5.2 Local housing authorities should ensure the needs of applicants are at the heart of the grant application process, including through the provision of clear information to applicants, and specification design. Paragraph: 016a Reference ID: 63-016a-20190626. A portion of DFG funding can be retained to pay for social care and housing capital elements of joined up health, social care and housing projects at county level, where this is agreed with Districts (see para 2.12). Replacement grant. 4.12 Some applicants will be assessed by a private occupational therapist. Smart homes technology The disabled person and their carers or family should experience a joined-up service. Allocating sites can provide greater certainty for developers and encourage the provision of sites in suitable locations. The NRLA is working with a number of local authorities to provide more information to private landlords with the aim of encouraging more DFG applications and supporting landlords to make their portfolios more accessible for disabled tenants. 7. Help with transport costs for disabled people. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Foundations for their work in supporting us to help formulate this guidance. This is then compared to actual income, and where income is greater than the applicable amount, a loan generation factor is applied to the excess income to arrive at a notional affordable loan. (2) The applicant agrees not to offer the property (or a relevant part of the property) for let-ting, and the authority agrees not to make nominations to it, in such manner (including as to timing and the terms of any offer or nomination) as would prevent this condition being, or continuing to be, operable fairly and reasonably. Find out more about benefits for disabled adults. Glasspool supports a wide variety of individuals, couples and families. Smart home technology could provide alternative controls by using an app or by voice control. The only part of the new model of Shared Ownership, which may not apply to HOLD is the 10-year period during which housing providers are required to support shared owners with the cost of essential maintenance and repairs to your home. Key considerations are covered below. forthwith to hold the property (or the vacant part of it) available for letting by persons nominated by the authority and to notify the authority of its availability for that purpose and of the terms upon which it is so available. Similarly, disabilities can include, but are not limited to, people with ambulatory difficulties, blindness, learning difficulties, autism and mental health needs, which may generate a range of housing requirements which can change over time. Applicants should be aware of whether a builder is on the accredited list, and that the legal and contractual relationship is between the applicant and builder and not with the local authority. Thank you, your feedback has been submitted. The Disability Grants website lists the grants that are available by category. 4.35 It is recommended that authorities use a triage system to make an initial assessment of the complexity and urgency of a case. The main benefits you may be entitled to depending on your age, disabilities and situation. You may be able to buy a home through HOLD if you have a long-term disability and meet the following criteria: Find out how to apply for home ownership for people with long-term disabilities (HOLD) (GOV.UK). The government launched a new model of Shared Ownership in April 2021, which will apply to the HOLD scheme. Retirement living or sheltered housing: This usually consists of purpose-built flats or bungalows with limited communal facilities such as a lounge, laundry room and guest room. If the disabled person has care needs, the impact of adaptations on the level of this care should be considered including whether tasks will be reduced or eased. A joint team, including both housing and social care professionals, overcomes the frustrations faced by clients when their case is passed between different organisations. Owner-occupiers, landlords, tenants, licensees, and occupiers of some houseboats and park homes can apply for a disabled facilities grant, provided the work is for the benefit of a disabled person who lives or will live in the property. B42. Infrared controlled power sockets to switch devices on and off with a remote control, Automated light switches that can be activated using voice commands, a smart phone app, or via sensor triggered by movement or a timer. The course must last more than 12 hours a week not counting homework and meal breaks. All rights reserved. You could get a grant from your council if youre disabled and need to make changes to your home. For instance, equipment which can be installed and removed easily with little or no structural modification of the dwelling is the responsibility of the social services authority. In these cases it can still be appropriate to support the application, while making it clear what level of grant will be available and how much additional funding is required. You can change your cookie settings at any time. B67. 3.25 Authorities should particularly consider whether it would be right to demand repayment in cases where: 3.26 Authorities are encouraged not to place local land charges where the application is being made for a child in a long-term foster placement. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Search for grants and other kinds of help. An owner-occupier or landlord would usually need to have, or Examples could include: 3.18 The policy should set out the nature and extent of housing assistance that will be available, based on the evidence of needs identified. Read the full eligibility criteria for RNIB grants. 