Disabled facilities grants (DFG)

If you are disabled and need adaptations to your home to allow you to move around more easily, to use essential facilities, or to stay in your own home, you may qualify for financial assistance from the council.

For homeowners, a financial charge will apply if the grant is over £5,000 (up to a maximum of £10,000 ). This charge is only recovered if the property is sold within 10 years.

Non-means tested grants of up to £10,000 are also available to provide essential adaptations to your home. The full cost of these works will be subject to a land charge which is only repayable on the sale or disposal of the property. If you rent your home, your Landlord must be agreeable to the land charge.

A grant could cover……

• Widening doors, installing ramps or lowering thresholds to make it easier to get into and out of your home.
• Installation of a stairlift, handrails etc to make access easier.
• Provision of adapted bathrooms or kitchens.
• Improvements to the heating system of your home.

To find out if you are eligible the first step is to complete the online enquiry form. The information you provide will enable us to determine whether an Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor; the Trusted Assessor can assess for non-complex works such as fitting of grab rails, stair lifts, ramps and level access showers, will visit you at home to make an assessment of your requirements.

If the Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor thinks a Disabled Facilities Grant is appropriate they will pass your details on to Millbrook Healthcare.

The council will determine if the works are necessary and appropriate and eligible under current legislation.

What does Millbrook Healthcare: Promoting Independent Living Service do?

Millbrook Healthcare will draw up technical specifications, find estimates and help you complete and submit your application for the grant. Once your grant is agreed by us, Millbrook Healthcare will also supervise the work on your behalf.

Who can apply?

• Owner-occupiers.
• Private tenants.
• A landlord with a disabled tenant.
• A Housing Association tenant.

Please note: 
Landlord’s permission must be granted before any work can start.

You must not start any works before we have approved your application.

Disabled Facilities Grants are subject to a test of resources unless the application relates to a child. The calculated figure is then used to determine whether you need to make a financial contribution towards the cost of the work.

If you claim certain benefits you may be eligible for a full grant.

Home owner and private tenant enquiries

Jayne Brennan, Disabled Facilities Grant Project Officer
01562 732527

Community Housing Group tenant enquiries

Angela Fox, Minor Equipment and Adaptations Officer
01562 733144

Occupational Therapy teams

Forest Team -  01562 514639

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