Disabled Facilities Grant - Print version

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFGs)

The purpose of a Disabled Facilities Grant is to enable disabled people to have access in and around their home to help them continue to live independently

Read our Housing Assistance Policy [/housingassistancepolicy].

About the grant

A Disabled Facilities Grant can help, for example, to pay for a ramp, to widen doorways or replace a bath with a shower. The grant is usually "means tested" where your income and savings would be taken into account to decide whether or not a grant can be paid and what level of contribution (if any) you would need to find. A member of the Adaptations team can explain this in greater detail (but see the separate page section on Under £6,000 DFGs [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/money-legal-matters/disabled-facilities-grant/4] which outlines the discretionary removal of the means test for grants of this amount). 

The process consists of the following stages:

Stage 1: Letting us know about your situation

You can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (or DFG) as an owner or a tenant of a property.  You will need to contact the Occupational Therapy Service on 024 7683 3003 or email ASCDirect@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:ASCDirect@coventry.gov.uk]. They will send you a referral form that you will need to complete and return to them outlining what difficulties you are experiencing due to your disability. Upon receipt of that, if appropriate, an Occupational Therapist will visit you. You may wish to have a relative, friend or carer with you at the visit.

There is a range of lifts, hoists and equipment available to meet the needs of people with disabilities and it may be that your needs can be met by some other form of assistance.

Stage 2: The Assessment

If a small scale adaptation (e.g. removal of a bath out & replacement with a shower or a ramp) is the most appropriate method of meeting your needs, the Occupational Therapist will make a referral to the Adaptations Team. If this is the case you will move straight to Stage 3. 

In more complex cases, the Occupational Therapist will carry out a joint visit with a Home Improvement Officer to assess the options and work together to find the most cost-effective solution to meet your needs. The work would need to be 'Necessary and Appropriate' for you and 'Reasonable and Practicable' in terms of the property and the environment that it is in.   

If the property cannot be adapted, the grant may have to be refused. If this should happen we would explore other avenues to meet your needs, including assisting you to find alternative accommodation (see separate section on Relocation Grants [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/money-legal-matters/disabled-facilities-grant/6]). If you are not happy with the proposals and you require a larger or alternative scheme to the one agreed by the Occupational Therapist, you can pay extra to fund this provided the scheme is still suitable for the disabled person's needs as determined by the Occupational Therapist. 

Stage 3: Applying for the grant

Please note that if the means-test applies (i.e. if the work is expected to cost more than £6,000), the Occupational Therapist may ask you to complete a 'notional' assessment to see what your contribution towards the grant may be.  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 towards the cost of the eligible work.  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 (this includes any amount of Universal Credit - which has been progressively introduced from 2013 onwards as a replacement for working age benefits and tax credits).

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. If you have a contribution to pay you would need to pay it to the contractor when the work is finished.

The link for the Notional Assessment is below.  Please ONLY complete this if you have been asked to by an Occupational Therapist:

Apply for a (notional) Financial Assessment [http://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Notional_assessment]

Before you apply for the grant it is imperative that you are intending on staying in the property for which you are applying for grant aid for at least 5 years from the date the work is completed, as that is a condition of the application.  If you are a tenant, your landlord will need to sign a certificate to confirm that you can continue to reside in the property for at least 5 years and that they are happy for the property to be adapted.

The maximum grant that the Council will approve is £30,000 including any ancillary costs (e.g. Legal fees, Land Registry fees). It is anticipated that very few schemes should cost as much as this but you would be advised in advance of the grant approval if this were to be the case as you would need to ensure that you could fund any costs above the grant maximum. You would also need to bear in mind that unforeseen works may occur when the work is in progress which could further increase the cost. In these cases, additional grant aid may be considered, but if the grant has already reached the maximum you would need to fund this yourself (but see the section on Discretionary Top-Up Grant [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/money-legal-matters/disabled-facilities-grant/5], which may be available in certain circumstances).

