The Application
Stage 3: The Application
If you choose to take the mandatory DFG application route, a Home Improvement Officer (HIO) will be allocated to your case to compile your application.
Part of the application form is the means test, and the HIO will assist you to fill this out.
If you are in receipt of a means-tested benefit, or if the work is for a child or young person under the age of 19 for whom child benefit is received, you will not have any contribution and will not need to complete the full means test.
The means-tested benefits are listed below:
- Income Support
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not contribution-based ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contribution-based JSA)
- Guarantee Pension Credit (not Savings Pension Credit alone)
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit and/or Child Tax Credit provided that the annual income for the purposes of assessing entitlement to the tax credit is less than £15,050
- Universal Credit
- Council tax benefit/reduction (income-based only, not single occupancy or disability).
Only the income and savings/capital of the disabled person and his/her partner are taken into account. Evidence of any income and benefits you receive will be required, including pay slips, pensions, disability benefits, etc. as well as evidence of any capital and savings that you have.
Once the financial assessment has been carried out and it has been established that you wish to proceed with your application, the HIO will survey your property, draw up some plans, and gain all necessary permission such as building control and planning permission if required. Please note that the most cost effective scheme to meet your needs will be offered to you. You will be involved in the process and sign off the plans to confirm that you are happy with the proposed adaptation. We hold a list of contractors that have shown their capability of carrying out this type of work and are allocated on a rotation basis. You will be allocated a Contractor directly from this list.
If you would prefer to chose your own Contractor and/or you wish to design your own scheme, you will need to take the Self-Managed application route. For example, the OT deems that the conversion of your existing bathroom into a level access shower would meet your needs, however you would like a level access shower in a new build extension.
If you wish to take this route, you would be responsible for compiling your own application, including getting all plans drawn and permissions sought. You will be allocated an HIO to cost out what the Council’s recommended scheme would cost. This route is still subject to the mandatory means test.