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How to apply

Applicants for a Disabled Facilities Grant need to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist (OT). This is so the local authority can make a decision about whether you're eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. If the OT recommends an adaptation then a recommendation will be passed to the local authority. The local authority will then consider whether you meet the criteria for a disabled facilities grant.

You can also contact the housing or environmental health department of your local council and ask them to send you an application form.

You must apply for a grant before you start any work. You won't normally get any grant if you start work before the council approves the application.

The local council must notify you of the result of your application, in writing, within six months of the date of application.

Applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant

The decision to award a Disabled Facilities Grant is made by your local council. The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local council website.

• Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local council Opens new window

Planning and building regulations approval

As with any building works, you'll need to apply separately for any required planning permission or building regulations approval.

It is important to ensure that the work gets done properly. For major work, the council may ask you to employ a qualified architect or surveyor to plan and oversee the work. If you get a grant, you can use it towards the cost of their fees.

Your local council has no responsibility for the standard of work carried out by a builder. If there are any problems with the standard of work, you will have to deal with them yourself. There are tips about finding a good builder, plumber etc. in the home and community section of this website.

• Repairs, planning and building regulations (home and community section)

How is the grant paid?

The grant is sometimes paid in instalments, and sometimes in full on completion of the work. The council may pay the contractor directly, or give you a cheque to pass on. They will agree this with you at the outset.

Payments are made:

If the work was carried out by the applicant or a relative, only invoices for materials or services bought are acceptable.

How to appeal

If you are refused a Disabled Facilities Grant, or are unhappy with the amount you have been awarded, you can appeal against the decision. Ask your local council for their appeals and complaints procedure.

If, after having appealed to the council, you are still not happy with the outcome, you may register your complaint with the Local Government Ombudsman.

• Local Government Ombudsman Opens new window

General enquiries

To make or enquire about an application, please contact your local council.

• Local councils

For general policy enquiries about Disabled Facilities Grants you can contact the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Telephone: 0303 444 0000

Email: disabled.facilitiesgrants@communities.gsi.gov.uk

You can also find out more about Disabled Facilities Grants on the DCLG website.

• Disabled Facilities Grant - Department for Communities and Local Government website Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Independent living and equipment contacts