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Disabled Facilities Grant

A Disabled Facilities Grant is a local authority grant available for a range of work that will help a disabled person remain in their home.

If you or someone living in your property is disabled you may qualify for a grant towards the cost of providing adaptations and facilities to enable the disabled person to continue to live there or improve their independence. 

The types of works covered by the grant are:

  • Ramping and widening doorways
  • Stair-lifts and level access showers
  • Adaptations to provide bathroom facilities
  • Adaptations to kitchens

Application Process

The council does have the authority to refuse a DFG application. Applications for the DFG are subject to checks to make sure the proposed works are:

  • necessary and appropriate to meet the disabled person's needs
  • reasonable and practicable depending on the age and condition of the property

Most applications are subject to a financial means test to determine the grant amount and to make sure grants are given to those in most needs.  This may result in applicants having to make a contribution towards the cost of any works.   For those in receipt of certain benefits and where the disabled person is a child under 19, no means test is required. 

Craven District Council holds the funds for the DFG programme in Craven and administers DFG's in  partnership with Mears Home Improvement Agency.  North Yorkshire County Council's Occupational Therapy service is consulted to assess the needs of the disabled person and play an active and ongoing part in advising on the priority of applications. Joint visits and continual liaison between all parties ensure that good quality adaptations are provided reasonably quickly.

Who can apply? 

These grants are available to owner-occupiers and tenants who are disabled, or to landlords and owner-occupiers on behalf of a disabled occupant.  When applying for a grant the applicant is asked to sign a certificate stating the intention that throughout the 5 year grant condition period, (or such shorter period as the disabled persons health and other relevant circumstances permit) the disabled person will occupy the dwelling as his or her only or main residence.

All applicants must be over 18 years of age at the time of making an application. In the case of disabled children (under 18), the parent or guardian is required to make an application.

Currently, the maximum amount of grant is £30,000 and this is separate to any other funding which may have been granted.

Where a grant of over £5,000 is made and the property is sold within 10 years, we reserve the right to impose a condition demanding repayment of any amount of grant exceeding £5,000, up to a maximum of £10,000.  This is controlled by a local land charge on the property.

How to apply?

If you think you need adaptations to enable you to move around your home more easily and access essential facilities you should contact the Occupational Therapy Service at North Yorkshire County Council on 0845 034 9410.   An  Occupational Therapist will assess your needs and make a referral to the Council before you can be considered for a Disabled Facilities Grant.  You may alternatively contact the Occupational Therapy service through your GP.

Contacts