Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG)

Helping you to live at home, safely, independently and with confidence.

If you or someone in your household is disabled, we may be able to help you adapt your home to better meet your needs, through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), eligible residents can receive financial support to make essential changes that improve accessibility, managing everyday tasks safety, restoring independent living, confidence and dignity for you and your family.

Watch this helpful video guide on Disabled Facilities Grants:

Who is eligible?

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.

What the grant can cover

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. 

Grant amount and contributions

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.

What you will need

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.

How to apply and next steps

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.

Frequently asked questions

Need help or advice?

Our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're unsure about eligibility or need help with the application, don’t hesitate to reach out.