Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

What is the DFG?

The Disabled Facilities Grant is a government-funded scheme that helps cover the cost of essential home adaptations for disabled people. This includes installing stair lifts, ramps, accessible bathrooms, and other modifications to improve safety and independence.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if:

  • You own your home, are a private tenant, or a housing association tenant. Landlords can also apply on behalf of disabled tenants.
  • You or the person you care for has a disability or long-term condition.
  • You intend to live in the property for at least five years (unless circumstances, such as terminal illness, mean this isn’t possible).

What Does It Cover?

  • Stair lifts
  • Ramps
  • Accessible showers and toilets
  • Door widening
  • Kitchen adaptations
  • Heating and lighting improvements

How Much Can You Get?

  • Up to £30,000 in England (including Barnet)

Means Testing (Financial Assessment)

  • The DFG is means-tested for adults. This means your household income and savings (over £6,000) are assessed to decide how much you need to contribute, if anything.
  • If you are applying for a disabled child under 18, the grant is not means-tested—you can receive the full amount regardless of income.
  • The council will look at your income, savings, and certain benefits to calculate your contribution.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a UK resident
  • Have a disability or long-term illness affecting mobility
  • Intend to live in the property for the grant period (usually five years)
  • The council must agree the work is “necessary and appropriate” and “reasonable and practicable” for your home.

How to Apply in Barnet

  1. Contact Barnet Homes if you live in council property:
    • 📞 020 8080 6587
    • 🌐 https://thebarnetgroup.org/bh/
  2. Request an Occupational Therapy Assessment:
    • 📧 socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk
    • 📞 020 8359 5000
  3. The OT will assess your or the cared-for person’s needs and recommend suitable adaptations.

 

Additional Support

  • Barnet Care and Repair Agency: Help with organising the work, finding builders, and supervising adaptations.
    • 📞 020 8359 7462
    • 🌐 https://www.barnet.gov.uk/directories/directme/barnet-care-and-repair-agency
  • Touchpoint Service (Inclusion Barnet): Navigation support and benefit advice for disabled residents.
    • 📞 020 3475 1314
    • 🌐 https://www.inclusionbarnet.org.uk/touchpoint/

Important Notes

  • Do not start work before the council approves your application—you may not get any grant if you do.
  • The work should be completed within 12 months of the grant being approved.
  • You may need separate planning permission or building regulations approval for some adaptations.
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