You also need to be aware that charges are levied on all owner-occupied properties where the total cost of the grant exceeds £5,000. If the property is sold within 10 years of completion of the grant works - for any reason - funds above the £5,000 are reclaimed and recycled back into the DFG Programme. This does not apply to grants that are less than £5,000 and the maximum amount that the Council can recover on a single grant is £10,000.

The Home Improvement Officer will assist you by completing forms on your behalf and guiding you through the process.  More detailed information about the process will be provided at the time of your application

Stage 4: Working Drawing stage (not applicable in all cases)

Once the financial assessment has been carried out and it has been established that you wish to proceed with your application, the Home Improvement Officer will arrange for the preparation of any working drawings as necessary. If this is not necessary you will move straight to Stage 5.

If you would prefer to make your own arrangements for plans to be drawn you may do so but you would be responsible for paying any architect's fees although the costs may be reimbursed once the grant has been approved and an acceptable invoice received (provided they are reasonable and the total cost of work and fees does not exceed the maximum grant).  If you are having private work carried out at the same time, or a larger adaptation than recommended, the cost of this - and of the plans - would need to be funded by yourself and would be additional to any contribution that you may have to find as a result of the means test.

Stage 5: Estimate stage

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 can, if you wish, appoint your own contractor but they will need to have at least £5million Public Liability Insurance and be a member of an SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) organisation. If you select your own contractor you will also need to be satisfied that the contractor is capable of carrying out the type of work that has been recommended because the contract in all cases is between the client and the contractor.  Although we would seek to resolve any issues you may have, we do not recommend any individual contractors or guarantee the work that they do.

For larger schemes, we will ask for at least three estimates. Ultimately, the Council will approve the grant based on the lowest estimate received. If you wish to pay extra for another contractor to carry out the work you may do so, provided they meet the relevant criteria.

Most of the smaller, straightforward schemes have 'fixed-costs' attached to them and where this is the case, we would only normally ask one contractor if they are prepared to carry out the work for this amount. 

Stage 6: Approval of grant

Before the grant can be approved all the necessary documentation needs to be in place. This includes the completed application forms, proof of ownership, sketch plans agreed by you and the Occupational Therapist, estimate(s) and Planning Permission/Building Regulations approval (where applicable). You will then be sent an approval letter which will advise of the amount approved for your grant and of the approval expiry date. The work should be completed within twelve months of the approval date, after which time the Council has the discretion to withdraw the offer of grant aid.

Before work commences the Home Improvement Officer may carry out a pre-site visit with you and the contractor. At this meeting, you should be given an approximate start date and it is a good idea to ask any questions that you may have about the work at this meeting whilst the Officer and the contractor are both in attendance.

Stage 7: Work in progress

If there is any genuine unforeseen work that becomes evident whilst the works are in progress, the contractor may request additional costs. Dependent upon the nature of the work, we may consider agreeing extra grant aid.

If the adaptation is a large one, the contractor may request interim payments when a proportion of the work is complete. They will need to ask you to sign to agree any such payments and we will inspect to make sure the work is of an acceptable standard.

Stage 8: Completion of grant work

When the work is complete the Occupational Therapist will be informed so they can advise on any additional equipment that may need to be ordered for you (e.g. a shower chair). Once the contractor has completed the work they will ask you to sign to say you are satisfied with the work for the payment to be made and an Officer will then need to arrange to inspect the work to ensure that it has been completed in line with the approved plans and that it is of an acceptable standard. We will then make the payment upon receipt of all the necessary documentation. If there is any contribution that you are responsible for, the contractor will usually request this amount from you upon completion of the work. The payment will not be made to the contractor until both you and the Home Improvement Officer are happy with the standard of the work. If there is a Building Regulations application the Building Control Officer will also need to carry out a completion inspection.