7.5 Facilitating access to and movement within the dwelling, 7.8 Controlling sources of power, light and heat. You should also live in the UK and be receiving a means-tested benefit. B110. B32. For example, where 2 siblings currently share a room but one is a risk to the other due to behaviours that challenge. For the purposes of a DFG application a person is disabled if: B6. The only part of the new model of Shared Ownership, which may not apply to HOLD is the. People told about the causes of delay are more likely to accept it and may offer ways to mitigate any problems. The disabled person is unable to access a room suitable for use as a living room or gain access to a room usable for sleeping. B47. If the local authority decides to proceed in approving the application, details of the insurance payments should be included in the grant application form. Paragraph: 019 Reference ID: 63-019-20190626. B74. For example, if an application had proposed a bedroom extension as the relevant works, but the authority decides that a stairlift to gain access to a bedroom are the eligible works, the authority could use estimates of the cost of a suitable stairlift from other applications to estimate the cost of the eligible works. If your landlord doesn't agree, this could be disability discrimination and they could be breaking the law. However, where an additional bedroom would make the premises safer for the disabled person or others living with them, then providing a new room could be considered under that purpose. With the total annual cost of fragility fractures to the UK at an estimated 4.4 billion which includes 1.1 billion for social care; joint initiatives that can pre-empt a fall are likely to provide good value for money. Adaptations can reduce the amount of formal care and support an individual may require, as well as often making the difference between being able to continue living in their current home or not. It is not recommended to include a contingency sum within every grant approval as it will make it more difficult to estimate the overall amount of funding committed and require every approval to be redetermined when the works are completed. This discretion may be used where the housing authority considers the landlord is unreasonably withholding an owners certificate. whether renting privately, from a social landlord or council, or owner . 7.1 According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the term assistive technology refers to products or systems that support and assist individuals with disabilities, restricted mobility or other impairments to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. This will set out the rights and responsibilities of both parties and can include the role of contract administrator, normally the technical officer employed by the agency/local authority. a means of identifying and prioritising urgent cases; other criteria that may assist in setting a priority based on the needs of the client. A preliminary enquiry about resources (e.g. The scheme is delivered by Care and Repair Cymru (www.careandrepair.org.uk/en/). The most common types of modification are: These simple changes can help to keep someone living safely at home for longer, delaying the need for more costly care services or a move into residential care. There are a wide range of options that could be considered relevant works to make a home safer, both for the disabled person and other people living with them. The examples are organised according to the different DFG purposes they support. A caravan as defined by the Act means any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer) and any motor vehicle so designed or adapted (excluding railway rolling stock on rails and tents) and includes any yard, garden, outhouses and appurtenances belonging to it or usually enjoyed with it. Foundations (the National Body for Home Improvement Agencies in England) host the AdaptMyHome.org.uk website which includes general information about DFG and home adaptations. Under the Equality Act 2010 a person is disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. You may also get a Council Tax Reduction from your local council. Where an authority has not used this discretion within their policy they will still need to give due consideration to exceptional cases. standards of customer care such as keeping to appointments, keeping the site tidy, controlling noise etc. Your local authority might have a list of local architects, surveyors and builders who specialise in renovation work which you could ask to see when choosing a contractor for the work to your home. Local authorities in England have welfare assistance schemes to support people who need help to buy essential items. for work which has been your responsibility under your tenancy for a period of two years before your application; for adaptations to a disabled person's house to make it suitable for their accommodation, welfare or employment, or for the reinstatement of any house adapted; for work which is required as a matter of urgency for the health, safety or security of the occupants of a house, including, in particular, work to repair it or provide means of escape from fire or other fire precautions. The local challenges facing individual local authorities will vary widely, and to ensure that resources are well used a careful appraisal of priorities is essential, involving residents and other partners before a final policy is adopted. B57. DFGs are designed to give disabled people a degree of independence in the home and should aim to meet current and anticipated future needs. Further information on the role of agencies in helping older and disabled people can be obtained from Foundations, the body currently funded by the government to support them. (3) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (2), the applicant agrees-, (a) if the property (or part of it) is or becomes vacant on the date of approval of the application, or. Assessments of disabled children should consider the developmental needs of the child and their progress towards maximum independence, the needs of their parents as carers and the needs of other children in the family. Most adaptation work is zero rated for VAT but where the relevant works are taxable at the standard rate of VAT this should be included within the estimated expense. Many local authorities already include dementia grants within their housing assistance policies. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Only then can the occupational therapist recommend (in collaboration with the client), which solution is appropriate. Paragraph: 005 Reference ID: 63-005-20190626. The range of technology available to control the functions of a home have increased significantly since the DFG was first introduced in 1990. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Assistance may therefore support landlords or other partners to increase the supply of adapted accommodation. This is known as staircasing. 2.3 Government wants more people to benefit from home adaptations to meet their needs, and will continue to support local areas to meet their statutory duty. It might be that your boiler has broken down, or maybe you need a plumber to fix a leak in your house. 