Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a government-backed initiative in the UK that offers financial assistance to individuals who need to make adaptations to their homes to improve accessibility. One of the most common adaptations funded by a DFG is the installation of a stairlift, an essential mobility aid that allows individuals with reduced mobility to move between floors safely and independently. The DFG plays a crucial role in helping individuals, particularly the elderly and disabled, to continue living comfortably in their homes, without the need for relocation or more drastic measures.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how a Disabled Facilities Grant works, the process for applying, eligibility criteria, and how the grant can be used to fund a stairlift.

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a grant offered by local authorities in the UK to help cover the cost of essential home adaptations for individuals with disabilities. It is designed to improve safety, mobility, and overall quality of life for those whose homes are not currently suited to their needs.

The DFG can be used for a variety of home adaptations, including widening doorways, installing ramps, adapting bathrooms, and of course, installing stairlifts. The grant is available to both homeowners and tenants (with the landlord’s permission) and is primarily targeted at people who are physically disabled, elderly, or have long-term illnesses that impact their mobility.

The maximum amount that can be awarded through the DFG depends on where you live:

• £30,000 in England
• £36,000 in Wales
• £25,000 in Northern Ireland

This grant is means-tested for adults, which means that the applicant's income and savings are taken into account to determine the level of financial assistance they are entitled to. However, children under the age of 18 are exempt from this means test.

Installing a stairlift can be one of the most impactful home adaptations for individuals who struggle with mobility issues. Stairlifts allow individuals to safely navigate between floors without having to deal with the physical strain of climbing stairs. This is particularly important for elderly individuals or those with conditions such as arthritis, muscle weakness, or neurological disorders that impair their ability to walk up and down stairs.

The cost of a stairlift can vary widely depending on whether you need a straight or curved model, the features you require, and the length of the staircase. Straight stairlifts are generally less expensive and easier to install, while curved stairlifts are custom-made to fit the exact shape of the staircase, which increases the price. Prices for stairlifts in the UK typically range from £2,000 to £4,000 for a straight stairlift and £5,000 or more for a curved stairlift. For many households, these costs can be prohibitively expensive, making the DFG a critical resource for funding.

The DFG can cover part or all of the costs of purchasing and installing a stairlift, depending on the applicant’s financial situation. In some cases, the grant may even cover additional associated costs, such as structural modifications to accommodate the stairlift or ongoing maintenance costs.

To qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant, there are several eligibility criteria that must be met:

1. Disability Requirement: The stairlift must be for someone who is disabled. This includes individuals who have a physical or mental impairment that significantly affects their ability to carry out daily tasks. An occupational therapist will typically assess the applicant to determine whether the stairlift is necessary for their safety and mobility.
2. Property Ownership: The applicant must either own the property or be a tenant. If the applicant is a tenant, they must have the landlord’s permission to make modifications to the property. This is common in cases where individuals live in rented social housing or private rented accommodations.
3. Primary Residence: The property must be the primary residence of the person needing the adaptation. The DFG is intended to fund adaptations to the home in which the disabled person lives most of the time.
4. Essential Need: The stairlift must be deemed essential for the individual's safety and independence. The local authority may require an assessment by an occupational therapist to determine if a stairlift is the most appropriate solution for the person’s mobility needs.
5. Means Test: For adults, the DFG is means-tested, meaning that the applicant’s income, savings, and financial circumstances will be assessed. However, individuals receiving specific benefits, such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit, may automatically qualify without the need for a means test. Children under the age of 18 are not subject to this test.

The process of applying for a DFG is relatively straightforward but can take some time, so it’s important to start the process as early as possible if a stairlift is urgently needed.

1. Contact Your Local Council: The first step is to get in touch with your local council’s housing or social services department. You can inquire about the DFG and request an application form.
2. Occupational Therapist Assessment: Once you’ve applied, an occupational therapist will visit your home to assess your mobility needs and determine whether a stairlift is necessary. They will also evaluate the layout of your home and provide recommendations on where the stairlift should be installed.
3. Financial Assessment: After the occupational therapist’s assessment, your local council will carry out a means test (if applicable) to assess your income and savings. Based on this assessment, the council will determine how much of the stairlift cost will be covered by the DFG and how much, if any, you will need to contribute.
4. Approval and Installation: If your application is approved, the local authority will either arrange for the installation of the stairlift themselves, or you may be given the option to choose a stairlift provider. The installation will typically be carried out by professionals, and in some cases, the grant may also cover ongoing maintenance or repair costs.

It’s important to note that the DFG application process can take some time, particularly if there is a high demand for grants in your area or if additional assessments are required. On average, it can take several weeks to several months from the initial application to the final installation of the stairlift.

However, if the need for a stairlift is urgent, some local councils may provide temporary solutions while your application is being processed. For example, they might offer to rent a stairlift or provide alternative mobility aids.

In cases where the DFG does not cover the full cost of a stairlift or where an individual is not eligible for a grant, there are other sources of funding available. Several charities and non-profit organizations in the UK offer grants and financial assistance for home adaptations. Some organizations to consider include Turn2us, Independence at Home, and The ACT Foundation.

Additionally, many stairlift providers, such as Acorn Stairlifts and Stannah, offer financing options that allow individuals to pay for their stairlift in installments, making the cost more manageable.

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is an invaluable resource for individuals in the UK who require home adaptations such as stairlifts. By covering part or all of the cost of a stairlift, the DFG enables individuals with mobility challenges to continue living independently and safely in their homes. With a straightforward application process, a range of funding options, and support from local authorities, the DFG makes it possible for more people to access the life-changing benefits of stairlifts.

You can apply to your local council for a disabled facilities grant. The grant helps you adapt your home to make it suitable for a disabled person.