Housing Assistance Policy

Purposes for which the Disabled Facilities Grant may be given

6.1 Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

These grants are mandatory under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 and are subject to a statutory test of resources (means test) required to establish whether the applicant is financially able to contribute towards the costs of the eligible scheme.

Disabled Facilities Grants are awarded to enable applicants to have access to and around their homes, or to use essential facilities within the home to enable them to live safely and independently. Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants can only be given for the purposes set out in the Act.

  • Facilitating access by the disabled occupant to and from the dwelling.
  • Making the dwelling safe for the disabled occupant and other persons residing with him.
  • Facilitating access by the disabled occupant to a room used or usable as the principal family room.
  • Facilitating access by the disabled occupant to, or providing for the disabled occupant, a room used or usable for sleeping.
  • Facilitating access by the disabled occupant to, or providing for the disabled occupant, a room in which there is a lavatory, or facilitating the use by the disabled occupant of such a facility.
  • Facilitating access by the disabled occupant to, or providing for the disabled occupant, a room in which there is a bath or shower (or both), or facilitating the use by the disabled occupant of such a facility;
  • Facilitating access by the disabled occupant to, or providing for the disabled occupant, a room in which there is a wash-hand basin, or facilitating the use by the disabled occupant of such a facility.
  • Facilitating the preparation and cooking of food by the disabled occupant.
  • Improving any heating system in the dwelling to meet the needs of the disabled occupant or, if there is no existing heating system or any such system is unsuitable for use by the disabled occupant, providing a heating system suitable to meet his needs.
  • Facilitating the use by the disabled occupant of a source of power, light or heat by altering the position of one or more means of access to or control of that source or by providing additional means of control.
  • Facilitating access and movement by the disabled occupant around the dwelling in order to enable him to care for a person who is normally resident and is in need of such care.
  • Facilitating safe access to and from a garden by a disabled occupant.

Ongoing maintenance and repair of adaptations and equipment provided under the grant will become the responsibility of the applicant or landlord as relevant.

Whilst it is recognised that a Disabled Facilities Grant is a mandatory grant, it is the Council’s intention where possible to investigate all housing options that might meet the needs of the applicant in the most cost effective and suitable way before awarding a Disabled Facilities Grant. This could include moving to a more suitable and / or adapted accommodation that may be available to the applicant.

The maximum amount of Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant is currently £30,000 set by statute. Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant for costs above £30,000 will not be made available except upon the agreement of the council, in accordance with this policy under the Discretionary top up for Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant, and where justified to be the most satisfactory course of action in the circumstances or to have arisen through reasonable and unforeseeable additional works or costs.

The council / appointed agent will endeavour to determine all valid applications within two weeks of receipt unless further information is required to enable that decision. Where additional information or other factors necessitate further investigation of options, the council will determine the application at the earliest opportunity within the statutory timescale of 6 months.

Eligible applicants

  • Any applicant registered or capable of being registered under the Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act 1970 who requires adaptations to be provided.
  • Any disabled person, as described by Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, s.100. Applicants can be property owners or tenants, or some landlords may apply on behalf of tenants.

Qualifying criteria

  • A referral from the Community Occupational Therapist (COT) via Social Services or a Trusted Assessor confirming that the works are ‘necessary and appropriate’ is required. This referral will recommend works.
  • Entitlement to a Disabled Facilities Grant is mandatory but before approval the council must be satisfied that the relevant works are both necessary and appropriate for the disabled person, and additionally that it is ‘reasonable and practicable’ to carry out the works.
  • A permanent and legal residence, or long-term in the case of fostering, including dwellings, mobile homes, caravans, and houseboats. Second or holiday homes will not be considered for assistance.

Conditions

  • Works must qualify as described in s23 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended).
  • Works must be recommended by a Community Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor and be necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of the disabled applicant.
  • The works must be reasonable and practicable to carry out having regard to the age and condition of the dwelling or building.
  • The applicant will be subject to a financial assessment of resources except where i) the applicant (relevant person(s)) is in receipt of one or more of the following means tested benefits; Housing Benefit, Income Support, Guaranteed Pension Credit, Income-based Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Working/Child Tax Credit where income is less than set threshold, Universal Credit ii) The application is in respect of a disabled child. Proof of title is required.
  • The landlord’s consent to the works is required where applicable.
  • Conditions relating to the recovery of equipment in specified circumstances are applied.
  • The council will use its powers to place a local land charge against the property where the Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant exceeds £5000. The charge may be up to a maximum of £10,000 and repayment of the sum on charge is required where the adapted property is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of within a 10-year period from completion of the work.
  • In the case of a Disabled Facilities Grant where a 10 year conditional repayment obligation exists and the recipient intends to dispose of the property by sale, assignment, transfer or otherwise within the 10 year period, the charge must be repaid, unless the council, having considered:
    1. the extent to which the recipient of the assistance would suffer financial hardship were he / she to be required to repay all or some of the grant or charge.
    2. whether the disposal of the property is to enable the recipient to take up employment, or to change the location of his / her employment.
    3. whether the disposal is made for reasons connected with the physical or mental health or well-being of the recipient of the assistance or of the disabled occupant of the property; and
    4. whether the disposal is made to enable the recipient of the assistance to live with, or near, any person who is disabled or infirm and in need of care, which the recipient of the assistance is intending to provide, or who is intending to provide care of which the recipient of the assistance is in need of by reason of disability or infirmity, is satisfied that it is reasonable in the circumstances to waiver or reduce the repayable sum.

