Maximum Disabled Facilities Grant available per household in England
What is the Disabled Facilities Grant?
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a government-funded grant that helps disabled people and older adults pay for essential adaptations to their home. It is a mandatory grant — meaning your local council must approve it if you meet the criteria. It is not a loan and does not need to be repaid (with some exceptions relating to property sales shortly after works).
DFG is managed by your local authority (in England, this is typically your district or borough council). The grant can be used for a wide range of adaptations — from a simple ramp or grab rail to a full bathroom conversion or stairlift installation.
📢 January 2026 update: The government announced a £50 million boost to DFG funding as part of a winter package to keep people safe at home. For 2026–27, a total of £723 million has been confirmed for the Better Care Fund, which funds DFG across England. Apply as early as possible — funding is allocated to councils annually.
What does DFG cover?
The grant is designed to fund adaptations that make your home safer and more accessible. Common funded works include:
- Stairlifts (straight and curved)
- Through-floor lifts and platform lifts
- Wet rooms and level-access showers
- Walk-in baths (where assessed as appropriate)
- External and internal access ramps
- Widening of doorways for wheelchair access
- Lowering of kitchen worktops and units
- Specialist heating systems
- Extension of living and sleeping areas to ground floor
- Garden access improvements
Important: The grant must cover adaptations that are necessary and appropriate, confirmed by an occupational therapist, and reasonable and practicable given the condition of the property. Cosmetic improvements are not funded.
Who qualifies?
You may qualify for DFG if all of the following apply:
- You have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your ability to use your home safely
- You own or rent the property (landlord permission required for rental properties)
- The adaptations are confirmed as necessary by an occupational therapist
- You pass the means test (based on income and savings — many pensioners qualify for the full amount)
Children with disabilities can also apply, and the means test may be based on the parents' income.
How much will I get?
The grant is means-tested. The maximum in England is £30,000. If you have low income and modest savings, you will likely qualify for the full grant. If your financial assessment shows you have the means to contribute, you may receive a partial grant. Some councils have additional funding ("Discretionary DFG" or "Home Improvement Grants") that can top up the mandatory DFG for works above the threshold.
How do I apply?
- Contact your local council — call or visit the housing or environmental health department. Ask specifically about the Disabled Facilities Grant.
- Occupational therapist assessment — the council will arrange (or confirm) an OT assessment to identify what adaptations you need.
- Means test — you'll complete a financial assessment. If you're receiving pension credit or certain other benefits, you may be automatically entitled to the full grant.
- Get quotes — the council will advise how many quotes you need. Using a council-approved contractor can speed up approval.
- Grant approval — councils must decide within 6 months of a valid application. Once approved, works can begin.
- Payment — the grant is usually paid directly to the contractor on completion of approved works.
Tip: You can ask for an urgent DFG application if you have been discharged from hospital or are at immediate risk of a fall or injury at home. Many councils have a fast-track process. Make sure to say this clearly when you contact them.
City-specific DFG guides
The DFG process varies slightly between council areas. We are building out borough-by-borough guides for the main UK cities:
Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and more guides coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Both homeowners and tenants (including housing association and private rental tenants) can apply. If you rent, your landlord must give permission for the adaptations. Most councils can help you approach your landlord. Social housing landlords (councils and housing associations) generally must give consent for adaptations that are medically necessary.
Usually, no. The DFG is a grant, not a loan. However, some councils attach a "Local Land Charge" to the property — meaning that if you sell within a certain period (typically 10 years), a proportion of the grant may be repayable. This only applies to grants over a certain threshold (usually £5,000+) and the rules vary by council. Ask your council to confirm their repayment policy before applying.
Councils have a legal duty to decide DFG applications within 6 months of receiving a complete, valid application. In practice, from first contact to completed works, it often takes 6–12 months in many areas. Urgent cases (e.g., post-hospital discharge) can be fast-tracked. Some councils have reduced wait times significantly in recent years. If your council is not responding, you have a right to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.
If the work costs more than £30,000, or your means test shows you should contribute, you'll need to cover the shortfall. Some councils offer Discretionary DFG or separate Home Improvement Grants for this. Some charities (including Turn2Us, the Royal British Legion for veterans, and local housing foundations) can also help with top-up funding. Your OT or social worker may know of local funding options too.
No. If you begin work before the grant is formally approved, you risk losing the grant entirely. You must wait for written grant approval before any work starts (including ordering materials or signing a contract with an installer). The only exception is in genuine emergencies, and even then, you should get written confirmation from the council before proceeding.