Adaptations to property-financial contributions?

Oldernotwiser

skcollobcat10 wrote: »

Its not cheating the system, the person only has £5,000 in savings that is in no way going to cover an extension and adaptations that they need.

In that case, why suggest that the money is hidden?

sturdygirl21

Jelly_legs wrote: »

Hi

My social worker has recommended me for having a downstairs extension to my home to accommodate a lift, wet room and space for my scooter etc.

I own my property (mortgaged). I`m pretty skint but have £5000 in savings which I`m living off at the moment.

I really can`t afford to contribute to the extension. Does anyone know how much savings you are aloud before you have to contribute?

A social worker cannot recommend adaptations, it would need to be an occupational therapist(OT). Is this a typo; was it an OT or has the social worker been to see you and said he/she thinks that the extension is needed but would refer to an occupational therapist?? If this is a case of a SW saying "i think you need this this and this", it doesnt mean you will get it - an OT needs to assess you and recommend that you need it, and will then refer you for a disabled facilities grant. A DFG has strict criteria, and certainly in my area, an extension is a no-go in themajority of cases (that's not to say you won't get it, as it depends on your particular authority)
A Disabled Facilities Grant is means-tested. They will look into any income earned, and will need to see savings too. . From what I understand, they disregard the first £6,000 of savings. They do not take into consideration your outgoings (in my area anyway, might be different elsewhere, but as a DFG is underpinned by legislation, I think it might be the same).

the best thing to do is just hold out for the financial assessment and see. Nothing with a DFG is 'set in stone', and you can pull out at any time if it throws up something you're not happy with.

Good luck