Latest news with #DisabledFacilitiesGrants
Daily Record
26-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Qualifying PIP claimants can receive up to £36,000 from DWP to do-up homes
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 website .
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP PIP bonus could offer up to £36,000 to redo your home
Councils will generally only approve 'essential work' Personal Independence Payments (PIP) serve as a gateway benefit, making claimants eligible for more than just the monthly DWP income. One such benefit is the Disabled Facilities Grants. These grants are provided by local authorities and can offer up to £36,000 in some areas to make homes more accessible for disabled residents. As Lottie explains, it's hoped that these grants and accommodations will enable people to remain in their own homes instead of moving into care facilities. Your local council will assess your eligibility for the grant and determine 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 instalments as the work progresses or reimbursed in full once the work is complete. Councils are also directed to approve only work deemed essential for enabling the disabled person to lead an independent and fulfilling life. This assistance 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 receive. If the grant is being applied for on behalf of a disabled child, the parents' income may not need to be considered. If you commence work on your property before receiving a response to your grant application, it's likely that you won't be approved. You'll also need to apply separately for any necessary planning permissions or building regulations approval. The grant is most commonly utilised for houses, but it can also be applied to houseboats, caravans or other permanent residences. Lottie highlighted that the grant is available to individuals who are: Physically disabled Hearing, seeing or speaking impaired to the extent that it affects their daily life Mentally ill Registered as disabled under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948 and aged over 18 Registered as a disabled child under the Children Act 1989 If you're a tenant, you'll also require your landlord's permission. They have the right to refuse your application, but they must provide a valid reason or they may be in violation of Disability Discrimination Laws. In some instances, disabled individuals may only require minor modifications to their living spaces. For these situations, smaller home adaptation grants are available from local authorities. These are typically categorised as alterations costing around £1,000 or less, such as installing grab rails, motion sensor lights or creating dropped curbs. The council will usually conduct a home assessment. This may recommend different equipment or changes than you had initially considered, in order to make the home safer for its disabled occupant. Home assessments are free and can be booked via the website.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Home adaptations plan for disabled residents in north Cumbria set to be approved
SENIOR councillors are next week set to agree a proposed policy on home adaptations for disabled residents at a meeting in Carlisle. Members of Cumberland Council's executive committee are due to meet at the Civic Centre on Thursday (March 27) where they will consider a report – Home Adaptations and Assistance Policy (Regulatory Reform Order or RRO). According to the report it sets out the key elements of the proposed policy which relates to mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants ('DFGs') and other discretionary grants. It adds: 'The term other discretionary grants relate to additional home improvement works and other support allowable under legislation. 'The policy is a statutory requirement and is also critical to the harmonisation and transformation of the DFG service. The policy has been subject to consultation with the public, service users, elected members, staff and stakeholders. 'A summary of the feedback has helped to shape the policy and will inform the future approach to its implementation. 'Housing sits with Adult Social Care and the policy will help realise the benefit of that alliance for those that use the service. 'Executive are asked to consider the key elements within the policy which differ from the current offers delivered through the locality teams. 'The aim is to improve the preventative offer as well as transform services to offer a holistic end to end process that will speed up and improve the customer experience.' It is recommended that members approve the policy to include: a new service model by the creation of a Cumberland Home Improvement Agency (CHIA); increase the amount of discretionary grants available to residents in accordance with the policy; and offer a discretionary interest free deferred payment loan to homeowners. In addition, they are asked to delegate authority to the director of adult social care and housing, in consultation with the portfolio holder for children and family wellbeing and housing, to make minor variations to the policy.
