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Community, people and living 

Disabled facilities grants

If you, or a member of your family, are experiencing difficulty in managing at home because of a disability, you may be able to get financial assistance to help you move to a more suitable property.

Alternatively, you may qualify for a disabled facilities grant to help adapt your home, for example, stair lifts, showers and ramping. Last year the Council provided about 160 grants at a cost of over £700,000 for adaptations to enable people with disabilities to live independently.

What are disabled facilities grants?

Disabled facilities grants cover the costs of a range of adaptations to help disabled people continue to live independently in their home. The Council pays the grant and we must approve the work before any grant is paid.

Grants are subject to a financial means test, to ensure our limited funds go to those in greatest need, The Private Sector Housing Team can help you carry out a provisional means test before you apply for a grant, to give an early indication if you are likely to qualify for a grant. See contact details below for the Private Sector Housing Team.

The Council will also need to consult with an occupational therapist from the social and health care department at Oxfordshire County Council. They will advise us on what works are necessary and appropriate to meet your needs.

What work does the grant cover?

Disabled facilities grants cover the following works:

  • Making it easier to get in and out of the home by, for example, widening doors and installing ramps
  • Ensuring the safety of the disabled person and other occupants
  • Providing improved access to the bedroom, living room, kitchen, toilet, washbasin, bath and/or shower facilities, for example, by installing a stair lift or providing a walk-in shower
  • Enabling disabled person to prepare and cook food
  • Improving or providing a heating system suitable for the needs of a disabled person
  • Adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
  • Improving access and movement around the home to enable the disabled person to care for someone dependent on them - such as a child, husband, wife or partner.

How to apply for a disabled facilities grant

For more information, and to apply for a grant, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team.