Home adaptations grants and services

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) helps people with disabilities adapt their home so they can live more safely, comfortably, and independently.

We can support a wide range of property adaptations, including (but not limited to):

• improving access into and out of your home
• creating or improving access to your garden
• improving access to your main living area
• improving access to bedrooms
• improving access to bathrooms, toilets, and wash areas

An Occupational Therapist (OT) will assess your individual needs and make recommendations for the most suitable adaptations.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible to apply for a DFG if:

• you or someone in your household has a disability
• you are a tenant of a private landlord or housing association (the property owner can also apply on your behalf)
• you intend to live in the property as your main residence for at least five years

Means Testing & Grant Amount

Most applications are means tested to assess how much funding you may be entitled to. This determines whether you need to contribute toward the cost of the works.

Adaptation grants for children and those getting a means tested benefit will not need a means test.

The highest amount of the grant that can be awarded is £30,000.

Contractors & Legal Charge

All works must be carried out by our approved contractors for the grant to be valid.

If the DFG increases the value of your property, a legal charge of up to 10 years may be placed on the property.

Your surveyor will explain this fully during your visit.

Major Adaptations for Council Tenants

Major adaptations are significant changes made to a property to ensure it meets the needs of tenants with disabilities or long-term health conditions. These works are designed to help you live safely, comfortably, and independently in your home.

What are Major Adaptations?

Major adaptations typically include:

• Installing level-access showers or wet rooms for easier bathing
• Widening doorways for wheelchair access and adding ramps to improve entry and exit
• Fitting stairlifts or through-floor lifts for safe movement between floors
• Improving kitchen layouts for accessibility and ease of use
• Making structural changes to improve mobility and safety throughout the property

These adaptations are similar to those provided under the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), but for council tenants, the works are funded and managed directly by the council.

Who can apply?

Council tenants who:

• have a disability or long-term health condition
• have been assessed by an Occupational Therapist (OT) as needing major adaptations

Additional Information

All adaptations are subject to eligibility criteria and property suitability checks.

We aim to complete works as quickly as possible, but timescales may vary depending on complexity.

If you are planning to move, please let us know, as this may affect your application.

Handyperson service

Harrow residents can access our Handyperson Service, designed to help with small household jobs. You can use the service up to three times a year, with a maximum of six hours in total.

For example, a handyperson can visit three times a year, with each visit lasting up to two hours. Services include:

• Basic electrical tasks, such as replacing light bulbs
• Small household jobs, like turning a mattress
• Garden tasks, including cutting grass and hedges

Who can use the service?

You may be eligible if you:

• are disabled or over 60 and receiving a means-tested benefit
• do not receive regular help from family or friends
• are unable to fund the work yourself
• are a homeowner or tenant responsible for property upkeep
• do not have a partner or family member in paid employment at the property