6.2 Discretionary Assistance

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

6.2.1 Threshold for Financial Assessment

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)

6.2.2 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 DFG 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 availability of funding.

Level of maximum assistance

  • £10,000

6.2.3 Assistance with assessed contribution following a means test

The Council is aware that in some cases there may be difficulty for the applicant paying the assessed contribution. In such cases applicants will be able to complete a financial statement detailing their income and outgoings, and at the discretion of the Council the contribution may be reduced or rescinded if appropriate. Assistance will be awarded on an individual basis and is aimed at preventing applicants facing hardship to receive appropriate adaptations to their home.

This is subject to senior management approval. Grants up to £10k will be considered at the DFG approval panel. Grants over £10k and up to the maximum £30k will be considered at panel chaired by Head of Service.

Eligible applicants

  • Those eligible for Mandatory DFG assistance but where payment of their means tested assessed contribution would demonstrably result in financial hardship applicants who meet the criteria for mandatory DFG.

Qualifying criteria

  • The OT report to demonstrate that all the identified necessary and appropriate adaptations required if not carried out will have a significant impact on the applicant’s safety in their home or a severe risk to their health.
  • Essential assessed works cannot be completed because the applicant cannot afford the assessed contribution.

Conditions

  • Only works assessed as necessary and appropriate will be provided.
  • 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.)
  • 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.
  • Evidence that not completing the adaptations could result in increased costs to the Social Care Budget.
  • Cannot be used with other discretionary grants.

Level of maximum assistance

  • £30,000

6.2.4 At home Safely Scheme

This scheme makes provision for minor works to be undertaken at an individual’s property to enable them to live independently and safely in their home.

This can also be used to support with hospital discharge arrangements or avoidance admission. A priority service is available for these cases to ensure timely installation.

Works can include:

  • Grab rails
  • Stair rails
  • Step / path adaptations
  • Tap alterations
  • Lighting for visual impairment
  • Deep Clean
  • Dementia friendly design

This list is not exhaustive and each case outside of this range will be referred to the Council’s Occupational Therapy service for consideration.

This scheme is for owner occupiers and tenants.

Eligible applicants

  • Those with a physical or mental impairment, where the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Qualifying criteria

  • Assessment and recommendation by a Health or Social Care professional.

Conditions

  • Work requests which are deemed as maintenance or repair issues are not allowed. This would be the responsibility of the resident.

Level of maximum assistance

  • £1,000

6.2.5 Insulation and Heating Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant

Fuel poverty is a significant problem for some Coventry households, and many low income, vulnerable and disabled individuals are affected. Enabling low income and vulnerable households to stay warm at reasonable cost is a priority for the Council. Insulation and heating assistance provided through this grant is expected to improve the health and wellbeing of households and to reduce hospital admissions as well as pressures on other health and social care services.

Eligible applicants

  • A person living with a disability or a person who is in hospital and is due to be discharged home, or who faces possible admission / re-admission to hospital in the future. The applicant must also be vulnerable to the health impacts of the cold.
  • Owner occupiers or private tenants living in a domestic property situated in Coventry and must live in their home as their only main residence.

Qualifying criteria

  • Applicants who have received a mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant.
  • Applicants who meet the vulnerability, income, benefit and savings criteria.

Conditions

  • Works to be approved by the Council’s commissioned agent and their contractors as practical, appropriate, and necessary.
  • Works will need to be completed in conformity with PAS2035 standards and planning / building / party wall regulations where required.
  • A Leaseholder must have a minimum period of 3 years remaining on their lease at the time of applying for assistance.
  • Private landlords may be required to make financial contribution to the works and will need to provide evidence of an energy performance certificate and gas / electric safety certificates.

Level of maximum assistance

  • Grants over £10,000 will need to be approved by the Council’s Public Health Team.

6.2.6 Relocation Grant

In cases where the Council deem that it is not reasonable and practicable to adapt an applicant’s current home to meet their needs; if the landlord withholds permission or where there are significant challenges to adapting the current home then a grant may be awarded at the Council’s discretion to assist the applicant to move to a more suitable home. 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. 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 unreasonable or practicable to do so or where the landlord refuses permission to adapt.
  • Applicants whose 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.
  • 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

6.2.7 Necessary respite whilst work is being undertaken

In circumstances where the disabled person would be at risk whilst adaptation work is being undertaken, the Council will fund their placement in respite care.

Eligible applicants

  • Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for mandatory DFG.

Qualifying criteria

  • The applicant unable to remain in property for all or parts of the adaptations work. This could be because of a significant health problem or significant risk to the applicant.

Conditions

  • Where it is not evident, supporting documentation from the OT or a health professional may be required to determine risk to the individual to remain in the property for the duration of the works.
  • Care will be provided at the level of the current care arrangement for the time necessary to complete the parts of work which would prove a risk to the person. This is not necessarily the entire duration of the time taken to complete the work.
  • Due to the time sensitive nature of arranging alternative accommodation, options for placement may be limited.

Level of maximum assistance

  • Due to individual need it is not possible to determine a value. Payment will be made directly to the provider.
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