North Norfolk District Council

Disabled Facilities Grant

Means-tested grants of up to £30,000 from North Norfolk District Council to help disabled people of any age adapt the home they live in, for example with ramps, stairlifts, accessible bathrooms or a downstairs bedroom. Children and young people under 19, and adults on certain income-related benefits, are not means tested. The council tenders the work to its contractors and pays them directly once it is complete; discretionary top-up grants are available in exceptional circumstances.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: Up to £30,000; no fixed round
Deadline: Rolling; apply any time
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Owners or tenants of a home in North Norfolk where a disabled person lives as their only or main home, who intend to live there for the next five years
The disabled person may be physically disabled, autistic or have a learning disability, or have a sensory impairment, mental health condition, cognitive impairment or terminal illness
Housing association and private tenants need their landlord's consent; residents of caravans and mobile homes may be eligible
The adaptation must be recommended by a trusted assessor and be reasonable and feasible given the age and condition of the property
Adults are means tested on their (and their partner's) income, savings and assets, unless they receive an income-related benefit such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Guaranteed Pension Credit or income-related ESA; applications for children and young people under 19 are not means tested

What it funds

Essential housing adaptations recommended by a trusted assessor as necessary and appropriate for the disabled person, for example:

Improving access to and from the property with ramps
Improving access to rooms by widening doors or installing lifts
Creating hard standings for improved vehicle access
Installing accessible toileting, showering or kitchen facilities
Building an extension, for example a downstairs bedroom
Adapting heating or lighting controls to make them more accessible

What it will not fund

Minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less, such as grab rails or external galvanised rails
Work that has already been started

How to apply

Check whether you could benefit from an adaptation using Adapt My Home (optional)
For a child or young person under 19, apply through Norfolk County Council Children's Services on 0344 800 8020 (option one, then option two)
For an adult, apply through Adult Social Care on 0344 800 8020 (option one, then option three), or self-refer using North Norfolk District Council's online contact form or by calling 01263 513811
Complete the financial means test if required; it must be verified before the application progresses
An assessing officer assesses what adaptations are needed and a technical officer surveys the property and draws up a schedule of works
The council tenders the work; you choose the builder (you can pick a higher quote if you pay the difference) and the grant application is submitted for approval
The council pays the contractor directly once the work is completed and you are satisfied with it

Social Services and NHS professionals already involved in the disabled person's care may refer you.

homeowners will have a local land charge placed for ten years on any amount over the first £5,000 (capped at £10,000), repayable if the property is sold or transferred.

you may also need planning permission and building regulations approval before work starts.

Have ready

Financial means test form, if required
Evidence of financial circumstances, such as bank statements and award letters for pensions or benefits, if means tested
Landlord's consent, if you are a tenant

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