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.

1. Client contacts Hampshire Occupational Therapy (OT) team for assessment

Before applying for a grant an Occupational Therapist must first assess your needs. How to arrange an Occupational Therapy assessment.

2. OT carries out assessment and identification of client’s needs

The OT may ask you some questions about your health, mobility and any issues you face daily. They may also ask you about your income.

3. OT sends referral to the grants team at East Hampshire District Council

The information passed over will include:

  • contact details
  • medical details relevant to your assessment
  • what needs have been identified, and
  • how the DFG can assist with this.

4. Grants team contacts client to begin application and establish eligibility

All applicants must undergo a national means test, to determine their financial contribution towards the proposed work (if you are in receipt of a passporting benefit, this process will not apply).

If eligible a disabled facilities grant will be awarded to cover any balance, subject to the grant limit set by central government (currently £30000).

5. Grants team obtains permissions for works

Case officer will request permission from the property owner and for more complex cases planning permission.

6. Quotes obtained for identified works

A minimum of two comparable quotes are required. The winning contractor will be the one with the lowest quote. If the applicant would prefer to use the other contractor, they will be required to pay the difference between the two quotes.

7. Application approved or rejected

It is essential that no works begin before a grant is approved otherwise the works will not qualify for grant aid.

8. Works carried out

The winning contractor will carry out the approved works.

9. Grants Team inspects works and checks for snagging

All works must be completed prior to a final inspection, however, should a grant be awarded for multiple works such as a level access shower and stairlift, then each individual element will be assessed.

10. Grants Team process payment

The completion paperwork including any electrical certificates are sent to the property owner and final payments are made to the contractor. The file will be closed once the OT team have been informed of completion and a feedback form has been sent to the applicant.