Funding work using a Disabled Facilities Grant
If you've applied for a Disabled Facility Grant (DFG), we will get in touch to confirm if we've approved it and what we may be able to do for you.
If you're eligible we may:
- give you the full amount and pay up to £30,000
- give you a partial contribution and ask you to pay the rest
You may also be asked to pay the entire amount. If you need to pay or contribute, you may need to use:
- savings
- money from family members
- charitable funding
- loans from bank and or building society
- Nil grant calculation
What happens once you've been approved
If your application has been approved, we'll confirm:
- what type of assistance we've approved (DFG, minor works)
- who the works have been approved for
- a description of work that will be done
- how long the work should take
- which contractor will carry out the work
- any terms and conditions, like local land charges
We'll also explain how the works will be funded. This includes:
- an estimated cost for the adaptations
- an estimated cost of any associated fees and charges
- what we expect you to contribute (if anything) and how it will be paid
- how much funding we can give you
Paying for adaptations
We can't make payments in advance. For most schemes, we will only consider making payment for works when they are complete.
For larger schemes, or those with more than one major element (for example, stair lift and bathroom), we can choose to make interim/stage payments.
We have a right to inspect the adaptation works during and after they have been completed. We may decide not to inspect works or adaptations.
Before we can make payments for adaptation works, we need to have received the following documents from you (the applicant) and/or your contractor(s):
- certificates as relevant (for example, electrical installation certificate, commissioning certificate for lifts / hoists, building regulations confirmation)
- an invoice for the completed works – this must clearly show the costs and the contractors details
- a completed resident satisfaction form
Can DFGs be used for repairs?
DFGs should only be used for adaptations to properties. We don't have a duty to fund ongoing repairs or maintenance of adaptions once they're complete, but in some circumstances we may be able to help.
Depending on the situation and funding available, we can try to help with the ongoing repair, maintenance and servicing of the following items:
- stair lifts
- step lifts
- vertical lifts
- wash dry toilets
- ceiling track hoists
We also usually offer a 5 year extended warranty for these works. In some cases, we may be able to help beyond those 5 years.
For other adaptations, contractors offer a 12 month cover for works. After that, it is you or your social landlord's responsibility to maintain and service your adaptations.
Home insurance
We encourage you to let your mortgage provider and insurance company know that you are having building work done to your home, especially where major works are proposed.
Damage when installing adaptions
We can't be held responsible if installing adaptations has a minor impact on your home decor/decorations. Neither Walsall Council or our contractors can pay for disturbances or damaged items like:
- replacement carpets or laminate flooring
- wallpaper and wall coverings
We do expect contractors to take as many reasonable precautions as possible to prevent damage and clean up afterwards. If you're concerned about this happening, you should talk to your contractor about how they plan to prevent damage.
Get in touch if you have any questions.
