Disabled Facilities Grant
A council grant of up to £30,000 for home adaptations, and not means tested at all for a disabled child.
Figures on this page are 2026/27 tax year rates, checked 2 August 2026. UK benefit rates and care charging thresholds change every April.
A Disabled Facilities Grant pays for adaptations that let a disabled person live safely and independently in their own home.
What it covers
- Widening doors, ramps and grab rails
- A stairlift or a level-access shower or wet room
- Improving access to the garden
- An extension for a ground-floor bedroom or bathroom
- A heating system suited to your needs
- Adapted heating or lighting controls
How much
| Nation | Maximum |
|---|---|
| England | £30,000 |
| Wales | £36,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £25,000 |
Scotland funds adaptations through a different council scheme.
The grant does not affect any benefits, and in most cases is not repayable.
The means test, and the exception that matters
For an adult, the council assesses household income and savings above £6,000. A contribution does not mean no grant: it means the council pays the balance.
For a disabled child under 18 there is no means test at all. The parents’ income and savings are ignored entirely. This is the single most missed point about the scheme, and it is why a lot of working families never apply.
If someone in the household receives Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit, or income-based ESA or JSA, that normally passports you through with no contribution.
Getting it done
Start with an occupational therapy assessment. Ring adult social care and ask. It is free, and it is what identifies the adaptations the grant will fund.
Do not start the work first. Grants are almost never paid retrospectively.
If you rent, get written permission early. It is the most common cause of delay.
Ask about a Home Improvement Agency. Many councils fund one to manage the work for you, which is worth having.
If the cost exceeds the cap, ask what discretionary top-up the council offers. Most have something.
Check your position with our Disabled Facilities Grant checker.
Common questions
How much is a Disabled Facilities Grant?
Up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. Scotland runs a separate scheme. The grant does not affect any benefits you receive.
Is it means tested?
For adults, yes: household income and savings above £6,000 are assessed. For a disabled child under 18, no. The parents' income is ignored entirely.
Do I have to own my home?
No. Owner-occupiers, private tenants and social housing tenants can all apply, though tenants need the landlord's written permission. Landlords can apply on a disabled tenant's behalf.
How do I start an application?
Contact adult social care at your council and ask for an occupational therapy assessment. The OT assessment identifies the adaptations and is the normal gateway to the grant. It is free.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Disabled Facilities Grants accessed 2 August 2026
- GOV.UK — Disabled Facilities Grants: what you'll get accessed 2 August 2026
This page is general information about how care funding works in England. It is not financial, legal or medical advice, and it does not replace an assessment by your local council or the NHS. Carevo is not a care provider.