Sunrise Care Advisers – Helping you navigate through the care system

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a government grant available in England to help people with disabilities make essential adaptations to their homes, enabling them to live safely and independently.

Before proceeding with any home improvement project, it’s advisable to consult with professionals and your local authorities to ensure eligibility and compliance with grant conditions.

In England, individuals with disabilities can access various grants and financial support to assist with daily living, home adaptations, education, and more. Here’s an overview of key programs and resources.

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

The DFG can cover a variety of home adaptations, including:
✔ Widening doors and installing ramps for easier access.
✔ Improving access to rooms and facilities, such as installing stairlifts or creating a downstairs bathroom.
✔ Adapting heating or lighting controls to make them more accessible.
✔ Installing accessible showers, baths, or toilets.
✔ Providing suitable heating systems.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for a DFG, you must:

  • Have a disability that requires home adaptations to improve safety or independence.
  • Be the homeowner, tenant, or landlord applying on behalf of a disabled occupant.
  • Have an assessment from an occupational therapist confirming the necessity of the adaptation.

How Much Can You Get?

  • Up to £30,000 in England (amounts vary in Wales and Northern Ireland).
  • The grant is means-tested for adults, meaning your income and savings may affect the amount you receive.
  • For children under 18, the grant is not means-tested.

How to Apply?

  • Contact your local council – Applications are managed by local authorities.
  • Get an assessment – Usually, an occupational therapist will assess your needs.
  • Complete the application – Provide necessary documents, including cost estimates.
  • Wait for approval – Councils must decide within 6 months of receiving a completed application.

For application procedures and more details, visit the Disabled Facilities Grant page.

Additional Support

  • If the grant doesn’t cover the full cost, other financial help might be available through charities or local support schemes.
  • Some councils offer discretionary top-up funding.

For more details, visit the GOV.UK Disabled Facilities Grant page.

Charitable Grants

Several charities offer grants to disabled individuals for various purposes:

  • Family Fund: Provides grants to families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Learn more at the Family Fund website.
  • Turn2us: Offers a free grants search tool to help individuals find financial support based on specific needs and circumstances. Access the tool on the Turn2us website.

Other Local Authority Grants and Assistance

Local councils may offer various forms of assistance for home improvements, especially for residents on low incomes or those needing essential repairs. Support can include grants, loans, or practical assistance.

Steps to Explore Local Support:

  • Contact your local council to inquire about available programs and eligibility criteria.
  • Visit the Citizens Advice website for guidance on seeking help with home improvements.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme

The ECO4 scheme is a government initiative designed to help low-income and vulnerable households improve their home’s energy efficiency. Funded by major energy suppliers, it offers support for measures such as:

  • Insulation (e.g., loft, cavity wall)
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Smart heating controls
  • Solar panels
  • Boiler replacements

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Reside in a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower.
  • Have a combined household income of £31,000 or less, or receive certain benefits such as Child Benefit, Universal Credit, or Housing Benefit.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme page on the GOV.UK website.

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

Formerly known as the ECO+ scheme, GBIS aims to assist households in improving energy efficiency through insulation measures like cavity wall, solid wall, loft, and underfloor insulation.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Low-Income Group: Households where a member receives qualifying benefits such as Child Benefit, Pension Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit.
  • General Group: Households with an EPC rating of D or lower and, in England, properties in Council Tax bands A to D.

Further details are available on the Great British Insulation Scheme page.

Additional Resources:

  • The MoneySavingExpert website provides a comprehensive guide on housing and energy grants.
  • The GOV.UK portal offers advice on making your home more energy-efficient.
  • GOV.UK Financial Help if You’re Disabled: A comprehensive guide to various financial supports available for disabled individuals. Access the guide here.
  • MoneyHelper: Offers advice on charitable grants and other financial support for disabled individuals. Learn more on the MoneyHelper website.

 

Sunrise Care Advisers provides support and care advice to help you navigate through the care system, so you can manage the care needs of elderly relatives.
.emcs_form { height: 900px; }