Watford Borough Council

The Disabled Facilities Grant is available for a range of work that will help a disabled person remain in their home. Occupational Therapists from Hertfordshire County Council decide what works are necessary.

Watford Borough Council can provide financial and practical assistance if certain eligibility criteria are met.

You can apply for a grant if you are a tenant or owner of a property, or a landlord on behalf of a disabled tenant.

The person who applies for the grant does not have to be the disabled person who needs the adaptations. However, the person applying for the grant will be asked to sign a certificate stating that the disabled person will occupy the home being adapted, for at least five years. The Council can consider reducing this period because of the disabled person's health or other relevant factors. Whoever applies for the grant must produce a certificate of ownership or tenancy.

What type of work is eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant?

Disabled Facilities Grants are awarded for essential adaptations to give a disabled person better freedom of movement around the house. This work includes:

• reducing the height of kitchen worktops
• widening doors or installing ramps
• providing a specially adapted room in which it is safe to leave a disabled person unattended
• installing a stair lift so there is better access to a bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom
• installing a downstairs bathroom
• adapting heating or lighting controls for easier access
• installing a level access shower.

When a mandatory grant is available but the cost of the work exceeds the mandatory grant limit, it may be possible to access a Home Improvement Trust loan. You can visit their website 'Houseproud' by following the link below.

Does the Council have to give me a Disabled Facilities Grant?

Only if the Council is satisfied that the work is

• necessary
• appropriate

and

• reasonable
• practicable
• feasible

An occupational therapist will recommend works, and agree with Watford Borough Council that those works are necessary and appropriate for the disabled person. Watford Borough Council can refuse a grant if it believes the scheme does not fit these criteria.

How is the Disabled Facilities Grant calculated?

The grant is means tested to ensure that those in the most need get the most help. The maximum grant is £25,000.

The grant amount will be determined by the income and capital of:

• the disabled person
• the disabled persons spouse or partner
• the parents of a disabled person who is aged under 19

It will take into account a person's average weekly income and any savings above a set amount.

Even though some benefits, especially those that recognise a person's disability are not included, the Council will still need to know all benefits you receive, to achieve a full and correct means test.

What if my property cannot be adapted, or the cost of works is very high?

In that case we may be able to offer a relocation grant, if we are sure that the new property can be adapted for you.

How do I apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?

Contact Hertfordshire County Council Social Services on 01923 471400 and ask for an Occupational Therapist assessment.  Follow the link to print the "preliminary enquiry form". Please let us know if the work is urgent.

You will need to make sure that any building regulation approval or planning permission has been granted before work can commence.   A grant will not be awarded if work is started before the Council has approved your application.

You must submit your application at the earliest opportunity.  You will be notified in writing, within six months of receipt of a full application, whether you have been given a grant.

How will the Disabled Facilities Grant be paid?

The Council may pay the grant in instalments as the work progresses or once all the work has been completed.

Your grant will only be paid when the Council is satisfied that the work has been satisfactorily completed and in accordance with the grant approval.  Grants can only be paid on provision of an invoice or a receipt.  The grant will be paid direct to the contractor.

An invoice is not acceptable if it is for work or service provided by the applicant or a member of his or her family. When work is carried out by the applicant or a relative, only invoices for materials or services that have been bought will be acceptable.

What if I feel unable to organise the necessary works?

The Council offers a "Care and Repair" service to help residents adapt their homes.

If you are eligible for Disabled Facilities Grant we will usually refer you to Care and Repair, who can help you with the following:

• drawing up plans for the work
• obtaining any necessary planning or Building Regulations permission
• obtaining quotations
• supervising works
• completing paperwork

This service can also tell you of any other services which may be useful to you, and liaise with the Occupational Therapists. There is a fee for this service. The grant can include this fee. If you do not receive a grant you can still use this service, but must pay the fee yourself.

What other help can the Council offer?

For more information please contact us using the email address below.