Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grants
What are Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grants?
Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grants are extra grants that we can give to help with home adaptations that are not covered by the main rules. These grants depend on our available resources.
Types of discretionary assistance
- top-up assistance
- special assistance
- relocation assistance
- Fast Track Grant
- Safe Warm and Well Grant
- Care and Support Project Grants
- Small Adaptation and Equipment Grant
Discretionary DFG - Top-Up Assistance Grant - maximum £30,000
The Top-Up Assistance Grant can provide up to £30,000 extra if the main grant is not enough. To get this grant, the person must try other ways to fund the extra cost, like:
- equity release for owner-occupied property
- bank loans
- charity grants/contributions
Discretionary DFG - Special Assistance Grant - maximum £10,000
The Special Assistance Grant can provide up to £10,000 for home adaptations not covered by the main grant. Examples include:
- safe play space for a disabled child
- better internal arrangements for the person
- adaptations for working from home
- area for specialist care or treatment
- ceiling track hoists
- dropped kerb for access
- storage for a mobility scooter
- facilities for a foster child
Discretionary DFG - Relocation Grant - maximum £5,000
The Relocation Grant can provide up to £5,000 if adapting the current home is not possible and the person needs to move to a suitable property.
Discretionary DFG - Fast Track Grant - maximum £15,000
The Fast Track Grant can provide up to £15,000 for safe access to a home to support hospital discharge or avoid hospital admission. This grant does not require a means test or a charge on the property. Eligible works include:
- ceiling track hoists
- stairlifts
- modular ramps
- door widening
- bathroom modifications
Discretionary DFG - Safe Warm and Well Grant - maximum £10,000
The Safe Warm and Well Grant can provide up to £10,000 for essential repairs to keep the home safe and healthy. This grant is for people with chronic or severe health conditions affected by poor housing conditions. Examples of works include:
- heating repairs or replacement
- works to prevent falls
- roof repairs
Discretionary DFG - Care and Support Project Grant - maximum £10,000
The Care and Support Project Grant can provide up to £10,000 for projects that improve the lives of residents with a disability. This grant is not means-tested and can be used for:
- assistive technology
- minor home adaptations or repairs
- clearance and deep clean of cluttered properties
- fixed safety equipment
- changing flooring for safe moving and handling
- relocation of furniture
Discretionary DFG - Small Adaptations and Equipment Grant - maximum £10,000
The Small Adaptations and Equipment Grant can provide up to £10,000 for minor adaptations and equipment. This grant is not means-tested. Examples include:
- ceiling track hoists
- stairlifts
- digital/assistive technology equipment
- key klamp rails and steps
Is the person expected to contribute towards a discretionary grant?
Some discretionary grants are means-tested, like the main grant, unless they are for a disabled child. These grants include:
- top-up assistance
- special assistance
- relocation assistance
- Safe Warm and Well grants
Are there any conditions attached to a discretionary grant?
Some discretionary grants have conditions, like the timing of the application, the number of quotes required, and what happens if the property is sold. If the person owns the property, the grant will be recorded on the Local Land Charges Register. If the property is rented, the person must show they plan to stay for at least five years.
Who can authorise a discretionary grant?
The Adaptations Team Manager can approve discretionary grants up to £10,000. For larger amounts, approval is needed from the relevant Director of Services or the Executive Director.