1 week Ago By [email protected] (Mel King, Samantha Leathers)
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More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice Personal Independence Payments (PIP) act as a gateway benefit, qualifying claimants for more than just the monthly DWP income. One such benefit is the Disabled Facilities Grants. These grants are issued by local councils and can provide up to £36,000 in some regions to make homes more accessible for disabled occupants.
As Lottie explains, it's hoped that these grants and adaptations will allow individuals to stay in their own homes rather than moving into care facilities. Your local council will evaluate your eligibility for the grant and decide the exact amount you receive. In England, grants are capped at £30,000; in Wales you can receive up to £36,000, while in Northern Ireland the limit is £25,000.
The grant can be paid in stages as the work progresses or reimbursed in full once the work is complete. Councils are also instructed to approve only work considered essential for enabling the disabled person to lead an independent and fulfilling life. This aid is means-tested, so applicants will need to undergo a financial assessment to check their income and savings, which will dictate how much they can receive.
If the grant is being applied for on behalf of a disabled child, the parents' income may not need to be considered, reports the Mirror . If you start work on your property before getting a response to your grant application, it's likely that you won't be approved. You'll also need to apply separately for any necessary planning permissions or building regulations approval.
The grant is most commonly used for houses, but it can also be applied to houseboats, caravans or other permanent residences. Lottie pointed out that the grant is available to individuals who are:. If you're a tenant, you'll also need your landlord's permission.
They have the right to refuse your application, but they must provide a valid reason or they may be in breach of Disability Discrimination Laws. In some cases, disabled individuals may only need minor modifications to their living spaces. For these situations, smaller home adaptation grants are available from local authorities.
These are typically categorised as alterations costing around £1,000 or less, such as installing grab rails, motion sensor lights or creating dropped curbs. The council will usually conduct a home assessment. This may recommend different equipment or changes than you had initially considered, in order to make the home safer for its disabled occupant.
Home assessments are free and can be booked via the Gov.uk website. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
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