10-year period during which housing providers are required to support shared owners with the cost of essential maintenance and repairs to your home. Replacement Grant -For the replacement of homes which have been deemed unfit to live in and repair is not an option. Evidence from Joint Strategic Needs Assessments prepared by Health and Wellbeing Boards can also be useful. You can contact your nearest Citizens Advice if you need further advice on home improvements. Inclusive design can help older and disabled people live more independently and reduce health and social care costs. Other housing grants in England and Wales. 6.4 Authorities should adequately manage the list, including client feedback as part of the regular monitoring to encourage good customer service. before making a loan, or requiring repayment of a loan or grant, the authority must have regard to the persons ability to afford to make a contribution or repayment. The definition excludes certain young people under the age of 20 such as those claiming certain benefits in their own right. Each certificate confirms the intention of the applicant at the time of the application and so long as that was genuinely their intention, no repayment of grant is required if circumstances change and the disabled person can no longer occupy it as intended. As with the mandatory DFG, the means test would not apply but nomination rights could be applied to ensure that the property could be available for let to another disabled person in the future. B127. The disabled person cannot access a room with a bath and/or a shower or cannot use the existing bath and/or shower. Authorities may wish to collaborate on establishing a list that covers a number of local authority areas, sharing the costs. (a) the authority shall, on approving the application, specify in writing the equipment to which this condition is to apply and the period (being a reasonable condition period for the equipment in question) during which it is to apply, and shall serve on the applicant a copy of such written specification; and. (Authorities are also requested to provide DFG delivery data to DLUHC through their annual DELTA questionnaire return.). The age profile of the population can be drawn from Census data. Trustmark is the only UK government approved trusted trader scheme and includes robust standards, dispute resolution services, and added protection by way of insurance backed warranties. 2) (England) Order 2001, The Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002, The Disabled Facilities Grants (Maximum Amounts and Additional Purposes) (England) Order 2008, The Housing Renewal Grants (Prescribed Form and Particulars) (Revocation) (England) Regulations 2010, Act to Adapt: Access to home adaptations for people with motor neurone disease (Motor Neurone Disease Association), Adaptations: A good practice guide (National Residential Landlords Association), Adaptations without delay: A guide to planning and delivering home adaptations differently (Royal College of Occupational Therapists), Adapted homes, empowered lives: A report on home aids and adaptations (Versus Arthritis), Care Act 2014: Guidance for occupational therapists - Disabled Facilities Grants (Royal College of Occupational Therapists), Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic people in housing (Local Government Association), Making a house a home: Local authorities and disabled adaptations (PDF, 2.73MB) (Local Government Ombudsman), Meeting the home adaptation needs of older people (Local Government Association). 2.12 Local authorities are encouraged to consider the level of demand for adaptations locally, and use this freedom only to fund wider projects which are likely to reduce overall demand for DFGs, so that more people can receive the adaptations that they need. You have rejected additional cookies. 5.1 Local housing authorities have a duty to consider all formal DFG applications. We'd love to stay in touch with stories, news from our campaigns, ways to get involved and more sent to your inbox. In addition, mainstream technologies also often have features that can be beneficial for disabled people. Is there anything wrong with this page? They are administered by local housing authorities in England and enable eligible disabled people to continue living safely and independently at home. Guidance about these powers is contained in Housing renewal circular 05/2003, available athttp://tinyurl.com/cslydcw. Contact your local council for more information. To use it, you need a referral from your local authority or a health professional. Charitable grants for ill or disabled people. 3.27 Before providing alternative forms of assistance, a local authority should consider the expected life of the policy and plan capital resource allocations accordingly. Further information on legislation around the relevant works and what is necessary and appropriate can be found at Appendix B, paragraph B61. The housing authority must be satisfied that the relevant works are necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of the disabled person (section 24(3)(a)). If you are a tenant, you can only get a grant or loan for one of the following: For more information, contact your local authority. B95. Contact your local housing department to find out more. Where a landlord makes the application, The Housing Renewal Grants (Additional Conditions) (England) General Consent 1996 also entitles authorities to include a condition allowing them to nominate tenants to the property throughout the grant condition period. Where a local authority approves a nil grant they should still ensure that the works are completed to a satisfactory standard. B113. Most people will need to claim Universal Credit instead. A DFG is available to fund facilities for a disabled person living or intending to live in a: B8. through a self-service online portal such as adaptmyhome.org.uk) can short-circuit these delays and may encourage the disabled person to pursue other solutions. In England, your local authority can provide you with an aid or a minor adaptation to your property as long as it is to assist with nursing at home or aid daily living. Housing Aid for Older People Grant. Grants for specific towns and regions of the UK. It is for social services authorities to decide in each case who should respond to the consultation and be involved in any assessments. Small charity grants; Holidays for disabled people; Home improvement grants; Cash to pay for utility arrears; Are you entitled to benefits? Find out more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply for a FNAIST grant. Have a condition from their list of eligible conditions. A grant is a financial donation that you don't have to repay. Unless otherwise stated the help is UK-wide. Public information and self-assessment Costs are usually equivalent to a traditional build, but by expanding the use of flat pack extension should open the market for greater innovation and efficiency in the future. Happy Pride Month! However, if you found them helpful and are able to, why not consider making a small suggested donation of 1 towards our work? you are a first-time buyer, you used to own a home but can't afford to buy one now or are an existing shared owner . 