How DFG works in London
In London, the Disabled Facilities Grant is administered by each of the 32 London borough councils, plus the City of London Corporation. This means the process, wait times and supplementary funding available vary significantly depending on where you live.
Funding comes via the Better Care Fund — a joint arrangement between the council and the NHS. Each London borough receives an annual allocation. In practice, this means grants are subject to budgetary pressure and it's worth applying as early as possible.
📢 2026–27 funding confirmed: With £723 million in Better Care Fund DFG money confirmed for England in 2026–27, London boroughs will each receive their largest ever DFG allocation. The January 2026 £50M emergency top-up was specifically targeted at urgent discharge-related adaptations.
Step-by-step: Applying for DFG in London
Step 1 — Contact your London borough council
Your first contact should be with your borough council's housing team or the council's dedicated DFG/home adaptations service. You can usually start by:
- Calling the council's main number and asking for the DFG or home adaptations team
- Searching "[Your borough] Disabled Facilities Grant" online to find the direct page
- Asking your GP, district nurse or social worker to make a referral on your behalf
Many London boroughs also have a single referral route through the NHS community occupational therapy team — ask your GP for a referral if you are unsure where to start.
Step 2 — Occupational therapist assessment
A community occupational therapist (OT) — employed either by the council or the NHS — will visit your home to assess what adaptations are necessary. This assessment determines what works are included in your grant application. It's important to be open and thorough during this assessment — describe how your condition affects everyday tasks like bathing, moving around and getting in and out of bed.
Step 3 — Financial assessment (means test)
London borough councils use the government's standard DFG financial assessment. You'll need to provide information about your income, savings and other assets. If you or your partner receive Pension Credit, Income Support, or certain other benefits, you may automatically qualify for the full grant. The means test applies to the applicant (the disabled person), not a carer or family member.
Good to know: Some London boroughs operate a "light touch" means test for small adaptations (typically under £1,000), meaning the process is significantly faster for minor works like grab rails, handrails or threshold ramps.
Step 4 — Quotes and contractor selection
Most London councils require at least two quotes for works above a certain value. They may provide a list of approved contractors — using one of these can speed up approval significantly. You can also choose your own contractor, but they must be vetted and meet the council's standards. TrustMark registration is a common requirement for DFG works in London.
Step 5 — Grant approval and works
Once your application is complete and approved, the council issues a formal grant approval letter. Do not start works before receiving this letter — beginning works early risks losing the grant. After approval, works proceed and the grant is paid directly to the approved contractor on satisfactory completion.
Wait times in London boroughs
Wait times for DFG assessments and approvals vary significantly across London. As a general guide:
- OT assessment wait: 4–16 weeks (varies by borough)
- Grant decision: Legally within 6 months of valid application
- Works completion: Typically 1–6 months after approval
Urgent cases — particularly those involving hospital discharge — should be escalated immediately. Many London boroughs have a rapid response adaptation pathway that can arrange temporary equipment (like a modular ramp) within 24–48 hours while the full DFG is processed.
Supplementary London grants
Some London boroughs offer additional funding beyond the mandatory £30,000 DFG cap. This may be called a Discretionary DFG, Home Repair Assistance Grant, or similar. Ask your council specifically whether they offer top-up grants for works exceeding the mandatory threshold.
Several London housing associations also operate their own adaptation grant schemes for residents. If you live in a housing association property, contact your housing officer directly.
London borough DFG contacts
We are building out a directory of DFG contacts for each London borough. Check back soon, or contact your borough council directly.
Find DFG-approved London providers
All providers listed on HomeAdapt UK have been checked for TrustMark registration and DFG approval status. Use the directory to find a vetted installer near you.