Home Improvements - Disability Facility Grants

What is a Disabled Facility Grant?

A disabled facility grant is a grant given by the city council for a range of adaptations and provision of facilities which are needed to help a disabled person to remain living more independently in their own home. If you or someone living in your home is disabled you may qualify.

Who can apply for a grant?

An applicant must either be the owner of the dwelling or be a tenant. This will not necessarily always be the disabled person for whom the works are required.

A landlord may also apply on behalf of a disabled tenant. The applicant will have to sign a certificate stating that the disabled person will live in the property for a period of 5 years from the completion of the works.

What types of work does the Grant cover?

The grant is mandatory for essential adaptations to give better freedom of movement into and around the home and to access essential facilities within it. Where necessary it can also provide the essential facilities themselves. The types of work are:

to make it easier to get into and out of the dwelling, e.g. by installing ramps and widening doors
ensuring the safety of the disabled person and other occupants, e.g. a specially adapted room or improved lighting
to make access easier to the living room
by providing or improving access to the bedroom, kitchen, toilet, washbasin and bath/shower facilities, including the provision of a stairlift or a ground floor bathroom
to improve or provide a heating system in the dwelling which is suitable to the needs of the disabled person
to adapt heating and lighting controls to make them easier to use
to improve access and movement around the dwelling to enable the disabled person to care for another person who lives in the dwelling, such as a child or spouse

How will the Grant be calculated?

The amount of grant will be decided by a means test and the cost of the works needed. The test calculates the disabled person's average weekly income (certain state benefits are ignored). This is then set against an assessment of basic needs, which is recognised by a range of premiums and allowances. This assessment will then determine if the disabled person has a contribution to make.

How is the grant approved and paid?

The city council must give you a decision in writing within six months of receipt of a completed valid application and any additional information we require.
The grant will only be paid when the council are satisfied that the work has been completed to our satisfaction and in accordance with the grant approval. However you are responsible for ensuring that the builder meets the standard you require.
The grant can only be paid on provision of an acceptable invoice.
Where the works are carried out by the applicant, or a relative, only invoices for materials or services that are bought in will be acceptable.

Are there any other options?

If adapting a property is not a suitable option then the council can award a disabled person's relocation grant. This is a grant which enables a disabled person to move to a more suitable dwelling. It is still subject to a means test and the new property must be approved by Private Sector Housing and the occupational therapy service.

What is the next step?

The next step is to contact: The Occupational Therapy Service Sundance House, Staniland Way Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6WR, Telephone 01733 747474. They will arrange for an occupational therapist to visit you and assess your needs. Once this assessment has been made the occupational therapist will put a referral through to Private Sector Housing who will then action a grant enquiry. You will receive notification of your grant enquiry within 5 working days from receipt of your referral.