Disabled Facilities Grant
Up to £30,000 for Home Adaptations

What Is the Disabled Facilities Grant?

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a mandatory grant funded by local councils to pay for adaptations that help disabled people live more safely and independently in their homes. It is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a separate scheme in Scotland.

The DFG is mandatory - local authorities are legally required to consider all applications and must approve funding where the adaptation is considered necessary and appropriate by an occupational therapist. This distinguishes the DFG from many other grant schemes that are discretionary.

In England the maximum grant is £30,000. In Wales it is £36,000. There is no maximum in Northern Ireland. Where adaptations cost more than the maximum, local authorities and some charities may provide top-up funding.

Who Qualifies?

The DFG is available to:

• Disabled homeowners or their disabled family members
• Disabled private sector tenants (with landlord agreement)
• Disabled housing association or council tenants (separate route)
• People with a disability that is expected to last more than 12 months
• People whose disability substantially affects their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities

The adaptations must be assessed as necessary and appropriate by an occupational therapist (OT) or qualified healthcare professional. For tenants, the landlord's written consent is required before work can proceed.

What Adaptations Does the DFG Cover?

The DFG can fund a wide range of adaptations, provided they are assessed as necessary by an OT. Common works include:

• Level-access wet rooms and shower installations - replacing baths or stepped showers with walk-in or roll-in shower areas
• Stairlift installation - straight or curved stairlifts for upper-floor bedrooms
• Widening doors - to allow wheelchair or mobility aid access throughout the property
• Ramps and level-access entrances - replacing steps at the front door or rear garden access
• Bedroom relocation - converting a ground-floor room to provide accessible sleeping and bathroom facilities
• Specialist kitchen adaptations - lowered worktops, pull-out shelving, lever taps
• Specialist heating and lighting controls - for people unable to use standard switches or thermostats
• Home extensions - where no suitable room exists on the ground floor and an extension is the most practical solution

The DFG does not cover general home improvements or adaptations that are assessed as a want rather than a need - the OT assessment determines what qualifies.

The Means Test

Adult DFG applications are means-tested. The council looks at the income and savings of the disabled person and their partner. If the means test determines you can afford to contribute toward the cost, the grant is reduced accordingly.

The means test calculation considers:

• Gross income from all sources (earnings, pensions, benefits)
• Allowances for dependants, outgoings and loan repayments
• Capital savings above a set threshold

Many households on lower incomes and in receipt of means-tested benefits will pass the means test with no required contribution. The local authority housing team can advise on the likely outcome before a formal application is submitted.

How to Apply

1. Contact your local council's housing team or Home Improvement Agency (HIA). HIAs are specialist organisations that help people apply for DFG funding and can manage the whole process on your behalf.
2. An occupational therapist assessment is arranged. This may be done by the council's own OT team or by an independent OT. The OT specifies which adaptations are necessary and appropriate for your needs.
3. The council processes the means test (for adults) and confirms the grant amount available.
4. Quotes are obtained from approved contractors. You may be able to nominate your own contractor, subject to council approval.
5. Grant is approved and works begin. The council must make a decision within 6 months of a completed application. Works are typically completed within a further agreed timescale.

If your need is urgent - for example, you are returning home from hospital or your safety is at risk - tell the council immediately. Most authorities have a fast-track or emergency route for critical cases.

Apply via your local council →