Disabled Facilities Grant

What is a Disabled Facilities Grant?

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is used to adapt a property to enable a disabled person to live more independently in their own home.

What work can be considered for a Disabled Facilities Grant?

Essential adaptations, such as:

• stair lift
• through floor lift
• concrete ramp
• level access shower

or for

• widening doorways for wheelchair users
• improving access to essential areas such as bathroom or bedroom

Who can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?

You can apply if you are disabled and:

• own and live in your property
• live with family
• are a tenant of a privately rented or Housing Association property

Or if you are

• A parent or guardian for a disabled child
• A landlord on behalf of a disabled tenant.

How much grant will I get?

You will get a full grant if you are disabled and receiving one of these benefits:

• Income support
• Income-based job seeker's allowance
• Housing benefit
• Council tax benefit
• Guaranteed pension credit
• Working tax credit or child tax credit (subject to an income limit).

If you do not receive one of these benefits we assess your finances and you may need to pay towards the cost of the adaptation. 

Applications for children and some students up to the age of 19 do not need a financial assessment.

The agreed work may be funded for between £1,000 and £30,000.

How are my needs assessed?

An occupational therapist:

• visits you to assess your needs
• discusses the adaptation with the Council's Grants Officer.

Application documents will be provided by the Grants Officer and assistance can be given to complete the forms. However, you may prefer to obtain your own quotations and submit your own application.

Deciding on a Disabled Facilities Grant

The Grants Officer, Environmental Health & Consumer Services, Bournemouth Borough Council:

• makes the final decision on the grant
• writes to you when the grant has been approved.

When the grant has been approved the work must be carried out within twelve months and completed by the agreed contractor.

When the work is finished

You are responsible for maintenance and repairs. If the works cost over £5,000 there will be a land charge on the property up to a maximum of £10,000.

If you move within ten years you may have to repay part of the grant over £5,000 up to a maximum of £10,000.

To find out more about Disabled Facilities Grants Contact:

Bournemouth Care Direct

Tel: 01202 454979

Minicom: 01202 454974

Fax: 01202 454975

Email: caredirect@bournemouth.gov.uk|

or complete our online form|.

Environmental Health & Consumer Services

Tel: 01202 451334

Email: grants@bournemouth.gov.uk|