If you’re applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), the council may carry out a means test. This is a financial check to decide whether you need to contribute towards the cost of adaptations.
It often feels complicated, but here’s a clear breakdown.
When the means test applies
- Applies: in most adult applications.
- Does not apply:
- if the adaptations are for a disabled child or young person under 1
- if the applicant receives certain means-tested benefits (see below)
- if the adaptations are for a disabled child or young person under 1
Benefits that make you exempt
You will not be asked to contribute if you receive:
- Income Support
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not contribution-based ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution-based JSA)
- Guarantee Pension Credit (not Savings Credit alone)
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit with earnings under £15,050
- Child Tax Credit with earnings under £15,050
- Universal Credit
How the means test works
There are three main steps:
1. The applicable amount
This is the weekly sum the government says your household needs to live on. It depends on:
- Age of the disabled person
- Whether single or part of a couple
- Number of children
- Disability-related “premiums”
- A standard allowance for housing costs
2. Income
This is your actual weekly income, minus tax, NI, and half of pension contributions. It includes:
- Wages or self-employment earnings
- Pensions and benefits
- Child Benefit
- Income from savings and investments over £6,000
3. Excess income
This is the difference between your income and the applicable amount. The means test assumes you could use this “excess” to fund a loan towards the cost of works. The bigger your excess, the bigger your expected contribution.
Worked examples
- If your income is lower than the applicable amount → you qualify for a full grant.
- If your excess income is £50 per week and you rent → you may be expected to contribute around £575.
- If your excess income is £200 per week and you own your home → your contribution could exceed £20,000.
(For more detail, try our online DFG calculator.)
Why it matters
The means test does not depend on the actual cost of works. It is based purely on your household income and circumstances. Even if you don’t qualify for help this time, a contribution you’ve already made may count against future applications within the next 10 years.
Key points to remember
- Most adults face a means test, but children are exempt.
- Certain benefits mean no contribution is required.
- The test has three steps: applicable amount, income, and excess income.
- The result can be a large contribution, even if the works cost less.
- Always check with your council, as some have policies to waive the means test in special cases.
