If you're disabled or have a long-term health condition, you may need changes to your home to help you live more safely and independently. Here you can find out:
- what adaptations can do
- how to request an assessment
- what financial support is available
Check if equipment could help first
Before you consider adapting your home, we recommend checking whether equipment or technology could meet your needs. These can often be quicker and more affordable solutions. For example:
- using a commode during the day may help you avoid using the stairs
- grab rails or a shower seat can help in the bathroom
Use our Equipment House to find out more
Home adaptation examples
Home adaptations can make it easier to do everyday tasks, including:
- widening doorways for wheelchair access
- installing a level-access shower
- adding a downstairs toilet
- lowering kitchen worktops
- changing heating or lighting controls
- improving garden access
Get advice on what you need
If you’re not sure what kind of adaptation would help, you can speak to an occupational therapist.
You can either:
Request an occupational therapy assessment
Contact a private occupational therapist
Other options to consider
In some situations, moving home may be the right solution, for example if you need to live closer to support or your current home isn't suitable.
Find out about priority housing
How to get a home adaptation assessment
If you think you need changes to your home, you can request a home adaptation assessment from the occupational therapy team.
We have a waiting list, but if your situation is urgent, we'll prioritise your case.
Who can get support
You can request an assessment if:
- you’re disabled or have a long-term health condition
- you need changes to your home to stay safe, well and independent
An occupational therapy assessor will talk to you about your needs and your finances to work out what support you may be eligible for.
Request a home adaptation assessment
Financial help for major adaptations
If your assessment recommends a major adaptation such as a stair lift or ramp you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
GOV.UK: Find out about the Disabled Facilities Grant
Who can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant
You may be eligible if:
- you or someone living in the property is disabled
- the person intends to stay in the property for the duration of the grant (usually 5 years)
You must also be:
- the homeowner, a private tenant, a housing association tenant, a council tenant or a landlord
Most grants, including the Disabled Facilities Grant, are available to all eligible residents regardless of housing type. However, some funding is only available to council housing tenants. We’ll explain which grants you may be able to get during your assessment.
What we'll assess
The council must be satisfied that the adaptation is:
- necessary and appropriate to meet the person's needs
- reasonable and feasible, based on the condition of the property
How the means test works
The Disabled Facilities Grant is means tested. This looks at:
- the income and savings of the disabled person and their partner (if applicable)
- any benefits or pensions they receive
The rules are set by the government and we can't change them. The test is used to work out how much, if anything, you’ll need to contribute towards the cost of the work.
We'll ask about your finances during your assessment and give you clear advice about what help you may be eligible for.
You can check what you may be asked to pay using this calculator.
How much funding is available
The maximum Disabled Facilities Grant is currently £30,000.
If your adaptation will cost more than this, you may be able to access:
- a repayment loan
- an equity loan (added as a charge against the property)
An officer will talk you through the options available.
How we assess and approve an adaptation
A trained assessor or occupational therapist may visit your home. If a major adaptation is recommended, we’ll talk you through the process. You’ll then be referred to an approved supplier if eligible for funding. We will give you a decision within 6 months.
You must not start any work until your grant is approved, as we cannot fund any work that’s already begun.