Home Improvements - Disabled Facilities Grant for Private Properties
These are mandatory grants for people with a permanent or substantial disability.
This service is provided by Solihull Independent Living.
Solihull Independent Living
Solihull Independent Living is a not-for-profit organisation that offers people who are older, disabled or on a low income an affordable way to repair, improve or adapt their homes. The organisation provides Disabled Facilities Grants and other services on behalf of Solihull Council.
Who can apply?
A private tenant or owner occupier of a property in Solihull provided that this is your only main residence.
A landlord on behalf of a disabled person.
The parents or guardians of a disabled child under the age of 19.
How is the Disabled Facilities Grant calculated?
The grant is resource tested to ensure that those in the most need get the most help. This will be determined by the income and capital of:
- the disabled person
- the disabled persons spouse or partner
It will take into account:
- a person's average weekly income
- any savings above £6,000
Some benefits, especially those that recognise a person's disability are not included. If your income is less than your allowance you will be given a full grant.
If your income is more than your allowance you will be required to contribute towards the cost of the works or may not receive a grant.
Would I qualify for a grant?
For disabled people who do not receive the benefits shown below, a test of resources applies. This takes into consideration the income of the disabled person and his/her partner or spouse, including savings over £6,000.
- Guaranteed pension credit
- Council tax benefit (not sole occupancy)
- Housing benefit
- Income based job seekers allowance
- Income support
- Child tax credit (with a household income of less than £16,190)
- Working tax credit (with a household income of less than £16,190)
The outcome of the test of resources may result in you having to pay a contribution towards the cost of the work or not receiving any grant at all.
Grants for disabled children under 19 are not subject to a resources test.
The government has set aside funding to help and support Ex Service Personnel and Veterans. If you are in receipt of a War Pension Scheme and a Constant Attendance Allowance please contact Solihull Independent Living for more advice.
How much is available?
A maximum mandatory grant of £30,000, above which a discretionary top-up loan or other assistance may be available.
What type of work is eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
Disabled Facilities Grants are awarded for essential adaptations to give a disabled person better freedom of movement around the house. This work includes:
- widening doors or installing ramps
- providing a specially adapted room in which it is safe to leave a disabled person unattended
- installing a stair lift so there is better access to a bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom
- installing a downstairs bathroom
- a garage conversion
Does the Council have to give me a Disabled Facilities Grant?
We have to ensure that the work is:
- necessary
- appropriate
and
- reasonable
- practicable
- feasible
The needs of the applicant will be met in the most economical way.
Once you have made an enquiry, and if you meet the criteria, an Officer from Solihull Independent Living will visit your home to see how you manage and discuss your particular needs.
How do I apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
Contact Solihull Independent Living on 0121 717 1517.
How will the Disabled Facilities Grant be paid?
The grant will be paid in instalments as the work progresses if it is a large scheme, or once all the work has been completed.
Your grant will only be paid when we are satisfied the work has been satisfactorily completed and in accordance with the grant approval. Grants can only be paid on provision of an invoice.
The grant may be paid directly to the contractor and if you are required to pay towards the cost of the works your contribution will be paid to Solihull Independent Living prior to commencement of the work.
When work is carried out by the applicant or a relative, only invoices for materials or services that have been bought will be acceptable.
Provision of Grant Only and Self Funding
Where there is an assessed need for adaptation, Solihull Independent Living normally specify works and project manage them on your behalf. However, you will be given the choice of receiving a grant for the cost of the works which you can obtain yourself. This may be beneficial to you if you are planning further works in addition to the adaptation.
Before you start any work to your property you need to ensure that you are choosing the correct adaptation to meet your need. Solihull Independent Living can help to undertake the work on your behalf and help you in the process of a referred/preferred route.
Prior to commencing work yourself you need to make sure that any building regulation approval or planning permission has been granted before the Council has approved your application.
You will not get a grant if you have started work before Solihull Independent Living has approved your application.
If you do not qualify for grant assistance, our technical staff will oversee the works on your behalf. This may be of assistance if you are unable to, or lack the confidence to, supervise the work.
Relocation Grants
These are for Private Sector Tenants, Housing Association Tenants and Owner Occupiers.
A Relocation Grant of up to £5,000 may be available if:
- your home cannot be adapted to meet your need
- where another property would be easier to adapt
- where a property has already been adapted or requires no adaptation
The grant will be a contribution towards fees and the costs of the removal where appropriate.
Property Charges
Solihull Independent Living will place a limited charge on adapted properties of owner occupiers, and private sector landlords where the cost of the Disability Facilities Grant exceeds £5,000, which is limited to a maximum charge of £10,000 and will remain in force for a period of 10 years from the certified date of completion of your adaptation.
Below are examples of the amount of grant that may be repaid in relation to the cost of the adaptation.
| Cost of Adaptation | Amount to be repaid |
|---|---|
| Up to £5,000 | NIL |
| £7,000 | £2,000 |
| £10,000 | £5,000 |
| £15,000 | £10,000 |
| Above £15,000 | £10,000 |
Contact Details
Solihull Independent Living
Tel: 0121 717 1517