Disabled Facility Grants

If you are (or someone in your household is) disabled - and changes to your home are needed - you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. 

These adaptations may include:

• widening doors and installation of ramps
• improving access to rooms and facilities
• a level access shower
• adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
• installing a stairlift

The grant is subject to: 

• a needs assessment by an occupational therapist and consultation with social care services
• a test of income and resources (means test). No means test is applicable when the work is for the benefit of a disabled child
• the adaptation(s) making the appropriate changes that will allow the vulnerable person to remain at home safely
• a maximum grant limit of £30,000

Grants can be awarded to those living in owner-occupied or privately rented properties. We will carry out any adaptations needed in our own properties.

Will I have to make a contribution?

You may have to financially contribute towards the cost of the works, following a means test. If you do have to contribute, we will provide you with advice and guidance throughout. 

If you do not need to contribute, you will receive a grant for the full cost of the works. The maximum amount that can be awarded is £30,000.

If you or your partner has a registered disability (or able to be registered as), no contribution is required if you receive any of the following:

• income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Pension guarantee credit
• Housing benefit
• Tax credits with an income of less than £15,050
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Apply for a Disabled Facility Grant

To apply, you will need to contact Suffolk County Council's Independent Living Service, and request an assessment from an occupational therapist.

Email ILS@suffolk.gov.uk

Phone 0800 121 7711

Contact our Adaptations team

We may be able to offer you a grant for minor adaptation works not included under the Disabled Facility Grant.

Please contact our Adaptations team to discuss any work that you need to support you and your family (or carers) in your home.

Email adaptations@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

Phone 0300 123 4000

How we can help you

Our advice and support services are designed to help you live safely and independently in your home.

We can:

• help you apply for the right grant for your needs
• support in completing application forms and providing financial evidence
• work with occupational therapists to ensure the suitable works are carried out to meet your needs
• refer work to our approved list of building contractors
• supervise the work while it is being carried out, to make sure it is completed to a satisfactory standard
• refer you to agencies to help you access welfare benefits, concessions or other support or advocacy services
• look at alternative housing options, if you need to consider moving to more suitable accommodation

Further information on how we deliver grants can be found in the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Housing Assistance Policy 2024-2029.

If you are a Council or housing association tenant, contact your Housing Officer for help and advice on how you can remain safely in your home, or consider alternative accommodation.