Disabled
Facilities Grants
These
grants are designed specifically for works to provide facilities and to carry
out adaptations to dwellings or to the common parts of buildings containing
flats, for the benefit of disabled people.
A
disabled facilities grant is mandatory for essential adaptations to give you
better freedom of movement into and around your home, and to essential facilities
within it.
Therefore,
the following works, aimed at facilitating access for the disabled person in
the home, would be eligible.
Access
to, or in some cases provision of, amenities such as;
- WCs;
- bathroom and kitchen facilities;
- sleeping accommodation.
Other
works include;
- Adapting controls of any heating, lighting or power supplies;
- Improving an existing heating system or providing a new one suited to the needs
of the disabled occupant.
- Works to give a disabled person access to parts of their home which, though
not strictly necessary in terms of their own requirements, are needed to enable
them to care for someone living with them who is dependent on that care.
- Ensuring the safety of the disabled person and other occupants.
Local
Housing Authorities are required to consult the appropriate Welfare Authority
(Social Services Occupational Therapist, Halcon Resource Centre, Hamilton Road,
Taunton, TA1 2EP,Tel: 01823 338781) on whether the relevant works are "necessary
and appropriate" to meet the needs of the disabled person. The Local Housing
Authority must also be satisfied that it is "reasonable and practical"
to carry out the relevant works having regard to the age and condition of the
dwelling. The Disabled Facilities Grants are means tested, and the applicant
will be required to fill in a form to assess their income, the Council will
then calculate any contribution to be made by you.
A
'Discretionary ' Disabled Facilities Grant
This
may be available for a wide range of adaptations to make a dwelling suitable
for a disabled person's accommodation, welfare and employment, i.e. adaptations
which go beyond basic housing requirements. Discretionary Grants are only given
on an exceptional needs basis.
Disabled
Facilities Grants are subject to the general conditions regarding completion
of works, payment and conditions of future occupation. However, the provisions
regarding possible repayment of grant in the event of a disposal of a dwelling
or building do not apply to Disabled Facilities Grants, irrespective of the
type of application and certificate of future occupation provided.
Contact
Somerset Direct
Tel: 0845 345 9133
Grants
for Deane Helpline and associated systems
If
you think this form of assistance may help you, please contact:
The Elderly Services
Officers
Control Centre
Kilkenny Court
Cheddon Road
Taunton TA2 7QL
Tel: 01823 257185
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