Disabled Facilities Grant checker
Councils give grants for adaptations that let a disabled person stay in their own home: stairlifts, level-access showers, ramps, ground-floor extensions. For a disabled child under 18 the grant is not means tested at all.
What this tool does not do
- It does not make a decision. Only the DWP, your council or the NHS can do that.
- It cannot estimate the size of your grant. That depends on the council’s means test and the cost of the work.
- Scotland runs a different scheme, so this does not apply there.
- It is an estimate based on published rules and 2026/27 rates, not advice.
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 uses a different scheme through local councils. The grant does not affect any benefits you receive and is not repayable in most cases.
Is it means tested?
For adults, yes: the council looks at household income and savings above £6,000. For a disabled child under 18, no. The parents' income is ignored entirely, which surprises a lot of families who never apply because they assume they earn too much.
What can it pay for?
Widening doors, ramps and grab rails, a stairlift, 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, and adapted heating or lighting controls.
Do I have to own my home?
No. Owner-occupiers, private tenants, housing association and council tenants can all apply, though tenants need the landlord’s permission. Landlords can also apply on a disabled tenant’s behalf.
How do I start?
Contact adult social care at your council and ask for an occupational therapy assessment. The OT assessment is what identifies the adaptations, and it is normally the gateway to the grant. It is free.