Many families are struggling in homes that simply don’t meet their needs — cramped spaces, unsafe layouts, no sensory-safe areas, or bathrooms and bedrooms that make daily life harder rather than easier.
What most people aren’t told is that there is funding available to change this.
If you or your child is disabled, you may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) — often up to £30,000 in England, and up to £36,000 in some areas, depending on your local authority.
This is not a loan.
And for many families, it’s life-changing.
What Is a Disabled Facilities Grant?
A Disabled Facilities Grant is government-funded support provided through your local council to help make a home safe, accessible, and suitable for disability-related needs.
It exists to prevent:
- unsafe living conditions
- breakdown of care
- worsening mental health
- families being forced into unsuitable housing
The grant can apply to children or adults, and it is based on need, not just diagnosis.
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Depending on your situation, a DFG can be used for:
- Building a home extension (for example, an extra bedroom or living space)
- Creating a downstairs bathroom or wet room
- Adapting an existing bathroom or kitchen
- Installing ramps, widened doorways, or level access
- Creating safe sensory spaces or care areas
- Improving access to and from the home
The goal is simple: to make the home fit the person, not force the person to cope with an unsuitable home.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if:
- You are disabled, or
- You have a disabled child, and
- Your home is no longer suitable because of disability-related needs
You do not have to be a homeowner.
You can apply if you are:
- A homeowner
- A private tenant (with landlord permission)
- A council or housing association tenant
For children, the grant is not means-tested.
For adults, a means test may apply, but many people still qualify for full or partial funding.
How Do You Apply?
The process usually looks like this:
1️⃣ Contact Your Local Council
Ask for the Disabled Facilities Grant or the Housing Adaptations Team.
2️⃣ Occupational Therapist (OT) Assessment
An OT will assess:
- your needs (or your child’s)
- how the home affects daily life
- what adaptations are required
This assessment is key — it forms the basis of the grant.
3️⃣ Evidence & Approval
The council will review:
- the OT recommendations
- medical or educational evidence
- whether the work is “reasonable and practicable”
Once approved, the council manages or approves the work.
Common Myths (That Stop Families Applying)
“It’s only for wheelchair users.”
False. Many grants are awarded for sensory needs, supervision needs, anxiety, autism, and safety.
“We’ll be told to move instead.”
Councils should prioritise adapting a home where possible, especially for children.
“It’s too expensive — we won’t qualify.”
Funding limits exist precisely because adaptations are costly.
“It’s only for physical disabilities.”
Autism, learning disabilities, and complex SEND needs are valid grounds.
Why This Matters for SEND Families
An unsuitable home can:
- increase meltdowns and distress
- worsen sleep and anxiety
- make education or care impossible
- place huge pressure on parents and carers
Housing is not separate from SEND — it’s part of it.
If your home environment is contributing to daily struggle, asking for support is not unreasonable. It’s exactly what this funding exists for.
Key Takeaway
You are not asking for special treatment.
You are accessing support that already exists.
If your home no longer works for your family because of disability, you have the right to ask for it to be adapted.
Leave a Reply