Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are available in England and Wales, but the rules differ. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems for funding adaptations. Here’s a clear guide to how they compare.
England
- DFGs are a statutory grant, meaning councils must provide them if you qualify.
- Maximum grant: £30,000.
- Adults may face a means test.
- Children under 18 are exempt from the means test.
Wales
- Wales also has a statutory Disabled Facilities Grant.
- The maximum grant is £36,000.
- A means test usually applies, but not in two cases:
- Small or medium adaptations funded through the ENABLE scheme (no means test).
- Adaptations for a child or young person under 19 (no means test).
- Works must still be “necessary and appropriate” and “reasonable and practicable” for the home.
- Councils are legally required to decide on applications within six months.
- Some councils also offer top-up funding or loans for costs above the £36,000 limit.
Scotland
- There is no Disabled Facilities Grant.
- Adaptations are funded under each council’s Scheme of Assistance.
- Grants are usually available for essential adaptations recommended by an Occupational Therapist.
- There is no fixed maximum, but funding depends on council policies and budgets.
Northern Ireland
- Adaptations are managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).
- Grants are available for homeowners, tenants, and landlords.
- A means test applies in most adult cases.
- Smaller adaptations may be carried out directly without a grant.
Key points to remember
- DFGs apply in both England (£30,000 limit) and Wales (£36,000 limit).
- Wales waives the means test for children and many smaller adaptations.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland run different systems, but all nations provide help with essential home adaptations.
- Always check with your local council or housing authority for the exact rules in your area.
