Housing assistance, adaptions and Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) guidance

Eligibility and criteria

Criteria for Adaptations

  • the changes must be necessary and appropriate
  • the changes must be reasonable and practical

A financial assessment might be needed before we can approve a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Adaptations for Council-Owned Social Housing

Residents in council-owned social housing (South Essex Homes) can get funding for home adaptations to help them stay safe and comfortable. This funding comes from the Housing Revenue Account, so they don't need to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). The same rules for major adaptations apply to all housing types. Applicants can get help from a family member, friend, or advocate during the process.

How do we decide if changes are needed?

An Occupational Therapist will work with the person, their family, and any carers to check what changes are needed. They will look at the person's needs and their home.

The Occupational Therapist will:

Talk to the person and their carers about what changes are needed

  • check if the changes are necessary and appropriate
  • check if the changes are reasonable and practical

The Occupational Therapist will also work with our Adaptations Team to:

  • discuss the changes needed
  • make sure the changes meet the rules
  • make sure the changes are simple, not too disruptive, and cost-effective

How do we decide if changes are reasonable and practical?

An Adaptations Surveyor and the Occupational Therapist will visit the home to see if the changes can be done. Sometimes, changes are not possible if:

  • there are too many steps or levels
  • there is not enough space
  • moving services like water or electricity is too expensive

If the changes are not reasonable or practical, the grant may be declined.

What is a disability for a Disabled Facilities Grant?

A person is considered disabled if:

  • their sight, hearing, or speech is greatly affected
  • they have a mental disorder or impairment
  • they are physically disabled by illness or from birth

For people aged 18 or over:

  • they are registered as disabled under the National Assistance Act 1948
  • they receive welfare support under the same act

For people under 18:

  • they are registered as a disabled child under the Children Act 1989
  • the Social Services Authority considers them a disabled child

Under the Equality Act 2010, a person is disabled if:

  • they have a physical or mental impairment
  • the impairment has substantial adverse effects
  • the effects are long-term
  • the effects impact normal day-to-day activities

A Disabled Facilities Grant can fast-tracked in some circumstances.

Who can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?

DFGs are available to:

  • homeowners
  • owners of houseboats and park homes
  • tenants of private landlords
  • tenants of Housing Associations
  • people needing changes to common parts of buildings with flats
Go to top