There is help available if your home requires repairs or needs to be adapted to enable you to continue living independently
What is a 'disabled facility grant'?
A disabled facilities grant can be provided to adapt the home of a disabled person to enable them to be as independent as possible.
What could a disabled facility grant pay for?
Typical works include:
- stair lifts
- through floor lifts
- bathroom adaptations including flush floor showers/wet rooms
- extensions to house additional facilities
- pathways and ramps leading to the property
- widening of doors for wheelchair access
Who assesses eligibility?
An assessment is undertaken by an Occupational Therapist from Kent County Council's Social Services to determine the person's needs to achieve this independence.
The Occupational Therapist's recommendations form the basis of an application to fund the works; providing the council considers the works are reasonable and practicable and the application is satisfactory in all other respects, the grant can be approved, subject to funding being available.
Referral process
- To arrange a referral from an occupational therapist call Social Services' County Duty service on 03000 416161
- You can also be referred by your GP
What happens next?
There is a waiting list for assessments for the disabled facilities grant.
Once your case has been referred for a disabled facilities grant, you will be advised by the council whether funding is available.
When your referral is able to proceed you will be assigned a case worker from the Town & Country Home Home Improvement Agency, who manages the cases on the council's behalf.
East Kent Home Improvement Agency
Phone: 0800 028 3172 (Option 2)
Email: EastKentHIA@tch.org.uk
View Home Improvement Agency website
How much will I be awarded?
In accordance with government guidelines, the council must carry out a test of the financial resources of the grant applicant (means test) and assess how much, if any, you may have to pay towards the work.
The grant covers any reasonable cost, including professional fees or ancillary charges in excess of the owner's assessed contribution, subject to a mandatory grant limit of £30,000.