The contractor should send all paperwork (invoices, certificates, instruction booklets, etc.) directly to you. We recommend that you keep these in a safe place, as they may be required if and when the property is sold (but if this is the case, please be aware that the grant, or part thereof, may be reclaimed by the Council as explained in Stage 2). If you have had a shower installed, please remember to complete the warranty and send it back to the manufacturer in case any defects occur. However, if any problems occur within the first twelve months, your first point of contact would be the contractor to make sure that it is not an installation defect. 

How to get an assessment for a grant

An assessment of your needs is made by an Occupational Therapist within the City Council. You can refer yourself to this service or you can ask a health professional e.g. GP to do it for you.

Following the assessment, the Occupational Therapist may need to gather more information e.g. contacting your GP (with your permission). The therapist will discuss your needs with their line manager in order to explore options that may meet your needs.

If following these discussions a recommendation is made this will be passed to the Adaptations Team who will then progress the request further.

Disabled Facilities Grants do require a financial assessment.

If you are planning to adapt your home and require professional advice we can support you with this by providing information, assist you to problem solve issues and what to look out for when selecting a contractor to quote for the work.

If you are seeking advice please call into the Opal Assessment and Demonstration Centre and we will be happy to offer free, impartial advice.

If you have any queries or require further information please contact our team.

Typical schemes

Types of adaptation work we arrange to be carried out for grant applicants (not to scale)

Shower adaptation

Typical level access shower adaptation for a regular size bathroom

It is beneficial if the WC and basin can be accessed without having to transfer across the wet area of the shower. The shower tray would not be visible as it is built into the floor and covered by a waterproof non-slip flooring such as Altro Marine or similar. A ‘shower-safe’ light may also be required.

Ramp

Typical straight ramp

Dependent upon the height of the internal floor level compared to the pavement level, the ramp may need to be extended by taking it around the garden. Gradient should be no steeper than 1:12 but 1:15 – 1:20 is preferable. Ramp should be minimum of 900mm wide but extra must be allowed for if turning areas are needed. Edgings should be provided that protrude at least 100mm above the ramp level and a handrail may be necessary. The doorway may need to be widened and a level-threshold door is also necessary for wheelchair access.

Under £6,000 DFGs

The council has removed the financial assessment for DFGs where the cost of the approved grant does not exceed £6,000. 

Raising the threshold for financial assessment will reduce the amount of time taken to process low-level adaptations applications and support more vulnerable people in the community.

Eligible applicants

• Applicants who meet the criteria for mandatory DFG.

Qualifying criteria

• A financial assessment for grant aid is not undertaken where the total works completed are not expected to cost more than £6000.

Conditions

• To be used for low-level one-off adaptations such as a ramp or a shower adaptation. If work estimates suggest a cost higher than £6000, a financial assessment will be undertaken for the full award of the grant.
• Whilst the works are in progress and unforeseen costs are incurred which brings the total cost of the works over £6k, a financial assessment will be undertaken on the costs in excess of £6k only
• If there is a likelihood that additional costs will be required during the completion of works, these must be accounted for at the planning stage.     If works are likely to exceed £6000 then a financial assessment on the full grant will be undertaken.

Level of maximum assistance

• £6,000 (before a DFG application must be made)

Discretionary grants are subject to available funding and management approval.  There is no right of appeal to a decision about a discretionary grant.

Discretionary Top-Up Grant

The Council has agreed to use discretionary powers to provide, in eligible cases, a top-up award in addition to the £30,000 mandatory grant for more complex cases where the work required can exceed the maximum mandatory grant award.

This is subject to senior management approval. Grants up £10k will be considered at the DFG approval panel. 

Eligible applicants

• Applicants who meet the criteria for mandatory DFG.

Qualifying criteria

• This discretionary element can only be accessed where the full £30,000 of mandatory grant has been utilised.
• Applicants do not have the financial resources to fund works over the maximum grant.
• This grant can only be used for works identified as necessary and appropriate by the OT.

