What is the Disabled Facilities Grant and could you be eligible?

The Disabled Facilities Grant, often called the DFG, is a government-funded grant that helps disabled people adapt their home so they can live safely and independently. It is available to people across England, whether you own your home or rent it.

The DFG has been available since 2015 as part of the Better Care Fund, which joins up health, housing and social care services. Understanding what it covers and how to apply is one of the most useful steps you can take.

What the DFG can fund

The grant can pay for a wide range of adaptations, including

Accessible entrances Ramps, widened doorways and level access thresholds so you can get in and out of your home safely.

Bathroom adaptations Level access showers, grab rails, raised toilet seats and other changes to make washing and personal care easier.

Stairlifts and hoists Ceiling track hoists and stairlifts to help with moving around your home or transferring safely.

Kitchen and living adaptations Changes to worktops, storage and layouts that make everyday tasks more manageable.

How much can you get?

The mandatory DFG covers up to £30,000 for eligible work. This limit has not been updated since 2008.

Many councils, including Royal Borough of Greenwich, now offer additional discretionary grants and interest-free loans on top of the mandatory amount. Greenwich's updated Housing Assistance Policy introduced in 2025 includes

A discretionary top-up grant of up to £25,000 for work costing more than £30,000

An interest-free loan of up to £30,000 for particularly complex or high-cost schemes for owner occupiers

Increased support for applicants on lower incomes who have an assessed contribution towards the cost of work

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you are disabled or have a long-term condition that affects how you live in your home. This includes physical, sensory and cognitive conditions.

A means test applies to the mandatory DFG for adults to assess what contribution, if any, you might need to make. Greenwich's new policy covers the first £15,000 of any assessed contribution, which means many people on modest incomes will not need to contribute at all.

Armed forces veterans have all military compensation and pension income fully disregarded in the means test under the updated Greenwich policy.

How to start

The process usually starts with a referral from an Occupational Therapist, who will assess your needs and recommend the right adaptations for your home.

You do not need to navigate this alone. Our free home assessment can help you understand what support may be available to you.

Evidence and links

GOV.UK DFG delivery guidance for local authorities in England 2022 Covers eligibility, the mandatory grant limit and the scope of DFG-funded work.

Foundations DFG Performance Report Covers national DFG data including the increasing number of grants above the £30,000 mandatory maximum.

Your next step

If you are unsure whether you could be eligible, start with our free home assessment. It takes around 15 minutes and gives you a clear, personalised picture of what support may be available.