Home Adaptations and Improvement Grants

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) may be available to help a disabled person to gain better access to their home, to move around it more freely, or to use the essential facilities within the home, so that they can manage as independently as possible.

Who can apply?

• A tenant or owner of property
• A landlord on behalf of a disabled tenant

The person who applies for the grant does not have to be the disabled person who needs the adaptations.

Whoever applies for the grant must produce proof of ownership or tenancy.

How do I apply?

The first step is to contact Assessment Direct. An Occupational Therapist will carry out a thorough assessment of your needs and discuss how these can be met.  They will aim to agree with you what is best whilst working within the guidelines and criteria set by the Council to ensure that a fair and consistent service is provided to all people of Rotherham.

Due to the fact that there is a high demand for adaptations within the borough and limited funding, where there maybe several solutions to meet your needs, the Council will pursue the most economical solution.

What type of work can be carried out?

A Disabled Facilities Grant includes but is not limited to:

• Widening of doors
• Installing of ramps
• Installing of stairlifts
• Installing a downstairs bathroom
• Providing specially adapted rooms
• Walk in showers
• Through ceiling lifts
• Hoisting equipment
• Kitchens

How is a Disabled Facilities Grant calculated?

A Disabled Facilities Grant is means tested on all work that will cost more than £1000.00, to make sure that those in the most need get the most help.  This is determined by the income and savings of:

• the disabled person
• the disabled person's spouse or partner
• the parents of a disabled person (where they are under 19)

Some related benefits are not included. The maximum grant available is £30,000.00

If you are means tested and are not eligible for the full amount, you will need to source the difference for the works to be undertaken and completed.

All applicants are subject to a means test where the works will cost more than £1,000.00.

Do the Council have to give a grant?

When you apply to the Council for a Disabled Facilities Grant, they will need to check that the proposed works are:

• Necessary and appropriate to meet the disabled person's needs. Social Services Occupational Therapists will only recommend adaptations which meet this criteria.
• Reasonable and Practicable depending on the age and condition of the property.
• That they met the criteria within the Aids and Adaptations Policy
• That you are eligible for assistance. 

The Home Adaptations and Improvements Team will decide this.

The Council needs to be satisfied about each of these matters and the overall feasibility of the works, if they are to give a Disabled Facilities Grant. A local Council can refuse a Disabled Facilities Grant if they believe the scheme is not practical.

When do I find out if the grant has been approved?

The Council must give you a decision in writing within 6 months of receipt of a completed valid application and of any additional information they may require. In a few cases a local authority may specify a date before which a Grant is not payable. This will be no later than 12 months from the date on which the application was made.