Qualifying PIP claimants can receive up to £36,000 from DWP to do-up homes

Daily Record

26-04-2025

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) act as a gateway benefit, qualifying claimants for more than just the monthly DWP income. One such benefit is the Disabled Facilities Grants. These grants are handed out by local councils and can offer up to £36,000 in some areas to make homes more accessible for disabled people. As outlined by Lottie , it's hoped that these grants and accommodations will enable people to stay in their own homes instead of moving into care facilities. Your local council will evaluate your eligibility for the grant and decide the exact amount you receive. In England, grants are capped at £30,000; in Wales you can receive up to £36,000, while in Northern Ireland the limit is £25,000. The grant can be paid in stages as the work progresses or reimbursed in full once the work is complete. Councils are also instructed to approve only work deemed essential for enabling the disabled person to lead an independent and fulfilling life. This aid is means-tested, so applicants will need to undergo a financial assessment to check their income and savings, which will dictate how much they can benefit from. If the money is being applied for on behalf of a disabled child, the parents' income may not need to be considered, reports the Mirror . If you start work on your property before getting a response to your grant application, it's likely that you won't get approval. You'll also need to apply separately for any necessary planning permissions or building regulations approval. The grant is most often used for houses, but it can also be used for houseboats, caravans or other permanent residences. Lottie pointed out that the grant is available to individuals who are: If you're a tenant, you'll also need your landlord's permission. They have the right to reject your application, but they must give a valid reason or they could be breaking Disability Discrimination Laws. In some cases, disabled people may only need minor changes to their living spaces. For these situations, smaller home adaptation grants are available from local authorities. These are usually categorised as changes costing around £1,000 or less, such as fitting grab rails, motion sensor lights or creating dropped curbs. The council will generally carry out a home assessment. This might suggest different equipment or changes than you had initially thought of to make the home safer for its disabled residents. Home assessments are free and can be arranged through the Gov.uk website .