Disabled Facilities Grants

It is a grant which helps disabled people live more independently in their own homes by funding adaptions such as:

• property access
• stairlifts
• wheelchair accessible kitchen
• replacing baths with level access showers 

Yes, to begin the process please contact Adult Care. They will arrange an assessment by an Occupational Therapist to establish if any adaptions are required, if they are then a referral will be sent to us to begin the grant process.

Promoting independence: Your Guide to Disabled Facility Grants gives advice on the application process.

Disabled Facility Grants (DFG) do have a financial assessment which determines if you are required to make a financial contribution. To see if you are eligible for assistance please use our calculator below.

Mid Sussex - DFG Calculator 

If you believe after using the DFG calculator you are not eligible for assistance but do need an adaptation, please read the promoting independence guide especially Step 3 as this gives advice on obtaining contractors and whether VAT is payable on any adaptations.

We can provide discretionary assistance which provides a wide range of assistance to further support our disabled and vulnerable residents live independently for longer in their own homes.

Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant Top Up (Means tested)

If you have been awarded a Disabled Facilities Grant and the cost of the eligible works are more than £30,000 (the maximum amount), a Discretionary Disabled Facilities Top Up Grant application can be made, this grant is up to £40,000.

Moving Home Grant

If you are eligible to receive a Disabled Facilities Grant but it is not practical or possible to adapt your existing home, it may be appropriate to consider the Moving Home Grant. This can provide up to £10,000 to cover the costs of moving to a more suitable or adaptable property.

Hospital Discharge Grant

This grant is available to fund urgent works to a disabled person's home which ensures they can be discharged from hospital. Eligible works have included replacement boilers or window and roof repairs. The maximum grant is £5,000.

Safe Suitable and Warm Homes Grant (Means tested)

If you have a disability and on a low income, this grant is available to help you make eligible improvements and repairs to reduce the risks of living at home, including making electrical and gas installations safe or repairing a leaky roof. This grant may also be available in palliative care situations. Grants are available up to £10,000 and are principally for homeowners.

Means Test Contribution Waiver

Is in two parts, firstly the standard waiver, if an applicant applies for a means tested grant the first £5000 of any contribution is waived.

Secondly, if after the standard waiver has been applied an applicant still has a contribution which they believe is so unrealistic it would cause substantial debt or hardship, consideration can be given to waiving any contribution. To be considered for this exceptional discretionary waiver you would need to be able to show that you have no savings and no realistic prospect of being able to obtain finance to cover your contribution. These full waivers will only be granted in exceptional cases and after complete financial disclosure.

Further information

• West Sussex Disabled Facilities Grants Policy

How to apply

For more information about any of these grants, or to apply, please contact the Housing Standards team.

Housing Standards Team
Tel: 01444 477292
Email: housingstandards@midsussex.gov.uk

Adult Care Point - West Sussex County Council
Tel: 01243 642121
Online: online enquiry form

Occupational therapy support for children
Tel: 01403 229 900 (If you require support to complete the Children's Occupational Therapist referral form)
Online: https://westsussex-self.achieveservice.com/service/Childrens_OT_referral