Living with a disability is both physically and mentally challenging, especially when it comes to navigating your home. However, there is help available through the Disabled Facilities Grant offered by the Government in England and Wales. This grant provides funding for essential adaptations to make homes more accessible and safer for people with disabilities or long-term illnesses. One of the most common modifications funded by the grant is home stairlifts. In this article, we will explore what the grant is, how it works, and how it can help with stairlift installations.
What is the Disabled Facilities Grant?
The Disabled Facilities Grant is a government-funded scheme that provides financial assistance to eligible individuals who require modifications to their homes due to a disability or long-term illness that cannot afford it themselves.
The grant aims to help individuals improve accessibility and safety in their homes in order to live there independently without having to face unnecessary barriers or obstacles.
This can be used to cover the costs of large home adaptations required such as stairlift installation, door widening, bathroom adaptions, ramps etc.
Am I Eligible for the Disabled Facilities Grant?
If you are in need of large home adaptions due to a disability or long-term illness and need help with the costs you may qualify for the Disabled Facilities Grant. To be eligible for the grant you must meet certain criteria. According to Gov.uk, you can qualify for Disabled Facilities Grant if you have a disability or long-term illness that makes it difficult for you to carry out everyday tasks in your home. For example:
- Are physically disabled
- Have a learning disability
- Have age-related needs
- Have a cognitive impairment, like dementia
- Have a progression condition, like motor neurone disease
- Have a terminal illness
The person who submits the application for the grant must be the owner, tenant or landlord or the property.
It’s worth noting that even if you don’t meet all of these criteria but still require adaptations in order to live independently at home – such as needing a stairlift installed – there may still be options available through other schemes offered by local authorities or charities.
How Much You Can Apply for?
If you are over 18, how much money you receive will depend on your household income and savings. Exceptions to this rule include disabled children under 18 and landlords.
In England the maximum amount you can apply for is up to £30,000 whereas in Wales it is up to £36,000 depending on the council constituency you are under.
How to Apply?
Simply apply through your local council and they must give a decision within 6 months. They will need to assess what maintenance needs to be done and so will send out an occupational therapist or trained assessor to your home in the process. If they recommend modifications included within the scheme then you will be eligible for funding.
How Can the Disabled Facilities Grant Help with Stairlift Installation?
Stairlifts are one of the most common adaptations requested under the scheme because they provide an effective solution for those who struggle with stairs due to mobility issues. A stairlift installation involves fitting a chair onto a rail system that runs up and down stairs, allowing users to sit comfortably while being transported between floors safely.
The cost of installing a stairlift varies depending on several factors such as staircase configuration, type of lift required (straight or curved), and any additional features needed such as swivel seats or footrests. However, under normal circumstances, a standard straight stairlift installation costs around £2,000 – £5,000 while curved stairlifts can cost upwards from £5k – £15k. As the average disabled individual would not be able to afford this, this is where the Disabled Facilities Grant comes in to cover the costs for your peace of mind.
The Disabled Facilities Grant provides several benefits for stairlift installations, such as:
Financial Assistance: The grant provides eligible individuals the financial assistance they require for the necessary modifications needed in their home so they won’t have to worry about the cost.
Improved Accessibility and Safety: Stairlift installations improve accessibility and safety in homes, making it easier for people with disabilities to navigate their homes independently without facing unnecessary barriers.
Customizable Options: Stairlifts come in various configurations, including straight and curved models, which means that you can choose an option that suits your specific needs and home layout.
Reliability: Stairlifts are reliable and safe solutions for navigating stairs, reducing the risk of falls or accidents on the staircase.
Long-Term Solution: A stairlift installation is a long-term solution that can provide years of use and increase the value of your home while ensuring that you can live comfortably in your own home for as long as possible.
Conclusion
Living with disability or long-term illness is mentally challenging enough let alone having to struggle with everyday tasks, such as getting to bed, making you feel useless in your own home. Thanks in part due to initiatives like the Disabled Facilities Grant Scheme individuals now have access to necessary funding meaning they no longer have worry about struggling at home due inaccessible environments.
For more information on stairlift types and instalment, we recommend Adapt My Home, home adaptation specialists as they are dedicated to creating safe and stylish home adjustments for disability needs. Your local council’s housing department can also provide further information about applying for assistance under this program so don’t hesitate any longer if help is needed.
