Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG)

To qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant, you must:

• Be a homeowner, tenant, or landlord applying on behalf of a disabled occupant.
• Intending to live in the property for at least 5 years (or a shorter period based on health circumstances).

The disability must be long term and can be due to:

• Physical illness or injury (Not where insurance covers the cost)
• Major sight, hearing speech or mental health issues.
• Learning disabilities

To qualify an assessment must be conducted by a suitably trained professional such as a Trussed Assessor (TA) or an Occupational Therapist (OT). They will assess you to find the most suitable solutions for your needs and advise us.

The grant can help fund a wide range of adaptations, including:

• Installing ramps or stairlifts
• Widening doors and improving access
• Adapting bathrooms and kitchens
• Improving heating or lighting controls
• Creating accessible living spaces

We carefully consider that the works are necessary for your needs and appropriate for your home.

The maximum amount you can receive is £30,000. This includes ancillary costs such as legal, architect fees. In some cases, additional funding maybe available where the necessary adaptations exceed the limit. 

Means test: The grant amount depends on your household income and savings over £6,000. Only the income and savings of the disabled person and their spouse or partner are considered. You will not have to contribute towards the cost if you receive certain means-tested benefits, such as:

• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Guarantee Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Universal Credit
• And others

Note: Disabled children and young people under 19 are not assessed.

Proof of income and savings: Pay slips, pension statements, benefit letters.

Property details: Ownership documents or tenancy agreement.

Medical evidence: If applicable, any supporting medical documents.

Repayment conditions: If you own your property and receive a grant over £5,000, a charge will be placed on your property. If you sell or transfer your property within 10 years of the works completed, the amount will need to be paid back to the council. After 10 years the charge will no longer apply.

Maximum charge will not exceed £10,000.

Step 1 - Contact Bromley Adult Social Care to request an Occupational Therapy assessment:

Phone: 020 8461 7777
Email: adultsocialcare@bromley.gov.uk
Address: Bromley Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1AS

Step 2 - Assessment and identification:

• Professional assessment: A Trusted Assessor or Occupational Therapist will evaluate your needs.
• Referral: If an adaptation is necessary and appropriate, you’ll be referred to the Home Improvement Agency.

Step 3 - Application process:

• Technical officer assignment: You’ll be assigned a technical officer who will guide you through the process.
• Home visits: Technical officers may visit your home to assess feasibility, draw up plans, and create a schedule of works.
• Planning approvals: If required, they’ll help with planning permission or building regulations approval.

Step 4 - Grant approval and work commencement:

• Approval: Once eligibility is confirmed, and funds are available, your application will be approved.  Works can only start after formal written approval has been given.
• Work begins: A contractor will be appointed, and a start date will be arranged.

Step 5 - Completion and sign-off:

• Final inspection: After the work is completed, we’ll visit to ensure you’re satisfied.
• Payment: If you have a contribution to make, you’ll receive an invoice after completion.

The Home Improvement Agency will guide you through the grant application process and help coordinate the work.

Timelines vary: The duration depends on the complexity and urgency of the adaptations. Urgent cases are prioritised.

Stages involved: Assessment, approval, and construction stages each have their own timelines.

Approved contractors: The council usually appoints contractors to ensure quality and compliance.

Discussion: You can discuss preferences with the technical officer.

Self-funding: If you don’t qualify, you may need to fund the work yourself.

Alternative support: Other discretionary grants or assistance might be available. See our Housing Assistance Policy (HAP) for more information. (LINK)

Yes, if your circumstances change, you can apply for another grant for the same property.

Possibility: Some adaptations may require planning permission or building regulations approval.

Assistance provided: The technical officer will help you navigate this process if needed.

Yes: We’re committed to high-quality service. If you have concerns, we have a clear complaints process.

Further action: If unsatisfied with the outcome, you can contact the Local Government Ombudsman at www.lgo.org.uk or call 0300 061 0614.