What is a Disabled Facilities Grant?

A Disabled Facilities Grant is available from the Borough Council for a range of works needed to help a disabled person to live more independently in his or her home. Disabled Facilities Grants mainly help to ensure that disabled persons can move more freely and safely around their homes and have access to essential facilities.

Types of work could include:

• Building ramps and widening doors.
• Installing a stairlift.
• Adapting a kitchen for a wheelchair user.
• Converting a bathroom into a shower room.
• Providing accessible toilet facilities.

Who can apply?

• A disabled person can apply if they are an owner-occupier or a tenant (including a Housing Association tenant) with a secure tenancy.
• Anyone who is an owner-occupier or a tenant and who has a disabled adult or child living in their home can apply on their behalf.
• A Landlord may apply on behalf of a disabled tenant.

In each of these cases, the disabled person must be registered or registerable as disabled.

How much do I get?

The amount of grant you get will be decided by a test of financial resources (means test) which will look at your income and capital. This will determine how much you can afford to pay towards the cost of the works. Any balance will be payable by the Council. The Borough Council will be able to provide you with further details.

How do I apply?

You should contact Environmental Health.

If it appears that you may be eligible for a grant, an Occupational Therapist from West Sussex County Council Social Services Locality Office will carry out an assessment of your needs. He/she will consider with you and, if appropriate, your family and carer, what adaptations are necessary.

Points to note

• Works must not be started until formal grant approval has been received.
• Officers from Worthing carry out the means testing of all Disabled Facilities Grant applicants.
• Details of Disabled Facilities Grant works are determined by the Borough Council.
• If necessary, Architects or Surveyors can produce plans and specifications and supervise Disabled Facilities Grant works.
• Building Regulation approval and Planning Permission may be required for some adaptations.
• Grants can sometimes be paid in stages as works progress.
• Applicants have twelve months from the date of approval in which to complete works.

To discuss any of the above points or to obtain further information, contact Environmental Health.

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