Disabled Facilities Grant
You could get a grant from your council if your child is disabled, and you need to make changes to your home. This guide explains what the grant is , how to apply, how to appeal, and support available.
What is a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)?
A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is available from Local Authorities in England, Wales, and via the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The grant can be applied to help pay for essential housing adaptations to help disabled people stay in their own homes. Your local authority can help improve a building, part of a building, a caravan, or a boat, if the property is your home, or it is available for you to live in as your home.
If you live in Scotland, please scroll to the bottom of the article.
What can I get done?
Below are a few examples of the type of work that you can apply for:
- Widening doors and installing ramps or stairlifts
- Kitchen and bathroom adaptations e.g. walk-in showers
- Extensions (possibly for a downstairs bathroom and/or bedroom)
- Installing a suitable heating system that meets the disabled person’s needs
- Adapting the controls on the heating system or lighting so they are easier to use
Other adaptations may be considered, such as a dropped curb, or a safe play area, but these may only be possible if discretionary funding is available.
How much might I get?
How much you get usually depends on your household income and if you have any savings. You may need to pay towards the cost of the work to the property.
Disabled children (under 18) and Landlords may be able to apply for a grant without their income and savings being considered.
The amount of money that can be granted is:
England = £1,000 to £30,000
Wales = £1,000 to £36,000
Northern Ireland = £1,000 to £35,000
For help knowing if you will need to pay towards the cost of work to a property, there is a means test calculator here.
A Disabled Facilities Grant won’t affect current or future welfare benefit claims.
How do I apply?
You apply for a DFG through your Local Council. To find out which Council you are with click here.
The council may send an occupational therapist or trained assessor to see you. They’ll help assess what changes you need to your home. Once the Council have this information, they must give you a decision within 6 months.
If your child’s condition changes in the future, you may be able to apply for another grant for the same property.
What support is available?
The government funds an organisation called Foundations which can help you with the application process.
Citizen’s Advice is also able to help. Find your nearest Citizen’s Advice here.
I live in Scotland
Disabled Facilities Grants are not available in Scotland, but there is alternative support for equipment and adaptations.
Here are some funding guides for different types of housing:
How to appeal
If you’re unhappy with the Local Authorities’ decision you can appeal to them directly. Ask your local council for their appeals and complaints procedure. If you appeal and you’re still not happy, you can complain to a Local Government Ombudsman:
Click here if you live in England
Click here if you live in Wales
Click here if you live in Northern Ireland
Click here if you live in Scotland
Further information
You can get further information on the Disables Facilities Grants and how to apply on the Gov. UK website or here for NI specifically.
You can get a printed copy of the Government guide here.
The information in this article was correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
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Kathy Gibson, Digital Information Officer
First published: February 2023
Last Reviewed: April 2024
Next review: April 2025
