We aim to support residents to live as independently and safely as possible within their own homes. The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) covers works between £1,000 and £30,000 for those who qualify and may help towards the cost of adaptations that are necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of a disabled person. Most adult applications are subject to a means test to determine whether a financial contribution towards the works is required. Children's applications are not means tested.
If you think you may need equipment, adaptations or advice about managing everyday activities, please visit our Occupational Therapy pages:
Am I eligible?
You may be able to apply for a DFG if you or someone living in your home has a disability and:
- owns the property or lives there as their main residence
- intends to remain living in the property for the grant period (currently five years)
- if you are living in a Housing Association property, permission for work to be carried out will be required from the Housing Association prior to being placed on our waiting list
- landlords may also apply on behalf of a disabled tenant
You can check your provisional financial eligibility using the Foundations means test calculator Foundations means test calculator.
Please note that:
- the calculator is provided by Foundations and is not managed by us
- any indication of eligibility is provisional only
- a formal financial assessment may still be required as part of the DFG application process
What works can be carried out?
The purpose of a DFG is to help a disabled person access and use essential areas of their home safely and independently.
Where required, recommendations may be made by an Occupational Therapist following an assessment of the person's needs and circumstances.
Examples of adaptations that may be considered include:
- level access showers and other bathroom adaptations
- through-floor lifts or stairlifts
- ramps and step-free access
- door widening
- adaptations to improve access within the home
The type and extent of work that may be funded will depend on the individual's assessed needs, their home environment, and whether the proposed adaptation is considered necessary, appropriate, reasonable and practicable.
Please note that grants cannot normally be approved for works that have already started or been completed.
How much will I need to contribute?
Calculations are based on guidance set by the Government. However, a means test will calculate what, if anything you will need to pay towards the cost of the adaptation work being carried out.
Childrens applications and applicants on certain benefits are not means tested.
Benefits known as passporting benefits currently include:
- guaranteed pension credit
- income support
- income based Job Seekers Allowance
- income based Employment Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
At the present time, the Council are also willing to consider applications from those in receipt of Council Tax Reduction only.
Depending on the total value of the works required, repayable grant conditions may be applied upon completion of the adaptation work for owner-occupier properties.
More information regarding Disabled Facilities Grants in Southend can be found in our DFG General Guidance document.
What shall I do next?
Adults
To apply for an adult DFG, visit our Adult Social Care portal.
If you want to speak to somebody from the Adult Social care service:
- call 01702 215008,
- select option 5,
- and then select option 1
We will ask you some questions to help work out whether you should be assessed for:
- an adaptation, or
- minor adaptation work
Children
To apply for a child's DFG, complete our online form.
If you wish to speak to Children's Services call 01702 215007.
Other general information and advice can be found on 'Children and Families' section of the Livewell website.
A simple guide to the grant process is also available to view at GOV.UK.