The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
The Disabled Facilities Grant is the main government funding source for bathroom adaptations. It is administered by your local council and can cover the full cost of necessary work.
Maximum Grant Amounts
- England: up to £30,000
- Wales: up to £36,000
- Northern Ireland: up to £25,000
- Scotland: equivalent funding through the Scheme of Assistance (amounts vary by council)
Who Can Apply?
- Homeowners and tenants (including housing association and council tenants)
- Landlords on behalf of a disabled tenant
- Parents of a disabled child
Means Testing
For adults, the DFG is means-tested, meaning your income and savings are taken into account. You may need to contribute towards the cost if your financial resources are above a certain level. However, if the adaptation is for a disabled child, no means test applies.
What Bathroom Adaptations Are Covered?
The DFG can fund a wide range of bathroom adaptations, including:
Shower Adaptations
- Wet rooms: converting a bathroom into a fully accessible wet room with level-access shower
- Walk-in showers: replacing a bath with a low-threshold or level-access shower
- Shower seats and benches: wall-mounted or freestanding seating for safe showering
- Thermostatic shower valves: to prevent scalding
Bath Adaptations
- Bath lifts: powered seats that lower you into and raise you out of the bath
- Walk-in baths: baths with a door for easier access
- Bath boards and seats: for sitting while bathing
Toilet Adaptations
- Raised toilet seats: making it easier to sit down and stand up
- Toilet frames and surrounds: providing support and stability
- Wash-dry toilets: reducing the need for manual cleaning
General Safety Features
- Grab rails: strategically placed around the bathroom
- Non-slip flooring: reducing the risk of falls
- Wider doorways: for wheelchair access
- Improved lighting: for better visibility
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is how to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant for bathroom adaptations:
- Contact your local council. Call the housing or environmental health department and explain that you need bathroom adaptations due to a disability.
- Occupational therapy assessment. The council will arrange for an occupational therapist (OT) to visit your home. The OT will assess your needs and recommend specific adaptations.
- Council application. Once the OT has made their recommendations, you submit a formal DFG application to the council.
- Means test. The council will assess your financial situation to determine whether you need to make a contribution.
- Approval and quotes. If approved, the council will arrange for contractors to quote for the work, or you may be able to choose your own approved contractor.
- Work carried out. The adaptations are completed and inspected.
- Payment. The council pays the contractor directly (or reimburses you if you have paid upfront).
Timescales
The process from initial contact to completion can take several months. Typical timescales are:
- OT assessment: 2 to 12 weeks (varies significantly by area)
- DFG application processing: councils aim to decide within 6 months, but many process faster
- Work completion: depends on the scale of adaptations
If your need is urgent, let the council know. Some councils have fast-track processes for essential adaptations.
Home Improvement Agencies
Many areas have a Home Improvement Agency (HIA), sometimes called “Care and Repair” or “Staying Put.” These are local organisations that can:
- Help you navigate the DFG application process
- Arrange and oversee the building work
- Ensure the work meets the required standards
- Provide advice on other funding sources
Ask your local council if there is an HIA in your area. Their support is usually free.
Charitable Funding
If you do not qualify for the DFG, or need to fund work above the grant limit, charitable organisations may be able to help:
- Independence at Home: grants for bathroom adaptations for disabled and elderly people
- The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA): for veterans and their families
- Turn2Us: use their grants search tool to find charities that may fund bathroom adaptations
- Age UK: can help identify local funding sources for older people
- Local community foundations: many areas have local charities that fund home adaptations
VAT Exemption on Bathroom Adaptations
If you have a chronic illness or disability, you can claim VAT exemption on bathroom adaptations and equipment. This includes:
- Walk-in showers and wet rooms installed for a disabled person
- Bath lifts and shower seats
- Grab rails and support handles
- Raised toilet seats
This saves 20% on the cost, This can release money from your home to fund adaptations