Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Disabled Facilities Grant

The Council, with the support of Social Services, provides a mandatory grant called the Disabled Facilities Grant for the adaptation of properties to suit disabled persons up to £30,000.

Applicants should be aware that grant conditions are subject to change and the Council can only provide grants on the basis of current grant conditions. Grants are available subject to budget. The grants budget is prioritised to allow mandatory grants to be given preference over discretionary grants.

What is the mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant?

• The Disabled Facilities Grant is a mandatory grant of up to £30,000  
• This is a mandatory grant as prescribed by legislation. It is for works that have been recommended as essential and necessary by an Occupational Therapist 
• The grant is used for adaptations to properties (including park homes) to enable a disabled occupant to use it without hindrance
• An application will only be approved if it is considered reasonable and practical to carry out the relevant works having regard to the age and condition of the dwelling or building.

Who is eligible?

• A Disabled Facilities Grant is available to homeowners (including park home owners), private renting tenants and social housing tenants
• A means test will be employed to assess whether applicants will need to contribute towards the cost of the works
• Anyone claiming Income Support, income based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing benefit or Council Tax benefit will not be asked to make a  contribution towards the cost of the works
• Parents can make applications on behalf of children under the age of 16.
• All homeowners must provide proof of ownership of the property, and tenants must complete a Tenant’s Certificate and obtain permission from their Landlord before works begin.  

How do I apply?

For all enquiries regarding your suitability for a Disabled Facilities Grant, you should first contact an Occupational Therapist. They are based at Social Services in Abingdon:

            Foxcombe Court
            Wyndyke Furlong
            Abingdon Business Park
            Abingdon
            Oxon OX14 1DZ  
            Telephone: 0845 0507 666   

If you find you are not eligible for a grant, please get in touch with the Council's Housing Operations Team using the contact details on the right to discuss your options.

Also please note that you if you are considering applying for a grant you should do this before you start any work. Grant monies will not be paid retrospectively.