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Disabled Facilities Grants

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are mandatory for certain works and are available to any person, who is registered or registerable, as disabled, under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Act 1970 and who requires adaptations or alterations to be provided.

Adaptations may be provided, so that disabled people may gain better access to and move around their home freely or to use the essential facilities within the home so that they can manage as independently as possible.

An occupational therapist must assess what is “necessary” and “appropriate” to meet the needs of a disabled person and then provide a referral to the Council.

Discretionary Moving On grants may be available where it is more appropriate for an applicant to move to a more suitable property than adapt their current home. 

All  applicants for DFGs are subject to a means test unless the works are for a disabled child.  No means test is applied where the works are for a child under the age of 19 years.   The test is prescribed by Government and determines the applicant’s contribution towards the cost of the works. It does not take into account out goings such as mortgage payments or loans.

Eligibility - who can apply ?

Any tenant or owner occupier of a house or flat, mobile home or houseboat.  Grants are only offered where a referral is received from an Occupational Therapist.

What type of work is covered ?

Adaptations to enable disabled people to gain better access to and move around their home freely or to use the essential facilities within the home so that they can manage as independently as possible. This includes access to bedroom, kitchen and washing facilities and could be the provision of a level access shower, a stairlift or a ramp to an entrance door.  Moving On grants also cover removal costs, legal fees and stamp duty where applicable.

How much - maximum grant available ?

Maximum grant of £30,000 for mandatory DFGs.  Maximum £10,000 for moving costs and maximum £20,000 for adaptations for a Moving On grant.

How to apply for assistance

If you would benefit from adaptations or alterations in your home, further information can be obtained by contacting Gloucestershire Social Services, Customer Service Contact Centre on 01452 426868 and ask to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist.   If they think you need some adaptations, they will make a referral to us and we will contact you to see if we can offer you a grant .

Payments

Payments can be made to the grant applicant or directly to the contractor, on the completion of works to a satisfactory standard and receipt of a invoice.  Payments will not be made before work is undertaken.

Grant procedure - step by step guide to making grant application

• Following a referral from an Occupational Therapist, an officer from Cotswold District Council will contact you.
• If funding is available, you will be asked about your financial circumstances and whether you are in receipt of a means tested benefit.   If you qualify for grant, an officer will arrange to inspect your property to determine whether the works qualify for assistance and complete an application form.  
• You will be advised what works are eligible and will then need to obtain two comparable quotations from building or specialist contractors.   You may need the assistance of an agent in drawing up a schedule of works and obtaining quotations.  Cotswold Staying Put are able to offer an agency service;  however you may wish to employ an independent agent, architect or surveyor.  The cost of agent’s fees may be included in the grant awarded.