The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a UK government grant designed to help people with disabilities make essential changes to their home. These adaptations can make daily life safer, easier, and more independent including changes that improve access between floors.
This page explains what the Disabled Facilities Grant is, who can apply, what it covers, and how it works in practice.
Key Takeaways
- The Disabled Facilities Grant helps fund essential home adaptations
- It’s provided by local councils in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Grants can help pay for accessibility improvements
- Eligibility depends on needs, not just income
- The application process involves an assessment
The Short Answer: What Is the Disabled Facilities Grant?
The Disabled Facilities Grant is financial support from your local council to help adapt your home so you can live safely and independently if you have a disability or long-term health condition.
The grant is means-tested in many cases and is intended for necessary adaptations, not general home improvements.
Who Can Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
You may be eligible if:
- You have a disability or long-term condition
- You or a family member live in the property
- The adaptation is necessary and appropriate
- The property is suitable for adaptation
Applications can be made by:
- Homeowners
- Private tenants
- Housing association tenants
- Parents or carers applying on behalf of a child
What Can the Disabled Facilities Grant Be Used For?
The grant can help pay for adaptations such as:
- Improving access into and around the home
- Installing ramps or widening doorways
- Adapting bathrooms or toilets
- Improving lighting or controls
- Making stairs safer or easier to use
The focus is on essential changes that support daily living.
Can the Disabled Facilities Grant Be Used for Stairlifts?
In some cases, yes. A stairlift may be considered if:
- Access between floors is essential
- Other solutions aren’t suitable
- An assessment confirms it meets your needs
However, approval depends on:
- Professional recommendations
- Local council policies
- Whether the stairlift is considered the most appropriate solution
How Much Is the Disabled Facilities Grant?
The maximum amount depends on where you live:
- England: Up to £30,000
- Wales: Up to £36,000
- Northern Ireland: Up to £25,000
The amount awarded depends on:
- The cost of the work
- Your financial circumstances
- The council’s assessment
Is the Disabled Facilities Grant Means-Tested?
- For adults, the grant is usually means-tested
- For children under 18, it is not means-tested
This means your income and savings may affect how much funding you receive.
How Do You Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
The process usually involves:
1. Contacting Your Local Council
You can apply directly or request information about the process.
2. Assessment of Needs
An occupational therapist or assessor may visit to:
- Understand your daily challenges
- Recommend suitable adaptations
3. Financial Assessment
If required, the council will assess income and savings.
4. Approval and Work
If approved:
- The council confirms the grant amount
- Work can be arranged or approved
Timelines vary by council.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The process can take:
- Several weeks to months
This depends on:
- Assessment availability
- Complexity of adaptations
- Local council workloads
Planning ahead is important.
Do You Have to Pay the Grant Back?
In some cases:
- Grants may need to be repaid if the property is sold within a certain period
Your council will explain this clearly before approval.
What If You’re Not Eligible?
If you’re not eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant:
- Councils may suggest alternative funding
- Other support or assistance may be available
- You can still explore private options
It’s worth asking about all available support.
Important Things to Know
- You usually should not start work before approval
- Always get written confirmation
- Keep copies of all assessments and decisions
Starting work early can affect eligibility.
Get Clear Guidance from Stairlift Guru
At Stairlift Guru, we aim to explain funding options like the Disabled Facilities Grant clearly, so you understand what help may be available and how to explore it.
Thinking About Home Adaptations?
If you’re considering changes to improve accessibility and want to understand funding options, getting clear advice is the best first step.
We’re here to help with no pressure and no obligation.
