Housing adaptations

People often tell us of the challenges they face in adapting their homes for their current and future needs and understanding what is possible.

Reviewed and endorsed by the College of Occupational Therapists, the second edition of our Adaptations manual: for children and adults living with musclewasting conditions aims to address many of these challenges.

Revised by occupational therapists, who work closely with families living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions, our guide includes examples and practical information about what is available to families. It also includes an outline of the process of making adaptations to your home. .

A disabled facilities grant (DFG) is money provided by your local authority to help meet the cost of adapting a property to meet the needs of a disabled person. You can apply for a DFG if you live in England, Northern Ireland, or Wales. If you live in Scotland, visit GOV.Scot to see what housing adaptation and equipment you may be eligible for.

To get a grant for changes to your home, you or someone living in the home, must:

• Be disabled
• Intend to live in the home for the grant period (usually five years)
• The application can be made by:
• The owner (who lives in the property)
• The tenant
• The landlord (who has a disabled tenant)
• A local authority or housing association tenant

Use the Adapt my Home online self-assessment tool to quickly check if you are eligible for a DFG.

Local authorities have funds to help cover the costs of home improvements for disabled people.

A DFG can be used for essential adaptations, which could include:

• Widening doors, installing ramps or grab rails
• Providing or improving access to rooms and facilities – for example, by installing a stair lift, providing a downstairs bathroom or level access shower
• Building an extension, for example a bedroom downstairs
• Ensuring you have a heating system suitable for your needs
• Adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
• Improving access to your garden

Disabled adults: how much you can get will depend on your household income and any household savings over £6,000.

Disabled children: if you have a disabled child, or children, under 18, they can get a grant without your income being considered.

Landlords: you can get a grant without your income or savings being considered. However, the council may ask that the property is let to another disabled person if the current tenant moves out within five years.

How much you can apply for

If successful you will either be paid in instalments, as the work is being carried out, or paid in full when the work is completed. This will be agreed with you when your application is approved.

How to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant

If you live in England or Wales, you can apply for a DFG through your local council. If you live in Northern Ireland, you can apply through your local Health Trust Occupational Therapy service.

Your local council may send an occupational therapist or a trained assessor to visit you in your home to see what changes you may need. Your council must give you a decision within 6 months.