Councils making payments of up to £36,000 for people with these conditions

Households with people living with various disabilities or illnesses could be eligible for up to £36,000 to assist in adapting their homes to meet their needs.

The Disabled Facilities Grant, provided by local councils, offers financial support for those needing to make substantial modifications to their homes. The amount you could receive depends on your location within the UK, your income, and your total household savings, with a maximum of £36,000 available.

Moreover, disabled children under 18 can access the grant without their parents' income being considered, broadening the eligibility criteria.

Payments can be made in instalments as work progresses, or in full upon completion. Official guidelines indicate that the grant may be provided by your local council if you live with any of the following health conditions:

• A physical disability
• A learning disability
• Autism
• Age-related needs
• A terminal illness
• A mental health condition
• A cognitive impairment, such as dementia
• A progressive condition, such as motor neurone disease

Examples of potential home adaptations include widening doors, installing ramps, improving garden accessibility, building extensions, and modifying heating or lighting controls.

The Disabled Facilities Grant will not impact any benefits you're currently receiving. If you reside in a rented property, the landlord may be the recipient of the grant.

How much you could get from the grant

The maximum amount you can receive may differ based on your local council, but typically, you could receive up to the following amounts depending on which part of the UK you reside in:

England - up to £30,000

Wales - up to £36,000

Northern Ireland - Up to £25,000

The Disabled Facilities Grant is not available in Scotland. However, other forms of assistance may be available, and it's advisable to contact your local council for information.

In certain instances, you might need to contribute partially or fully towards the cost of work on your property, though this is dependent on your income. If your condition changes necessitating additional work, you can apply for another grant for the same property.

It's important to note that you should apply for the grant prior to commencing work on the property as the council may not approve retrospective applications. To apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant, you need to approach your council directly.

They may dispatch an assessor to your property to evaluate what modifications are required. The council is obligated to provide a decision on your application within six months.

Details on who your local council is and how to contact them can be found online here.