Disabled Facilities Grants

Carmen8781

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone who has been successful in getting a Disabled facilities grant, could answer something for me please.

How long does it take for someone to come out to your house, after you have applied, to assess what you need?

And after that how long did it take before the work was carried out?

I am just wanting to know how long the whole process takes, from start to finnish.

Many Thanks!

D&DD

It can vary hugely between councils ( and even within the same council )

Ours was approximately 2 years from start to finish mainly because the OT took so long to assess but once that was done it rolled on pretty quickly.
Took about another 4 months for the lady to come and do the application,then another 2 months for it to be approved.
Then we had to have 3 different tenders for the job (custom built wetroom for DS2,but had to be reinforced as DS3 is autistic)
Then we had to wait for a start date and the surveyors visits etc.

Whereas a friend in the same boro had hers done and dusted in 6 months!

shegar

We were on the urgent list for a DFG , because my husband couldnt leave hospital until the home and ramps were done, it took 7 months..................at this present time I would think it would be a very long time as most councils do not have enough funding , to be able to do DFG s.......I would think they will prioritise peoples needs.............as the other poster said, each councils are very different.......

Carmen8781

Thank you very much to both of you. You have both been very helpfull

saving_pennies

I'm just about to have my bathroom changed to a wet room. From first OT referral to estimated beginning of building work is about 7 months (would have been 5 but the builders delayed it ). A brief outline of process (may vary in different areas of uk):

- OT referral
- Financial assessment by council to see what, if any, I had to contribute. Because I get DLA, Income support, full housing benefit and full council tax benefit, I didn't have to contribute anything.
- Received huge form that the council lady offered to complete for me.
- I was given a list of builders and I had to get two different quotes.
- council write to confirm which builder will be used
- builder makes contact with start date

Carmen8781

Thanks saving_pennies for explaining the process. Its very helpful as I couldnt find much about it on other websites. I am hoping to get a stair lift.
I hope your new wet room gets sorted asap for you. Thanks again for the reply.

pompeyfaith

Sorry to jump in,but does anyone know if a DFG can be used for disabled access i.e lowered kerb so I can get the car to the door for my disabled mum?

Regards

saving_pennies

Carmen8781 - your very welcome. Hope your application goes smoothly.

Pompeyfaith - sorry I don't know the answer but if you call your local council I'm sure they will be able to help.

bistokid

Dropped kerbs aren't usually included in a grant as they're not within the curtilidge of the property.

It's worth remembering that DFGs are mandatory. If you make a valid application the Council has no option but to approve, whether it has the money or not. If they refuse, get in touch with the housing ombudsman and you could get compensation too.

lin473

Sorry to say we had to self fund a driveway and dropped kerb.
Cost over £2000 five years ago.
The DFG only covered the cost of a footpath and ramp.
we also had to pay VAT as it wasn't eligble for VAT exemption either.

Barneysmom

We got absolutely nowt off Stoke on Trent council.
Hubby had a seizure and went straigh down a 4 foot drop onto his head. That's when he broke some bones in his foot.
Our garden is 2 levels, all we asked for was a handrail and the lady (?) who came said hubby would have to go out of the front door and walk round to the back of the house.
We asked for a handrail for the bath and she said don't have a bath just sit down with the shower running.