Conditions

• Discretionary grants will only be considered when there is a significant risk to the applicant should the complete works assessed as necessary and appropriate not be completed.
• In cases where the adaptations are for a child, the parents/guardians may be subject to a financial assessment to determine ability to fund additional costs on top of mandatory grant.
• The discretionary element will be registered as a land charge on the property on owner-occupied properties and, in the event the property is sold within a 10-year period, the Council requires full repayment. Please note this is separate to the £10,000 recoverable Grant Aid Agreement which expires at 10 years from certification of works completion.
• The availability of the top-up grant is at the discretion of the Council and subject to the availability of funding.

Level of maximum assistance

• £10,000

Discretionary grants are subject to available funding and management approval.  There is no right of appeal to a decision about a discretionary grant.

Relocation Grants

In certain circumstances it may not be possible to adapt an applicant’s current home to meet their needs; this includes situations where moving to a more suitable property would demonstrate savings to the wider public purse (for example more cost effective to adapt a different property) and has clear benefits to the applicant.

This is subject to senior management approval and is part of the discretionary criteria covered in the Housing Assistance Policy.  Applications will be considered at the DFG approval panel. 

Eligible applicants

• Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for mandatory DFG
• Applicants where the assessed adaptations cannot be completed either property because it is not reasonable and practicable to do so or where the landlord refuses permission to adapt.
•  Applicants who’s calculated contribution may be unaffordable and moving / buying is a better financial solution.

Qualifying criteria

• Legal and house move costs associated with moving home.

Conditions

• The OT will assess the new property and confirm the new property is suitable or could be made suitable with adaptations, to meet the needs of the disabled person.
• Funding will not be given towards the purchase price of an alternative property

Discretionary grants are subject to available funding and management approval.  There is no right of appeal to a decision about a discretionary grant.

• Help to move is available to homeowners and tenants
• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Coventry.
• Evidence of financial hardship to be provided (e.g., proof of inability to obtain funds from high street loan or proof of incomings / outgoings / lack of savings etc.)
• Mandatory DFG to a maximum of £30k is available for adaptations but only in the local area.  If moving outside of the City applicants will need to consult with that authority.
• A maximum of one application will be considered in any 5-year period.

Level of Maximum Assistance

• £5,000

Discretionary grants are subject to available funding and management approval.  There is no right of appeal to a decision about a discretionary grant.

Funding private works

If you have not met the criteria for a Disabled Facilities Grant, and you are struggling financially, the following information may be useful in order to seek advice and other potential sources of funding.

Debt and advice organisations

Seek advice regarding debt management from one of the many debt advisory organisations [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/53/council_tax_and_benefits/2088/money_and_debt_advice].

Self help

You should ensure you are in receipt of full benefit entitlements, most organisations want to know you have or are in the process of claiming your full entitlement before they offer to help, plus additional benefits can open other doors for you.

• Benefit entitlement checker [https://www.entitledto.co.uk/]: To find out what you might be able to claim enter your details and you'll receive an estimate of your entitlement to benefits, tax credits and Universal Credit.
• Turn2us [https://www.turn2us.org.uk/]: National Charity to help those in financial need, grant searches relevant to your circumstances and benefit advice.

To search for grants and other sources of funding you will need to make a note of the following information that may be required to enable grant searches relevant to you or the person you are searching on behalf of:

• employment history
• health issues
• voluntary or other group/union affiliations you may have been involved with
• religion and nationality.

Most organisations will also require an Income and Expenditure form/list so they can establish your level of disposable income, they may also ask to see bank statements.

Contractors

Should you decide to go ahead with an adaptation to your property, we can provide you with a list of contractors that carry out adaptations for Coventry City Council but we do not guarantee or warrant their work or accept any responsibility for the standard or quality of it.

If you require the list of contractors, or any other assistance or advice, please contact the Adaptions team.