If you’re a disabled person you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help you make adaptations to your home. The DFG is a government grant that is available to disabled people of all ages, including children. The grant can be used to make adaptations to your home so that you can live independently. The adaptations must be for your personal needs and must be recommended by an occupational therapist.
In this article, we’ll give you 10 tips on how to increase your chances of getting approved for a DFG.
1. Get an assessment from an Occupational Therapist (OT)
If you’re applying for a DFG, you need to get an assessment from an OT. An OT can recommend the adaptations you need and assess your eligibility. The OT will assess your ability to perform daily tasks and determine the adaptations you need.
- You can request an assessment by contacting your Local Authority. If you contact your Local Authority, they will tell you what to do and give you advice about getting your assessment
For Luton you can find out full details from Luton Council’s web page – I have a disability – can my home be adapted?
2. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria
Before you apply for a DFG, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. The first thing you need to know is whether you meet the financial criteria.
According to the GOV.UK website (in September 2022):
“You or someone living in your property must be disabled. Either you or the person you’re applying for must:
- Own the property or be a tenant
- Intend to live in the property during the grant period (which is currently 5 years)
You can also apply for a grant if you’re a landlord and have a disabled tenant.
The council needs to be happy that the work is:
- Necessary and appropriate to meet the disabled person’s needs
- Reasonable and can be done – depending on the age and condition of the property”
3. Choose adaptations that are essential for your needs
When you’re choosing adaptations for your home, you must always consider your needs. You should choose adaptations that are essential for your needs. If you’re applying for a DFG to help with building adaptations, you should choose adaptations that are essential for your needs. For example, if you have difficulty getting in and out of the shower, you should install a shower seat or a hand-held shower head. If you have difficulty doing your laundry, you should install a transfer system. In some cases, you can apply for a DFG to replace your flooring with anti-slip flooring. You can also apply for a DFG to improve your lighting and install a visual alarm.
4. Get quotes from registered contractors
Before you apply for a DFG, you should get and compare quotes from registered contractors. Registered contractors are approved by the government to do certain types of work. You should get three quotes for each type of adaptation you want to have installed. You should get quotes for plumbing, electrical work, flooring, and any other work that you want done. You should compare the contractors’ quotes so that you can choose the best one. You should also make sure that you get a DFG for the cost of the contractor, the materials, and the installation.
5. Fill in the application form correctly
Before you apply for a DFG, you must fill in the application form correctly. The application form is available online, and you can print it. You must sign the application form. You should make sure that you fill in all the details correctly, including your name, your address, and your telephone number. You should choose one of the following ways to apply for a DFG – You can apply online. If you apply online, you should submit your application as soon as possible. You can also send a paper application through the postal service. You should send your application as soon as possible.
6. Submit supporting documentation
After you apply for a DFG, you should submit supporting documentation. You should submit your OT assessment. If you’re applying for a DFG to help with building adaptations, you should submit a building assessment. You should also submit contact details of the contractor who will do the work. You should submit a plan of the work that will be done. You should also submit proof of your disability. You should submit two identification documents that have your photograph and signature. You can also submit a public utility bill or a bank or credit card statement.
7. Be patient
Before you get frustrated, you should know that it takes a long time to get approved for a DFG. It really depends on each individual application, so it’s best to speak to the Occupational Therapist that is assessing your needs.
8. Appeal if your application is unsuccessful
If you don’t get approved for a DFG, you can appeal. You can appeal within one month of receiving a decision. Before you make an appeal, you should get in touch with your local authority. You can discuss your reasons for making an appeal. If you’re successful in your appeal, you can expect to receive the grant within two months.
9. Seek help from your local authority
Before you apply for a DFG, you should talk to your Local Authority. You can ask your local authority about the DFG and how to apply for one. You can also discuss the adaptations that you need. You can also talk to your local authority about other grants that you may be eligible for. Your local authority can also help you if you encounter any problems. They can guide you through the process and make sure that everything is done correctly.
10. Contact your local MP
If you have problems getting a DFG, you can contact your local MP. You can tell them about your situation and ask them to help you. Your local MP may be able to help you get a DFG. They may be able to make a complaint on your behalf, or they may be able to pass on your concerns to the appropriate person. If you’re having a problem getting a DFG, you should make sure that you follow these ten tips. They will help you get approved for a DFG and improve your living conditions. These tips work for DFGs for residential adaptations and DFGs for building adaptations.
Get started…
Get started by reading your local council’s web pages about Disability Facilities Grants:
Luton Council – I have a disability – can my home be adapted?
Milton Keynes Council – Disabled Facilities Grant
Bedford Borough Council – Disabled Facilities Grant
Central Bedfordshire – Disabled Facilities Grant
Oxfordshire Council – Disabled Facilities Grant
Northamptonshire county wide services – Disabled Facilities Grant
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