Stairlift Grants

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

Local Councils have a bill with the name The Disabled Facilities Grant. The council decides the amount and approval of the grant based on the applicant’s circumstances and needs. Under these stairlift grants, a sufficient amount is budgeted to help those who become disabled at any phase of their lives.

What Is The Purpose Of The Disabled Facilities Grants?

The purpose of The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is to help local community members support themselves in their daily life. This is done by supplying equipment which can be crucial for their everyday needs and moving around their home. You can do this by making specific changes to their homes, e.g., the addition of stair lifts and mobility bathrooms.

Amount Of Grant And Minimum Period To Stay In That Property

There are 3 categories of people that can be eligible for a grant.

1. If you are disabled
2. A family member can also apply on someone else behalf by following the same steps but highlighting that they are applying for someone other than themself.
3. Someone else in your home who is paying rent

Receiving income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income support can make you eligible for full funding through the grant.

• £5,000 is the maximum grant for a residential period of 5 years. If you leave your property before the agreed period ends, you must pay back the remaining amount.
• £10,000 is for the maximum period of 10 years (will have to pay back if left before time)

The grant is means-tested, and household savings above a certain threshold may affect the amount of grant you receive.

Dos and Don’ts for Stairlift Grants

Dos:

• Research Eligibility Criteria: Thoroughly research the eligibility criteria for stairlift grants to ensure you meet the necessary qualifications.
• Contact Local Agencies: Contact local government agencies, nonprofits, or charitable organisations to inquire about available stairlift grants and their application processes.
• Provide Accurate Information: When applying for a stairlift grant, provide accurate and complete information about your financial situation, mobility needs, and other relevant details.
• Explore Multiple Grant Options: Look into various grant options, as different organisations may offer assistance. Consider both government and private grants to maximise your chances of receiving support.
• Seek Professional Assistance: If needed, seek assistance from professionals or organisations experienced in grant applications to ensure your application is thorough and well-prepared.
• Follow Application Deadlines: Adhere to any specified application deadlines and submission requirements to increase the likelihood of being considered for a stairlift grant.

Don’ts:

• Assume Ineligibility: Only assume you are ineligible for a stairlift grant if you research the specific criteria. Some grants may cater to various needs and circumstances.
• Provide Incomplete Information: Avoid providing incomplete or inaccurate information on your grant application. Complete transparency is crucial for a fair evaluation of your eligibility.
• Disregard Supporting Documentation: Don’t neglect to include necessary supporting documentation, such as medical records or income statements, as required by the grant application process.
• Ignore Local Resources: Pay attention to local resources and organisations that may provide information or assistance in the grant application process.
• Delay Application Submission: Avoid procrastination. Submit your grant application in a timely manner to meet any deadlines and increase your chances of being considered for assistance.
• Overlook Alternative Funding Options: While pursuing stairlift grants, pay attention to alternative funding options, such as financing or payment plans, in case grant applications are not successful.

When obtaining stairlift grants, thorough research, accurate information, and adherence to application guidelines are essential for a successful outcome.

Prerequisites For A Stairlift Grant Approval

• Your local Council will have to visit your home and tell you in writing if they agree that it needs to be renovated or modified.
• Check your medical diagnosis to see if it fits the needs for other mobility equipment to be added to your home.
• Your Council will also have to agree that they can easily make the required changes in your house to suit your needs, such as adding ramps and handles.
• The need factor is the biggest test you must pass to qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). The need factor is a test that sees if you meet the mobility requirements to get a stairlift.
• Applying for the grant before deciding to make changes to your home is wise. This is because if you are eligible, it can save you a lot of money.
• When making structural alterations in your home, getting planning permission before getting any work done is essential.

Eligibility criteria and available grants may vary depending on your region, such as Northern Ireland, and some schemes specifically support individuals with a terminal illness.

How To Apply For A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

To get grants to get a stairlift, the first thing to do is contact your local council office. The local Council will refer you to either the environmental health department or the housing department.

Once referred to the relevant department, they will provide an application form. You cannot start work on your home without this form being submitted and approved.  

If you face difficulty filling out the form, you can freely take the Home Improvement Agency’s help to do it for you.

What Information Is Required For The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Application Form?

The grant application form is designed to collect your personal and basic information. For example, it starts with your name and your home address.

If you receive pension credit, especially the guarantee credit portion, you may qualify for full or partial coverage of adaptation costs through housing grants.

