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Understanding the Disabled Facilities Grant

A straightforward guide for housing professionals and occupational therapists 


The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can unlock safer, more independent living for residents who need changes to their home. But the process can feel complicated. This guide breaks it down clearly, with practical advice from PROCare and Foundations. 


Note: The DFG process and funding described here applies specifically to England. Different systems operate in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 


What is the Disabled Facilities Grant? 

The DFG is a means-tested grant in England that helps fund adaptations like: 

In England, the maximum grant is £30,000. For most adaptations, funding covers all or most of the cost if the person qualifies. 


Two women in accessible kitchen
Adapted Kitchens by PROCare

Who is it for? 

Anyone living with a disability or long-term health condition that makes daily tasks harder at home. Applications can be made by homeowners, private tenants, or social housing residents. For children, there’s no means test. 


How does it work? 

The process in England usually involves: 

  1. Referral – Usually begins with an OT assessment. 

  2. Application – Managed by the local council, including means testing. 

  3. Landlord approval – Needed for social housing adaptations. 

  4. Survey and design – To ensure the work is necessary and practical. 

  5. Approval and funding – Once approved, work can begin

    . 

What to prepare in advance 

  • Contact details for the resident and key contacts 

  • Supporting health or care information 

  • Financial information (unless exempt) 

  • Landlord permission if rented 

  • Any quotes or previous assessments (if available) 


Real world support from PROCare and Foundations 

At PROCare, we work alongside housing officers, OTs and local authorities every day across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our full service offer includes: 


What this looks like in practice: 

  • Urgent discharge? We help housing officers select in-stock items for next-day delivery 

  • Adapting a second-floor flat? We guide OT’s on wet room alternatives 

  • Need reassurance before specifying? Book a visit to our Wigan showroom to test Half Height Doors, TRU Cubicle layouts and shower chairs 

  • Managing multiple properties? We track product specs to avoid repeat assessments  

Man in showering and toileting cubicle in living room
TRU Wash Cubicle for hard to adapt properties

Foundations are the national body for DFGs and Home Improvement Agencies. They offer a wide range of support services to help local authorities and practitioners deliver better outcomes. You can turn to Foundations for: 

  • Case management tools and advice 

  • Policy and procedure reviews 

  • Training and CPD for DFG professionals 

  • Technical guidance and Trusted Assessor training 

  • Regional advisor support and good practice sharing 

See the full list of support available at: foundations.uk.com/how-we-help 


“Delivering adaptations is a team effort. Our work with PROCare helps make sure frontline teams have the knowledge, tools and support they need to make homes safer and more accessible.” 

– Paul Smith, Director, Foundations 


Together, we’re: 

  • Proud sponsors of the DFG Champions Roadshows, hosted by Foundations across England 

  • Offering Trusted Assessor training at PROCare’s Wigan showroom 

  • Helping teams stay up to date with guidance and regulation 


Sales man speaking to customer in front of van
How PROCare can support you

“We work closely with Foundations to make sure we have the best information to share with our partners. This means staying on top of the latest guidance, helping teams apply it in practice, and making sure our product knowledge and service offer keep pace with real delivery needs.” 

– Nicole Drag, Head of External Sales, PROCare 


Support across the UK 

While this guide focuses on the English DFG system, similar support schemes exist across the UK: 

Scotland – Adaptations are funded through the Scheme of Assistance. Learn more: https://www.gov.scot/policies/independent-living/housing-adaptations/ 

Wales – Support is provided via the Physical Adaptations Grant (PAG) and other discretionary local authority schemes. Learn more: https://www.gov.wales/adapt-your-home-if-you-are-disabled-or-older-person-living-social-housing 

Northern Ireland – The Housing Executive oversees adaptations through the grant  scheme in NI. Learn more: https://www.nihe.gov.uk/my-housing-executive/adaptations 


Need advice or training? 

We’re here to help. Whether you’re navigating your first DFG or looking to improve how you deliver adaptations at scale, we can support. 


Call the PROCare team, or come and speak to us at a regional DFG Roadshow event. 




01942 206004



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