Tips for applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant
People with limited mobility may have to adapt their home to support their mobility, and this can be life-changing, as it means they can stay in their family home. Whether it is installing a stairlift, widening doorways, or adding accessible bathroom features, numerous adaptations can be made.
The cost of these essential alterations can be a barrier for many, but that is where financial support like the Disabled Facilities Grant can help. This grant is available across the UK, and it can help eligible individuals fund vital home adaptations that promote independence and safety.
This guide shares some tips for applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant, from the initial assessment to final approval. If you are applying for the grant yourself or you are supporting a loved one, understanding the process can make all the difference.
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Step one: Contact your local council for an assessment
The first step when it comes to applying for the Disabled Facilities Grant for a stairlift or another home modification is to arrange a care needs assessment from your local council.
Your local council will send a social care professional or an occupational therapist to find out how you are managing everyday tasks and assess your mobility needs. An occupational therapist will advise you on the support you need and help identify the necessary equipment and home adaptations to make things easier for you.
During the assessment, you will be asked a variety of questions, and you must be honest and specific about the challenges that you face. If you struggle to walk up and down your stairs or you fall frequently, you should mention this as the occupational therapist’s report is a vital part of the grant application process.
You can get these assessments free of charge, and you are entitled to one regardless of your income and savings.
To kick off the application process, you can visit the Gov.uk website and contact your local council.
Step two: Prepare your documentation and financial details
Before applying for the grant, you will need to provide documentation to support your application. This will be assessed, and it will help prevent delays in processing the grant. The key documents you need are:
- Proof of identity: Either a valid passport, a driving licence or a national ID card.
- Proof of residency: Utility bills, council tax statements, or tenancy agreements.
- Proof of income: Recent payslips, pension statements, or benefit award letters.
- Savings and assets: Bank statements or financial summaries showing your current savings.
- Proof of disability: You may be asked to provide medical evidence of your disability or confirmation that you are receiving certain disability-related benefits.
You may also need to provide a detailed adaptation plan that outlines the proposed changes and includes quotes from qualified contractors who are carrying out the work in your home. These documents will be assessed by the local authority to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the proposed modifications.
All the documents you provide will need to be accurate, up-to-date, and complete. If information is missing or incorrect, it can lead to delays or even the application being rejected.
A financial assessment will be conducted to determine the amount you may need to contribute toward the adaptation costs. Depending on the outcome, you may be required to pay a portion of the costs or qualify for full funding.
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Step three: Submit your application and receive your quotes
Once you have organised all the aforementioned documentation, you are then ready to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
You need to start by filling out the application form that is provided by your local authority. You need to ensure that all the information is accurate and that it does not miss any details that could delay the process. This includes sending all the supporting documentation from step two with your application.
To strengthen your application, it's recommended to obtain at least two quotes from registered contractors. These quotes should reflect the scope of the work that is required and that it aligns with your adaptation plans. If you are applying for stairlifts, for example, you can contact us, and our trusted professionals will be able to provide quotes for your grant.
Depending on the nature of the adaptation you are making to your home, you might need to get planning permission. However, your contractor or local authority can advise you on whether this is required for your project.
Local authorities may need to conduct assessments or request additional information, which can extend the process.
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Step four: What happens after approval
Once your application for the grant gets approved, the next phase begins. If you are receiving the funding to install a stairlift, here are the following steps:
- Stairlift installation: Once a stairlift engineer has come to your home to assess the type of stairlift you need, they will carry out the installation. You can monitor the installation to ensure that it is being carried out in full compliance with the requirements of the grant.
- Keep in contact with the council: Throughout the installation process, you should keep in regular contact with your local council. Some councils may ask you for updates or conduct inspections to ensure that the work aligns with the approved plans.
- It meets Occupational Therapists' recommendations: The stairlift that has been installed should meet the recommendations that were highlighted in the occupational therapist’s report.
- Quality and safety assurance: A stairlift that has been provided through grant funding must meet rigorous standards for safety, reliability, and comfort.
What should you do if your application is rejected?
If your application for a Disabled Facilities Grant is rejected, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. You can either appeal or submit another application that is improved.
If you want to appeal the original decision, you need to understand the appeal process. Your local council will have information on this, including the time limits for submitting an appeal and the steps you need to go through.
If you choose to reapply for the grant, you may want to update your occupational therapist’s assessment or get new quotes that reflect your needs. By strengthening your reapplication, you can make a difference in the outcome.
You can seek support and advice from local charities and advocacy groups, and they may be able to help you understand your options and assist you in filling out the application form.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Disabled Facilities Grant
What is a Disabled Facilities Grant, and who qualifies?
A Disabled Facilities Grant is a government-funded grant that is designed to help cover the cost of essential home adaptations for people living with a disability. The grant can go towards helping to fund the installation of stairlifts, ramps, or accessible bathrooms. The criteria to qualify for the grant are:
- You or someone living in the property must be disabled.
- The disabled person must intend to live in the property during the grant period (usually 5 years).
- The person applying must be the owner, tenant, or landlord of the property.
- The local council must agree that the proposed work is necessary, meets the needs of the person with limited mobility and is feasible considering the property’s age and condition.
How to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
You can apply for the grant through the Gov.uk website and contact your local council. As described in this guide, you can then get an assessment of your needs and apply for the grant.
Do you have to pay back a disabled facilities grant?
If the grant amount is £5,000 or less, you won’t be asked to repay anything, regardless of future changes. You may be asked to repay part of the grant if you sell or transfer ownership of your home within 10 years.
Can I use a Disabled Facilities Grant to fund a stairlift installation?
Yes, you can use a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to fund the installation of a stairlift in the UK. No work should be undertaken until the grant has been approved.
Applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant
There are several steps involved in applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant, and these range from the initial assessment and gathering specific documentation to submitting the application and implementing the work after approval.
Whether you need to install a curved stairlift or a straight stairlift in your home, we will have a model that best fits your mobility needs. Enquire today and speak to one of our experts.
