The grants are exclusively available to people with disabilities, conditions and other challenges
Personal Independence Payments and Attendance allowance are among several well-known benefits for supporting people with disabilities and health conditions in the UK. But did you know there’s also a grant worth up to £36,000 for eligible people, too?
Disabled Facilities Grants are monetary awards provided by councils in the UK to help certain people improve their homes. While this doesn’t cover things like home decor, it may instead be used to install specific accessibility features, like stairlifts, heating systems, or grab rails, to assist people in everyday life.
As a result, these grants are exclusively available to those with disabilities and various conditions or age-related needs. According to government guidance, this also generally encompasses people who:
- Have a learning disability
- Are autistic
- Have a mental health condition
- Have a progressive condition, like motor neurone disease
- Have a terminal illness
- Are physically disabled
- Have age-related needs
- Have a cognitive impairment, like dementia
The amount of money issued by a council usually depends on a person’s household income and savings. However, in Wales, the maximum amount you can apply for is £36,000, in England, it is £30,000, and in Northern Ireland, it is £25,000.
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The government explains that some councils may give you even more than this, but it’s assessed on a case-by-case basis. Currently, these Disabilities Facilities Grants are not available in Scotland.
“Some councils may give more,” government advice states. “Depending on your income, you may need to pay towards the cost of the work to the property. You can apply for another grant for the same property if you need to. For example, if your condition changes.”
Besides having a physical disability or condition, you must also intend to live in the property during the grant period. Typically, this sits at five years but may be shorter in circumstances where someone is terminally ill.
Applications can be submitted by owners, tenants or landlords. These must satisfy two criteria points for the council’s approval, which are:
- The work must be necessary and appropriate to meet the person’s needs
- The work is reasonable and can be done, depending on the age of the property
Government guidance adds: “The work should be completed within 12 months of the grant being approved. You might not get any grant if you start work on your property before the council approves your application.
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“…You need to apply separately for any planning permission or building regulations approval. The council may ask you to employ a qualified architect or surveyor to plan and oversee the work. If you get a grant, you can use it towards the cost of their fees.”
You can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant through your local council. A council must give you a decision within six months of your application.
More information can also be found at GOV.UK, here.