5.29 In some cases there will be works that are more urgent than others. 2. Offering older people a better choice of accommodation to suit their changing needs can help them live independently for longer, feel more connected to their communities and help reduce costs to the social care and health systems. This includes dwellings where someone lives as part of their employment, like a farm cottage or a flat over a shop. Extended guarantees or a service plan (if purchased up front as part at the time of installation) can be considered as part of a grant award. The sites often consist of self-contained private homes as well as shared community space. Purchase of materials for repairs and maintenance (e.g. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Be referred by a health, social care or charity professional. Depending on the circumstances, the agreement and consent of other affected parties (such as a landlord) may also be required. Importantly the dependent being cared for need not be disabled. Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, Benefits and financial support if you're disabled or have a health condition, apply for Council Tax Disabled Band Reduction, Check if youre eligible for Housing Benefit, View a printable version of the whole guide, Apply for equipment for your home if you're disabled, Get help with benefits and pensions if you have accessibility needs. Where the applicant has a duty or power to carry out works of repair to the grant-aided property, he shall ensure that, to the extent that his duty or power allows, the property remains fit for human habitation throughout the grant condition period. 3.24 As part of their Housing Assistance Policy authorities should set out when it will use discretion to place local land charges for an owner-occupiers application and the cases when it would not demand repayment if the recipient of the grant disposes of the property (see Appendix B, B123 to B125). The grant can either be paid in instalments as the work progresses or in full on completion (section 35). Citizens Advice is an operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. It offers grants between 300 and 600, to go towards equipment, building works or other essential items to support independence. Linking Help with Hope is a charity formerly known as The League of the Helping Hand. The person(s) and property to which the assistance applies, A description of the works to be carried out (the eligible works), The estimated cost of any associated fees and charges, The applicants expected contribution towards the costs and how this will be paid, The amount of assistance approved and the maximum amount that can be provided, Time limits for the commencement and completion of works, having regard to the nature and extent of the assisted work, The contractor(s) expected to carry out the works, Any terms and conditions that apply to the assistance being provided, including any local land charges and circumstances in which they may be waived in the future, What would happen if circumstances change before the works are completed and when assistance may be reclaimed, If and when recovering and recycling of any equipment would apply (e.g. your gross annual household income is 80,000 or less outside London, or 90,000 or less in London, you are a first-time buyer, you used to own a home but cant afford to buy one now or are an existing shared owner looking to move, Find out how to apply for home ownership for people with long-term disabilities (HOLD), A couple standing at their open bifold doors looking out at greenery below, The government launched a new model of Shared Ownership in April 2021, which will apply to the HOLD scheme. You can change your cookie settings at any time. B55. For someone with variable income, authorities can calculate average weekly earnings over a representative period of up to a year that reflects the current situation. Benefits and financial help if youre a disabled adult. purchase a new home (whether within or outside their area) where the authority either purchases their existing home, or is satisfied that purchasing a new home would provide a similar benefit to adapting their current home; adapt or improve their home (including by alteration, conversion, enlargement, or installation of equipment or insulation); demolish their home and build a replacement. Your local authority must publish a policy explaining what kind of help they may give, who can get it, what information is available, how to apply for it and how to complain. RNIB stands for Royal National Institute of Blind People. The DFG can be used for a wide range of capital works to a home provided it meets the purposes set out in the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (see, Authorities should judge each request for adaptations on its merits in accordance with the legislation (see. B98. This could include with occupational therapists and specialist access or inclusive design officers. You might also need to get approval for building regulations, planning, listed building or conservation area purposes. For example, if the applicant paid a 7,000 contribution towards the previous adaptations, and the new means test shows a contribution of 8,000, this will be reduced to a contribution by the applicant on the second DFG of 1,000. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Visit our pages about benefits to find out more. to provide reminders and to monitor activity, Decoration to improve contrast between walls and floors, Installing coloured fixtures to create a contrast for items like toilet seats and grabrails.