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

Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant

Applicants should be aware that grant conditions are subject to change and the Council can only provide grant 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 discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant?

• This Disabled Facilities Grant is a discretionary grant of up to a maximum of £5,000
• This grant will be provided at the discretion of the Council for works that have been recommended by an Occupational Therapist that would otherwise be ineligible for the mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant
• Examples could include making safe play areas for children with special needs or creating spaces to enable specialist care for disabled occupants

Who is eligible?

• A discretionary Disabled Facilities grant is available to homeowners (including park homeowners) and private renting 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
• The grant will only be offered if there are no alternative sources of funding available.

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 application.

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.