If you or someone you live with is disabled, you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help pay for major adaptations to your home.
You will need to have a needs assessment before you can apply for a DFG.
If you are over 18, you will also be required to complete a means test.
Who can apply
You can apply for a DFG if you are a:
- Homeowner, private tenant, or housing association tenant, or
- Landlord applying on behalf of a disabled tenant
You do not have to be the disabled person, but the person who needs the adaptations must live in the property as their main home.
When you apply, you’ll need to:
- Provide proof of ownership or written permission from your landlord
- Sign a declaration confirming the disabled person intends to live in the property for at least five years (unless their circumstances change)
How to apply
To apply for a DFG, contact the Equipment and Adaptations Advice Line (EAAL) by calling 0345 299 0798 or emailing mft.eaal.osrc@nhs.net.
An Occupational Therapist will assess your needs and, if a major adaptation is recommended, your case will be referred to the Adaptations Team.
After you apply, you will be assigned an Adaptations Officer, who will:
- Visit your home
- Check the proposed work is practical and suitable
- Help you complete the application forms
- Guide you through the grant process
Applying without an assessment
You can also apply privately, but you’ll need your own professional assessment and all supporting documents. We still require a corresponding Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment to be submitted as part of your application.
In these cases, the Council must decide whether to approve or refuse your application within six months of receiving a complete submission.
What the grant can help with
The DFG can cover the cost of major adaptations, such as:
- Level-access showers or wet rooms
- Ramps, stairlifts, or through-floor lifts
- Widened doorways and better home access
- Bathroom and bedroom adaptations
- Improved access to outdoor areas
Do not start any work until you have received written approval from Trafford Council. We cannot pay for work that has already started before approval.
Means test
You might need to pay for some of the work in your house.
We will figure out how much money you can get based on how much you earn and any benefits you get. We call this a financial means test.
You can see if you may be eligible for the grant by carrying out a self-assessment of your finances using the Foundations means test calculator.
Cancel your DFG application or get help with applying
To cancel your application for a grant or to get help with applying, contact the Adaptations Team online or by calling 0161 912 2845.
Your Adaptations Officer can help you with:
- Completing the forms
- Explaining the process in more detail
- Arranging translation or interpretation support if English is not your first language
Land charges
If you are an owner-occupier and receive a DFG over £5,000, a local land charge will be placed on your property for 10 years. If you sell your home within that time, you may have to repay part of the grant, up to a maximum of £10,000.
For example:
- Grant of £8,000 incurs a repayment of £3,000
- Grant of £15,000 incurs a repayment of £10,000
- Grant of £25,000 incurs a repayment of £10,000
Repayment decisions depend on your individual circumstances, for example, the reasons for selling your home. Seek independent legal advice if you’re unsure.
You can find more guidance about Disabled Facilities Grants, and in general about aid adaptations, on the Foundations website, the national body for home adaptations and DFGs in England.