disabled facilities grant

Disabled bars outside a house

If you are disabled or suffering from a medical condition which requires special housing needs, the Home Improvement Agency may be able to help you. You must own your own home or be a private tenant. Disabled facilities grants are designed to help people who have disabilities to be independent in their homes.

Types of disabled facilities grants

  • To provide small adaptations such as grab rails, ramps, door widening and additional hand rails to staircases.
  • To provide or improve access to the bedroom, kitchen, toilet, washbasin and bath or shower facilities.
  • To enable the disabled occupier to use and control power, light and heat, for example, by altering the position of light switches and power sockets.
  • To enable the disabled occupier to prepare and cook food by providing low level kitchen units.
  • To ensure the safety of the disabled person and other occupants. For example, by improving lighting to ensure better visibility, or to make access easier to the living room.

How do I apply for a disabled facilities grant?

  • 'The Council will require the disabled person to be assessed by an occupational therapist from the PCT, as approved by Social Services. To request an assessment contact Cambridgeshire Direct on 0845 6502150 to request an assessment.
  • An occupational therapist will assess your needs and if appropriate, refer you to the Home Improvement Agency. Once we have received your recommendation a caseworker will visit you to assess if you are eligible for a grant and start the grant application procedure for you.
  • The caseworker will carry out a means test to see if you need to make a contribution towards the cost of the works.
  • Once you agree to proceed, a surveyor will visit you to draw up plans for the proposed works or adaptations.
  • When all the necessary documents are received, your application will be submitted for approval.
  • Once approval is given, a start date will be arranged with the contractor and the works will begin.
  • The works will be monitored by the agency through to completion.
  • The agency will work with South Cambs District Council regarding all payments to contractors and manufacturers.
  • Work will be carried out under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, as amended by the Regulatory Reform Order 2002.



For more information call us on 08450 450 063 or email home.imp.agency@scambs.gov.uk.