Then you will be asked to justify the need to make changes to your home and why you need a stairlift. So in this section, you will describe why.

1 – Justification For The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

Explain in a clear way the hurdles you are facing without a stairlift. Explain the impact your disability has on your routine in life. In the end, mention that you need help regarding the stairlift cost.

2 – Your Financial Health And Savings

You will also be asked to provide your financial details in the form—for example, your monthly household income and how much money you have saved.

This information is asked so they can assess whether you are really in need of a grant or not. If your financial condition is deplorable, the government grants will provide you with the total amount.

If you have a steady source of income, you may still be eligible for a lower amount. This will mean that a more significant portion of the stairlift cost will come from you, and the Council will pay the remaining cost beyond your reach.

3 – Saving Limit And Exemption

When buying a stairlift – if you have savings of more than £6,000, the chances of grant approval can be significantly lower. If you are applying for a family member below 19 years old, such savings don’t matter. It would help if you got the grants approved.

4 – Details of House Modification And Expected Cost

You will also be required to state the type of home renovation needed to facilitate yourself or the person in need. You will also be required to estimate the money you may need to materialise those changes in your house.

Collect Quotations From Two Contractors

To support your case about cost estimation and changes, you will usually be required to submit quotations from two different contractors.

Collect A Quotation From A Reputable Supplier

Similarly, you will be required to submit a quote by a reputable stairlift supplier. Arranging this document is relatively easy because all reputable suppliers often offer free home surveys and estimates.

Contact a stairlift company, and they will send their representative to your house.

Contact Your Local Council If You Are Unable To Find A Good Stairlift Supplier

Suppose you are having trouble finding a reputable stairlift supplier to get a stairlift. In that case, you can get the assistance of your local Council as they have all the information about good stairlift vendors. Or look on Review Mobility to find one.

Seek Advice From An Occupational Therapist

To be safe, you should contact an Occupational Therapist to get their advice about the changes you should make in your house.

Suppose you haven’t reached an OT before applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). In that case, you will automatically be sent to the social care department so that an occupational therapist can assess you.

The Occupational Therapist’s opinion is critical when deciding whether you need a stairlift or just some modification to the stairs.

Submit Your Application

Once you have completed your form, you can submit it to your local council office.

After receiving it, a local council official will send an environmental health officer to your home to assess whether you need the grant and how feasible it will modify your house.

In light of the environmental health officer’s recommendations, the local Council will then go ahead and set up the stairlift grant for you.

Free Stair Lift Options

For many people, the cost of a stairlift can be a significant barrier to improving home accessibility. Fortunately, there are options available for those who need financial assistance, including the possibility of obtaining a free stairlift. The Disabled Facilities Grant is one of the most common government grants that can cover the entire cost of a stairlift, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. This means that if your application is successful, you could have a stairlift installed at no cost to you.

In addition to government grants, some registered charities, such as the Edward Gostling Foundation, offer funding for essential home adaptations, including free stairlifts, to individuals with low incomes and long-term disabilities. To find out if you qualify for a free stairlift, start by contacting your local council or a registered charity that specializes in supporting disabled people. They can provide guidance on the application process and help you understand what supporting documentation, such as medical records and proof of income, you will need to submit.

Thorough research is essential to identify all available stairlift grants and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. By gathering the necessary supporting documentation and following the grant application process carefully, you can maximize your chances of receiving a free stairlift and making your home safer and more accessible. Signs you need a stairlift.

Further Financial Assistance

If you require further financial assistance, you should speak to your local authorities to see if there are any other housing grants available to you that could help you out.

The Council must declare that the mobility equipment is essential to be completed. The tenant will only have the option of staying for five years with any maximum payable amount.

You must plan to get more statutory funding for an eligible applicant to get your application processed by the Council as soon as possible.

When Do You Need To Pay The Disabled Facilities Grant Back?

For example, a housing grant of £5000 may not cover the costs of stairlifts. During grant periods of more than £5000, it may be necessary to accept the guarantee to repay the grant. If housing is purchased through a social service registered landlord, these restrictions are voided. Always check the terms with the Council before proceeding.

Who To Speak To About Disabled Facilities Grants?

A disabled person with limited household income may be eligible for a government-funded grant. They should speak to their local authority about the financial aid available to them. This is eligible for those with either physical or mental impairment. The local home improvement agency will get in touch and work with you and a stairlift company if you meet the criteria.