Discretionary disabled adaptations loan

What is a discretionary disabled adaptations loan?

This loan can help with disabled adaptations which exceed the grant limit of the disabled facilities grant. This loan will not be available to fund schemes not specified by an Occupational Therapist that have been put forward by clients. 

Maximum Loan Amount £30,000. The amount available is by way of an interest free loan to cover the full cost of eligible work. 

Who can apply?

You can apply for loan assistance to

• top up a Disabled Facilities Grant where the cost of the work exceeds £30,000 and/or
• carry out building work which will improve the welfare, needs or employment opportunities of the disabled person
• help provide the assessed contribution in cases of serious hardship where the applicant is unable to fund their contribution

Eligible applicants

The applicant must be the freehold or leasehold owner of the property and be:

• over 18 years old and living at the property as their main residence and/or
• disabled, or have a member of the family living with them who is disabled

In relation to cases involving the welfare, needs and employment opportunities of a disabled person, the applicant must also be on low income.  A means test will be undertaken to confirm that the applicant is on a low income by assessing their income and savings. 

You will not be eligible for the loan if you are assessed as needing to contribute more than £3,000. 

How to apply

To make an enquiry or to start the loan 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.