Disability Facilities Grant Funding a Means Test Shortfall "Personal Contribution"

chriscript1952

Sorry for the length and detail in advance but I have been assessed and approved in need of a GF Toilet with Necessary Adaptations to my Kitchen. I am a home owner with a small mortgage, at age 74.

The Local Authority Techincal Officer had viewed, planned and site visted with a contractor but, unfortunately for me I have an occupational pension in addition to my state pension and am therefore not eligible for a "Mandatory" full grant as I do not receive any of the "qualifying" benefits.

I will, however, be provided with a "Discretionary" Grant of £5k but after the Means Test this is some £15k below the estimated cost.

I applied to the Local Authority under the terms of the legislation for a Deferred Payment Agreement where the LA would pay in full but recover the balance from my estate or if I were to sell my home meanwhile.

This was refused "after legal opinion from the LA's Lawyers" and I appealed as the rejection was perfunctory, with no indication of alternative funding options, advice or assistance. I have also contacted my MP. I am notwwaiting on the "10 day response" to my "complaint".

If this is also rejected I shall take my case to the Ombudsman as it is clear the LA have failed to provide support to the expected standard of the legislation but what has become clear to me is that the Act is silent on the question of alternative funding for home owners with no savings, equity or ability to obtain low cost, long term or advantageous loans. That is why the Deferred Payment Agreement system is in place but I suspect the LA are faced with funding shortfalls for offering such a scheme, hence the rejection.

I will approach my Building Society for a possible loan but as I have a ten year fixed rate mortgage set in 2020 at a very low rate, I'm not keen to follow that path for obvious reasons.

Any MSE Colleagues faced similar situations, have any idead, advice or solutions?

My bottom line is I have every intention to remain independent for as long as I can but the need for a GF Toilet is pressing and increasing as time passes (excuse the puns!) and I am seeking a cost effective solution that will provide for my disabilities.

All suggestions welcome, folks

Chris Hedges

chriscript1952

I've just been advised my appeal/complaint has been rejected and that as the LA adopted a revised policy from March 2026 the Discretionary Grant has been withdrawn. Ouch. What price a person not in receipt of Pensio Credit or Benefits obtaining what is named a "Mandatory" Grant?

Robin9

This site has links to possible sources

WHAT GRANTS CAN I GET ON PIP | UK | May 2026

kaMelo

I know you mentioned not wanting to look into altering your mortgage but have you thought about equity release?

MouldyOldDough

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82008454#Comment_82008454

Unfortunately - things are not that simple

Financial conditions
mean that government departments will fight against handing out any
grants until the bitter end…. and don't forget the be all and end all
"Savings" - ie) if you have any saving at all - it will reduce the
amount that your local authority will cough up and if you have more than
a relatively small amount (£6000) - They fight even harder. In any case
- the max that they will pay out is £30k - which will hardly pay even
for an empty shell of an extension for wet room/ toilet !

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82008454#Comment_82008454

The OP stated they did not receive any of the qualifying benefits, which presumably includes PIP.

Spoonie_Turtle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82010592#Comment_82010592

For DFG the qualifying benefits are means-tested benefits like UC and PC, not (non means-tested) disability benefits.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82010645#Comment_82010645

The link given is grants available if on PIp which makes it a qualifying benefit to access the grants in the link.

The OP has explained she is not eligible for the full grant due to her income level.
She makes no mention of receiving PIP

Spoonie_Turtle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82010757#Comment_82010757

No but you initially referenced the first post which was about the DFG saying they don't receive any of the qualifying benefits - which in that context means means-tested benefits.

We have no information either way to know whether the OP claims PIP (or equivalent).

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82010830#Comment_82010830

I was quoting the OP.

With all the options she has tried I would think she has established that fact.

MouldyOldDough

Are you saying that MANDATORY grants are available under any financial circumstances IF the claimant is receiving PIP ? ie Independent of any income OR savings ?