Disabled Facilities Grants
(Maximum grant of £30,000)
Disabled Facilities Grants are mandatory grants for works
to enable people with disabilities to achieve independent
living in their own home, works such as:
- Stairlifts
- Shower facilities
- Ramps
- Ground floor facilities etc
The South Worcestershire Home Improvement Agency
(HIA) currently carry out the Disabled Facilities Grant work
on behalf of Malvern Hills District Council, and as from 1 April
2010 it will be done by the Worcestershire
Home Improvement Agency.
Due to the high demand for Disabled Facilities Grants,
accompanied by a limited budget, a priority rating
system is in operation to ensure that adaptations are granted
to those in greatest need. Cases are dealt with in date order
within their category rating, which means that cases which have not
been given a higher priority may have a considerable wait but may
wish to consider alternative sources of funding.
Grants are means tested and subject to support from an
Occupational Therapist and the Social Services Department. If
you are in receipt of any of the following then the indication is
that you will not have to make a contribution towards the cost of
the work involved:
- Income Support
- Income based Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit (Guarantee)
- Council Tax Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax 0r Child Tax Credit with income below £15,050.
In 2009/10 48 grants were completed totalling £328,095
If you need assistance to live more comfortably in your home and
think that you may be eligible for the grant, please contact your
GP in the first instance who will refer you to an Occupational
Therapist for an assessment of your needs to be carried out.
Your opinion counts..!
The government
wants to create an Office for Disability Issues - a new body to
co-ordinate disabled people's interests. The government also wants
to set up a National Forum for Organisations of Disabled
People.
Find out more and for a chance to give your feedback go to
Direct Gov -
Office for Disabilities.
