Can I get a grant to adapt my home for a disability?

How much you could get

The most a council will usually pay depends on where you live. Some councils may give more.

The means test

For an adult, the council looks at your household income and any savings over £6,000. The higher these are, the more you may have to pay towards the work yourself.

There are two big exceptions:

• Disabled children under 18. Parents' income is not counted.
• Landlords. Their income and savings are not checked. But if the tenant moves out within 5 years, the council may ask for the home to be let to another disabled person.

Who can apply

You can apply if:

• you, or someone who lives with you, is disabled
• that person plans to live in the home for the grant period, which is usually 5 years
• you own the home, rent it, or are the landlord

The council must also agree that the work is:

• needed and suitable for the disabled person
• reasonable and possible, given the age and condition of the building

How to apply

1. Contact your local council and ask for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
2. The council may send an occupational therapist or trained assessor to look at what changes you need.
3. Wait for approval. Your council must give you a decision within 6 months.
4. Have the work done. It should be finished within 12 months of approval.

A government funded body called Foundations runs an "Adapt My Home" service that can help you apply.

How the money is paid

The council either pays in stages as the work goes on, or in full when it is finished. It may pay the builder directly or give you the money to pay them. Payment is usually made when you and the council are happy with the work, or when you show the builder's invoice. If you do the work yourself, you will normally only get back the cost of materials and services.

Things to know

• Do not start the work before the council approves it. If you do, you may not get the grant at all.
• If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to your council. If you are still unhappy after that, you can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Wales: you apply to your council, and the maximum is £36,000.
• Northern Ireland: the Housing Executive runs the grant. Start by contacting your local Health and Social Services Trust. An occupational therapist must assess you and recommend the changes first.
• Scotland: there is no Disabled Facilities Grant. Other help with equipment and adaptations is available instead.

Related guides

• Can I get a Council Tax discount for disability?
• What is PIP (Personal Independence Payment)?
• What is Attendance Allowance and how much is it?
• How do I apply for a Blue Badge and how much does it cost?

Where these figures come from

• Disabled Facilities Grants: what you'll get (GOV.UK)
• Disabled Facilities Grants: eligibility (GOV.UK)
• Disabled Facilities Grants: how to apply (GOV.UK)
• Disabled Facilities Grants in Northern Ireland (nidirect)