Disability facility grant for a private property

Who can apply for the grant?

You can apply for a grant if you are:

• a tenant or owner of a property
• a landlord on behalf of a disabled tenant.

The person who applies for the grant does not have to be the disabled person who needs the alterations. We will ask the person applying for the grant to produce a certificate stating that the disabled person will live in the house for at least five years.
 
We require anyone who applies for the grant to produce a certificate of ownership or tenancy.

What type of work is eligible?

Disabled Facility Grants are awarded for essential adaptations to give a disabled person better freedom of movement around the house. This includes:

• Widening doors or installing ramps
• Providing a specially adapted room in which it is safe to leave a disabled person unattended
• Installing a stair lift so there is better access to a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom
• Installing a downstairs bathroom
• Improving or installing a heating system which is suitable for the disabled person.

Does the council have to give me the grant?

The council will have to ensure that the work is:

• Necessary
• Appropriate
• Reasonable
• Practicable
• Feasible.

How is the grant calculated?

The grant is means tested to ensure those in the most need get the most help.

This will be determined by the income and capital of:

• The disabled person
• The disabled persons spouse or partner

The parents of a disabled person, aged under 19 (please note, the means test for disabled children will be abolished on 31 December 2005)

It will take into account:

• A persons average weekly income
• Any savings above a set amount

Some benefits, especially those that recognise a person’s disability are not included.

If your resources are less than your assessed needs you will be given a full grant.

If your resources are more than your assessed needs you will be told how much you will be expected to pay towards the cost of the works.

How do I apply for the grant?

To apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant you will need to have an assessment of your needs carried out by an Occupational Therapist. You can contact the Occupational Therapy service at:

Community Equipment Service
Social Services
Wolverhampton City Council
Craddock Street
Whitmore Reans
Wolverhampton
WV6 0QJ

 

Phone: 01902 553666
E-mail: ssces@wolverhampton.gov.uk

What will happen next?

The Occupational Therapy service will forward their recommendations on to Neighbourhood Renewal who will send you the necessary forms to complete to make your grant application.

Officers from Neighbourhood Renewal will carry out an inspection of your property to determine the exact works that will be eligible for grant aid.

You will not get any grant if you have started the work before the council has approved your application.

How will the grant be paid?

The council may pay the grant in instalments as the work progresses or once all the work has been completed.

Your grant will only be paid when we are satisfied that the work has been satisfactorily completed and in accordance with the grant approval.