Disabled facilities grant

What is the disabled facilities grant?

We provide this means-tested grant to make adaptations to your home that can help you to live more independently.

The maximum grant amount £30,000.

The grant is subject to a means test which will look at the income, capital and savings of the disabled person and their spouse or partner. The applicant’s assessed financial contribution (if any) will be deducted from the approved grant. Where the application is for a disabled child or young person under the age of 19 there is no financial means test. 

Who can apply?

You can apply for this grant if you:

• own your own home
• rent privately
• are a landlord applying on behalf of a disabled tenant

This grant can fund:

• widening doors and installing ramps, providing or improving access to rooms and facilities; for example, by installing a stair lift or providing a downstairs bathroom
• improving or providing a heating system suitable to the needs of the disabled person, adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
• improving access to and movement around the home, to enable the disabled person to care for themselves or another person who lives in the property, such as a spouse, child or other person for whom the disabled person cares
• improving access to and from the garden where feasible
• facilitating the preparation and cooking of food by the disabled person
• assistive technology to maintain or improve an individual's functioning and independence, where this is recommended by an Occupational Therapist (OT) or other health professional

The proposed works must be necessary and appropriate to meet the disabled person’s needs. Where the Council is not satisfied of this, an application for DFG may be refused. 

How to apply

To make an enquiry or to start the grant application process email: grantsandloans@lewisham.gov.uk or call our Private Sector Housing Agency on 020 8314 6622.

To find out if a disabled person is eligible for a visit and assessment by an Occupational Therapist, contact the Community Occupational Therapy service direct on telephone 020 8314 7777.

Before the Council can decide whether to approve or refuse a housing assistance application, the applicant must submit a valid application. A valid application will consist of completing and submitting the following documents:

• an application form
• an owner-occupation certificate or tenants certificate
• proof of ownership from the owner or landlord
• proof of earnings or benefits
• if the applicant is a tenant, written confirmation from the owner that they agree to the work being carried out
• two quotations from legitimate building contractors
• details of any professional fees and/or other ancillary charges

If the applicant has a long term serious illness, the Council may require a medical report from the applicant’s GP or consultant. Where necessary, the applicant may be required to submit further supporting documentation or information to help the Council reach a decision. 

How the grant is calculated

A disabled facilities grant is means tested, which means that some people may have to pay a contribution towards their grant. An officer from the council will contact you for an assessment. If you are receiving income-based benefits you will qualify for the grant. The council officer will also inform you of any contribution that needs to be made. There is no means testing for families of disabled children under the age of 19.

Repayment of the Disabled Facilities Grant:

• below £5,000 – the applicant does not need to repay the grant
• between £5,000 and £15,000 – repay the grant value minus £5,000
• between £15,000 and 30,000 – repay a maximum of £10,000
• over £30,000 – if eligible works and fees cost more than this amount, the applicant will need to make up the difference or apply for DDAL from the Council.

For full information on the grant and conditions, please read the full Housing Assistance Policy.