Published 4 June 2026 · Last updated 22 June 2026
The UK Government has increased the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) budget to £723 million for the 2026/27 financial year, continuing its commitment to helping disabled and older people adapt their homes. The DFG is the main source of government funding for home adaptations in England, covering essential modifications such as stairlifts, level-access showers, ramps, door widening, and kitchen modifications that enable people to live independently.
The grant is administered by local authorities and is available to homeowners, tenants, and landlords in England. To apply, individuals typically begin by contacting their local council’s housing or environmental health department. An occupational therapist (OT) will then carry out an assessment to determine what adaptations are needed based on the applicant’s disability and the layout of their home. The OT’s recommendation forms the basis of the grant application.
Once the OT assessment is complete, the council will carry out a means test to determine how much the applicant should contribute towards the cost of the works. The means test takes into account the applicant’s income, savings, and outgoings. Importantly, the means test does not apply to adaptations for children or young people under 19, and recipients of certain passported benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit Guarantee may also be exempt. According to Housing LIN, the means test has been criticised for being overly complex and for creating a financial barrier that discourages eligible applicants from proceeding.
The maximum grant available in England is currently capped at £30,000, a figure that has not changed since 2008. In Wales, the maximum is £36,000, while in Northern Ireland it is £25,000. Scotland operates a different system through its Scheme of Assistance. The GOV.UK consultation response has acknowledged calls to raise the English cap, but no increase has been confirmed for 2026/27.
Common adaptations funded by the DFG include stairlifts, walk-in showers and wet rooms, through-floor lifts, ramps and external access improvements, and specialist kitchen fittings. The cost of a straight stairlift typically ranges from £2,000 to £4,000, while a curved stairlift can cost £5,000 to £10,000 or more. A full level-access bathroom conversion may cost £5,000 to £15,000 depending on the scope of work.
The application process can take several months from initial contact to completed installation. Disability Rights UK recommends starting the process as early as possible, particularly for more complex adaptations. After the OT assessment and means test, the council will approve the grant and appoint or approve contractors to carry out the work. Applicants can also nominate their own preferred contractor, subject to the council’s approval.
For those who need temporary adaptations, such as during recovery from surgery or while awaiting permanent works, stairlift rental can be a practical short-term solution. Some local authorities also offer discretionary “top-up” funding where the cost of adaptations exceeds the DFG maximum, although availability varies significantly by area.
Related guides on Review Mobility
- Stairlifts: types, costs, and installation
- How much does a stairlift cost?
- Bathroom mobility adaptations
- Home lifts and through-floor lifts
Published 4 June 2026 · Last updated 22 June 2026