Disabled Facilities Grants for homeowners

Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for a DFG if you’re:

• An owner, tenant, or landlord applying on behalf of a tenant.
• A disabled person intending to live in the property for at least five years (or a shorter period based on health circumstances)

To qualify, an assessment must be completed by a suitable trained professional, such as an Occupational Therapist (OT) or in certain circumstances a Trusted Assessor (TA). They will work with you to identify the most suitable solutions for your needs.

Note: Landlord’s permission must be secured before any works can start.

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

To find out if you are eligible and can apply for a DFG, the first step is to contact the Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service.

The information you provide will enable them to determine whether an OT or Trusted Assessor assessment is needed to assess your requirements.

They will also explain each stage of the DFG process.

What is the Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service?

Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service (HAS) is the new provider of home adaptation grants including DFGs across Worcestershire. This shared service is provided through a partnership between all six district councils in Worcestershire.

For more information visit Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service website

HAS is here to help residents who are finding it harder to move around their home. This could include using the bathroom or kitchen or managing stairs and steps. The HAS team will work with you, acting as your agent, to arrange the changes you need to stay safe and independent at home.

The service works on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council to oversee the DFG application process and will assist you in the entire journey from application through to completion of the adaptation works.

How Can Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service Support You?

Grants are available to help people stay safe, independent and confident in their home. The HAS team will give clear advice and guide you through the whole process of adapting your home including applying for a DFG as well as talking to you about any additional services that might be available to you. They can help with:

• Applying for a DFG
• Getting quotes and managing contractors
• Handling planning and building control applications
• Communicating with your council to get grant approvals and payments
• Checking that all work meets the right standards

How To Contact Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service?

You can contact the Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service by phone or email.

Phone: 01562 732737

Email:enquiries@whas.org.uk

Maximum Grant Amount

In England, you could receive up to £30,000, including any ancillary costs like legal, planning or agency fees.

Means Test

The grant amount depends on your household income and savings over £6,000. Only the income and savings of the disabled person and their spouse or partner are considered. Calculated figures will be used to determine whether you will need to make a financial contribution towards the cost of the works.

You won’t have to contribute towards the cost if you receive certain means-tested benefits, such as:

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Guarantee Pension Credit
• And others

Note: Disabled children and young people under 19 are not means-tested.

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, transferred or disposed of within 10 years.

Here are some examples of adaptations that might be funded:

• Widening doorways
• Installing ramps
• Adding stairlifts
• Installing level-access showers or wet rooms
• Building a downstairs bedroom or bathroom
• Improved heating and lighting
• Installing wheelchair accessible kitchens
• Installing through floor lifts

We will carefully consider whether the proposed works are both necessary to meet your specific needs and appropriate for your home.

This ensures that the adaptations provide a practical, cost-effective solution to help you live more safely and independently. We will determine if the works are necessary, appropriate and eligible under the current legislation.

The timelines vary depending on the complexity and urgency of the adaptations. Urgent cases are prioritised.

The assessment, approval, and construction stages each have their own timelines.

The HAS will usually appoint contractors to ensure quality and compliance.

If you don’t quality, you may need to find the adaptation work yourself.

Other discretionary grants or assistance may be available. See our Housing Assistance Policy for more information.

It is possible as some adaptations require planning permission or building regulations approval.

The HAS team will be able to help navigate this process if needed.

AdaptMyHome.org.uk: Self-assessment tools and general information about DFGs and home adaptations.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): Adapting Your Home

Motor Neurone Disease Association

 Age UK – Adapting Your Home