or equipment are not sufficient.
The range of home adaptations can include:
- converting bathrooms into shower rooms
- adapting toilet facilities
- installing stairlifts
- building ramps and widening doors
- adapting kitchens for wheelchair users
Who can apply
Disabled people who own their own home, rent privately or live in social housing (some council tenants may be managed through a separate process). People who have a disabled adult or child living with them can also apply.
How to apply
Contact Care Direct on 0345 1551 007 or Children and Family Health Devon on 0330 024 5321 in the first instance. They will take some information from you and refer you to an occupational therapist (OT) who will contact you and arrange an assessment.
What happens next
The OT will talk to you and your family or carer (if appropriate), about any difficulties you might have around your home, for example, being able to use essential facilities such as the toilet, keeping yourself clean, or getting to your bedroom.
They will first look at alternatives such as the provision of equipment or maybe discuss with you how you might do things differently. It may be that alternative accommodation should be considered. If those solutions will not meet your needs they will discuss what adaptation(s) might help you overcome your difficulties.
If the OT decides that an adaptation is the best solution for you they will agree appropriate recommendations with you which they will send to you and ask you to sign and return it to your local (district, city or borough) council. Your local council will contact you and will advise you how to progress your application.
Please see our neighbouring authorities page for details of the district, city and borough councils in Devon.
How much could you get
The maximum grant is £30,000 but the amount of grant you can get will depend on your income, savings and investments and is decided through a national test of financial resources. This information will be used to determine how much you are required to pay towards the cost of the adaptations. If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may not have to make any contribution.
Disabled Facilities Grants for a disabled child are not subject to this test of financial resources.
Where the costs of the work exceeds this or you have a contribution that you feel you cannot afford then you may be able to get further help from your district housing authority or Devon County Council. Any assistance will be subject to a further test of financial resources, including the parents of disabled children.
Important information to note
All applicants should be aware that:
- you must not start any work until you have received formal approval from your local council
- it must be your intention to remain living in your home for the next five years
- in certain circumstances, the grants may have to be paid back if the property is sold within 10 years of the works being completed
- you may need building regulation approval and/or planning permission for some adaptations
More information
You will be responsible for the work that is carried out on your home. Your local council will advise and assist you with this.
Any mechanical equipment that is installed, for example, a stairlift, will come with a minimum one year warranty. You will be responsible for servicing and maintenance of the equipment after this time.
If you need to use an architect or surveyor for drawings, you can choose whoever you want for this but you must take responsibility for the costs of the plans.
Reasonable fees can be included as part of the total cost of the work, but will only be paid if a grant is approved, and the works proceed. You are advised to discuss this with your local council before appointing an architect or surveyor.
If you need help with completing application forms you may use an agent to help you. Reasonable costs for this can be included in the grant costs. You will need to discuss this with your local council before appointing an agent.