Most delays come from the order of steps. Get the occupational therapist referral first, and never start work before written approval.
Quick facts
- Grant
- Up to £35,000 including fees
- Some cases
- Up to £70,000
- Start with
- Your Health and Social Care Trust occupational therapist
- For a child
- No financial assessment if you get Child Benefit for them
- Approval
- Can take up to six months
- Who
- Homeowners, landlords and private tenants
How it works, in order
- Contact your local Health and Social Care Trust occupational therapy service, or ask your GP or social worker to
- An occupational therapist from one of the five trusts assesses you at home. A private occupational therapist cannot recommend the work
- If adaptations are needed, they refer you to your local Housing Executive grants office
- A case officer and technical officer are assigned and ask for proof of ownership or tenancy and of income
- You get written approval, then appoint your own contractor
Do not start any work before you have written approval from the Housing Executive. Work started earlier is not normally paid for.
What it can pay for
Adaptations an occupational therapist recommends, such as better access to the home, ramps, stair lifts, level-access showers and bathroom changes. It can also cover heating or lighting controls, access to bedrooms, living areas and the kitchen, and ground-floor bedroom extensions.
Will you have to pay towards it?
Usually there is a means test, called the Test of Resources. It looks at your household income, savings and family circumstances, and may mean you pay part of the cost.
If the adaptation is for a child and you get Child Benefit for them, there is no financial assessment at all.
Fees and extra work
Be ready to pay professional fees, such as an architect or planning, upfront. They are usually reimbursed once at least 25% of the work is complete.
You can add your own extra work while the builders are in, at your own cost. If it costs more than £6,000, you will be asked for a signed statement of how you will fund it.
Common questions
How much is the Disabled Facilities Grant in Northern Ireland?
Up to £35,000 including fees, and up to £70,000 including fees in some cases.
Can I apply to the Housing Executive directly?
No. Applications start with your local Health and Social Care Trust occupational therapy service.
Is the Disabled Facilities Grant means tested for a child?
No. If the adaptation is for a child and you get Child Benefit for them, there is no financial assessment.
How long does a Disabled Facilities Grant take?
It varies, and it can take up to six months for the Housing Executive to approve an application.